Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026, and in San Francisco it marks the start of the holiday season. The city is quieter than usual on the day itself, many locals leave town, and the long weekend that follows brings holiday lights, ice skating and the Great Dickens Christmas Fair. Here is how to make the most of it.
In this guide
This guide is part of our San Francisco events calendar. See also events in November and Christmas lights in San Francisco.
Thanksgiving morning
Several Turkey Trot fun runs take place around the city and Bay Area on Thanksgiving morning, and many raise money for local charities. Registration usually opens weeks ahead. If you prefer something quieter, a walk at Lands End, Crissy Field or along Ocean Beach is a lovely way to start the day.
Thanksgiving dinner out
Many San Francisco restaurants serve a fixed-price Thanksgiving menu, from classic turkey dinners to tasting menus, and hotels often host buffets. Book well ahead, since popular places fill up early in November. Chinatown restaurants and many neighborhood spots stay open as usual, which is handy if you want something other than turkey.
For take-home meals, many bakeries and restaurants sell pies and full dinners to order. Order early, as pickup slots sell out.
What is open and closed
Many museums and attractions close on Thanksgiving Day, so check before you go. Most reopen on Friday, often with extended hours over the weekend. Shops in Union Square and malls open early on Black Friday. Muni and BART run on reduced holiday schedules on Thanksgiving, so check the SFMTA and BART websites for the day’s service.
The long weekend
- Union Square: the ice rink opens in early November, and the big holiday tree goes up nearby.
- Lightscape: an illuminated trail at the San Francisco Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park, from November 20.
- Great Dickens Christmas Fair: Victorian London comes to life at the Cow Palace just south of the city, from November 21 on weekends.
- Holiday shopping: the Ferry Building, Union Square and neighborhood streets like Hayes Valley and Fillmore Street.
See our guide to the Great Dickens Christmas Fair for tickets and tips.
Weather and tips
Late November is usually mild, with highs in the upper 50s to low 60s Fahrenheit, but rain is increasingly likely. Bring a waterproof layer. Hotels are often cheaper on Thanksgiving Day itself than on the busy weekend that follows. See our November weather guide for details.
Official resources: San Francisco Travel, SFMTA.
Frequently asked questions
When is Thanksgiving 2026?
Thursday, November 26, 2026.
Are restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Francisco?
Yes. Many restaurants serve special Thanksgiving menus, but reservations are essential.
Are museums open on Thanksgiving?
Many San Francisco museums close on Thanksgiving Day and reopen on Friday. Check each one before you go.
Is San Francisco busy over Thanksgiving?
The day itself is quiet, but the weekend after is busy with holiday shoppers and events.
Photo credits
Featured image: Kylelovesyou / Wikimedia Commons, CC0; What is open and closed: JaGa / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.