Visit the San Francisco Botanical Garden this Holiday Season

If you’re looking for a refreshing outdoor adventure for your extended family this holiday season (or if you just want to enjoy a quiet, soothing walk alone), look no further than the San Francisco Botanical Garden. 

With 55 acres of plant collections, serene paths, and a temperate climate that keeps things interesting even in December, it’s a perfect stop for a festive stroll. GGGP+2Visit California+2 And because it’s conveniently located inside Golden Gate Park — you can combine your visit with outings to the nearby DeYoung Museum, the California Academy of Science, or the Japanese Tea Garden. You’re also just steps away from a wonderful selection of restaurants and shops centered around the intersection of 9th and Irving.

Here’s what to look for in December:

What’s Blooming in December

While December isn’t the same as spring, San Francisco’s mild climate means that every season in the Garden has something beautiful to offer. A few winter highlights:

• Aloes & Succulents: In winter, species like the red-flowering Aloe arborescens (sometimes called the Candelabra Aloe) put on a show. According to VisitCalifornia, “you’ll be greeted with pops of red flowers on the Aloe arborescens.”
  
  

• Magnolias & Camellias: The Garden houses more than 100 magnolia trees which begin blooming in late December into early spring. They are beautiful to see, but their fragrance is spell-binding. Camellias also perform well in winter months.
  
  

• South African winter shrubs: In the “summer-dry climate” zones of the garden, winter-blooming shrubs such as those from South Africa (e.g., Erica canaliculata — Christmas Heather) are visually rewarding.
  
  

• Ever-green elegance: Even when fewer flowers dominate, the garden delivers texture, structure, and global plant diversity — from conifers to cloud-forest species. 

December Events, Admission

What to keep in mind for your December visit:

• Lightscape at SFBG: The garden hosts this immersive holiday light trail. It opened November 21 and runs through January 4, 2026.
  
  

• Free Admission Days: Free entry on the second Tuesday of each month, and on major holidays including Christmas Day (Dec 25) and New Year’s Day. Note: Admission is ALWAYS free to San Francisco residents (with identification and proof of residence).
  
  

• Admission & Hours: Open daily. In winter (eg. December) the last entry is typically around 4 pm.
  
  

• Events Calendar: For workshops, tours, or themed garden walks — check the full events page.

It’s a magical garden at any time of year. But with the added brightness of the Lightscape in December, the magic is expanded exponentially. All that’s needed is YOU!