What’s Open & Closed on Christmas Day in SF (2025 Guide)

Christmas Day in San Francisco in 2025 is a different kind of holiday. The city slows down, but it doesn’t shut off completely. If you’re staying in town, you’ll want to know what’s running and what’s not. This guide breaks it down clearly, so you can plan your day without surprises. Most government offices and big grocery chains will be closed, but there are still places to eat, ways to get around, and a few services that stay open.

What’s Open & Closed on Christmas Day in San Francisco (2025 Guide)

City and County Offices

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All city departments, including libraries, administrative buildings, and public service centers, will be closed on December 25, 2025. This is part of the official holiday schedule set by the City and County of San Francisco. Courts and most government services will not operate.

City Hall and branch offices closed
Public libraries closed
Check sf.gov for updates

Muni and BART Transit

Muni will run on a Saturday schedule, with reduced frequency. The Muni Metro starts at 8 a.m., and early morning buses operate from 5 to 8 a.m. BART will follow a Sunday schedule, with trains less frequent than on weekdays. Key routes like the 1X, 5R, and 28R will not run.

Muni Metro opens at 8 a.m.
BART runs on Sunday schedule
Real-time updates on sfmta.com

Golden Gate Transit and Ferry

Golden Gate Transit buses and ferries will not operate on Christmas Day. This means no service across the Golden Gate Bridge or from Larkspur and Sausalito. Travelers should plan accordingly or wait until December 26.

No bus or ferry service
Service resumes December 26
Holiday calendar at goldengate.org

Grocery Stores

Most major grocery stores will be closed. Trader Joe’s and Berkeley Bowl will not open. Safeway and Lucky may have a few locations open with limited hours, typically until 5 p.m. It’s best to shop on Christmas Eve.

Safeway and Lucky: select locations open until 5 p.m.
Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods: closed
Confirm hours online

Pharmacies

CVS, Walgreens, and Kaiser Permanente pharmacies will be closed on Christmas Day. UCSF Health pharmacies are also closed. If you need medication, refill your prescriptions before December 25. Hospital pharmacies may have limited access, but they are often for patients only.

Major pharmacy chains closed
Hospital pharmacies may have limited hours
Refill prescriptions by December 24

Gas Stations

Most gas stations in San Francisco remain open on holidays. Independent stations and those on major roads like Van Ness or 19th Avenue are reliable. Chains like Shell and Chevron may have reduced staffing, but fuel will be available.

Independent stations open 24/7
Major chains may have limited hours
No need to worry about running out

Pier 39 Restaurants

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Pier 39 will have several restaurants open on Christmas Day. Fog Harbor Fish House serves seafood from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Crab House at Pier 39 is open from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., known for its Dungeness crab. Both accept reservations.

Fog Harbor Fish House: 10:30 a.m.–9 p.m.
Crab House at Pier 39: 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.
Reservations recommended

Chinatown Dining

Chinatown, San Francisco — *Photo via SFGATE*

Chinatown is a go-to for holiday meals. Yank Sing serves dim sum from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. House of Nanking is open for its regular menu, including kung pao shrimp. Hang Ah Tea Room, the oldest dim sum parlor in the U.S., is open for walk-ins.

Yank Sing: 101 Spear St., open 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
House of Nanking: 919 Kearny St., open regular hours
Hang Ah Tea Room: 1 Pagoda Place, walk-in only

Hotel Dining

Some hotels offer special Christmas Day meals. The Palace Hotel’s Garden Court serves brunch with reservations at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 3 p.m. Top of the Mark at the Mark Hopkins offers a three-course menu from noon to 8 p.m. The Fairmont San Francisco hosts holiday events, but dining details may require a call.

Palace Hotel Garden Court: reservations required
Top of the Mark: three-course menu, $85
Fairmont San Francisco: check for holiday dining

Fast Food and Coffee

Most fast food chains are closed, but some locations of McDonald’s and Starbucks will be open with varying hours. Waffle House and Dunkin’ are expected to operate. Chains like KFC, Olive Garden, and Texas Roadhouse will be closed.

McDonald’s and Starbucks: hours vary by location
Waffle House and Dunkin’: open on Christmas Day
Check individual store hours online

Christmas Day in San Francisco is quiet, but not empty. While most stores and services close, the city still has options for food, fuel, and transit. The key is planning. Stock up on groceries and prescriptions before the 25th, and check restaurant hours if you’re dining out. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the city has a way of making the holiday work, even on its slowest day.

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Daniel C

Hi, I’m Daniel. I’m a big coffee enthusiast who loves traveling and discovering new places. When I’m not on the road, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and planning our next adventure.