A San Francisco landmark and symbol of timeless elegance, the historic Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco is pleased to announce its festive programming for the 2026 holiday season. Following the hotel’s milestone 150th anniversary last year, Palace Hotel continues its longstanding tradition of holiday hospitality with a calendar of joyful experiences including Spooky Tea, Diwali Tea, Thanksgiving brunch and dinner, Carolers Tea, Santa Afternoon Tea, Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Day brunch and dinner, and New Year’s Eve dinner. With its ornate architecture, seasonal décor and beloved traditions, Palace Hotel offers a memorable setting to gather with family and friends throughout the holidays.
“Palace Hotel has long held a special place in San Francisco’s holiday traditions, and the season is one of our favorite times to welcome guests to gather and celebrate together,” says Angie Clifton, general manager, Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco. “From afternoon tea in the Garden Court to festive meals shared with family and friends, we look forward to continuing these cherished traditions and creating memorable experiences for generations of guests.”
Palace Hotel’s festive experiences include:
Spooky Tea | Saturday, October 31 | 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. | Starting at $70 per person
Kicking off spooky season, the Palace Hotel invites guests to celebrate Halloween with Spooky Tea, a playful seasonal twist on the hotel’s beloved afternoon tea tradition. Set within the elegant Garden Court, the experience will pair Palace Hotel’s timeless tea service with festive Halloween-inspired touches, offering guests an atmospheric afternoon of seasonal sweets, savory bites, premium teas and hauntingly delightful treats. Designed for guests of all ages, Spooky Tea brings a whimsical celebration to one of San Francisco’s most iconic settings. Booking link here.
Diwali Tea | Friday, November 7 | 12–2 p.m. | $130 per person
Palace Hotel invites guests to celebrate Diwali, the vibrant Festival of Lights, with a joyful afternoon tea honoring the triumph of light, renewal, and new beginnings. Set within the hotel’s elegant surroundings, the experience will be accompanied by live music from noon to 3:30 p.m. and will feature a glass of Piper Sonoma Brut, an assortment of chai and Harney & Sons teas, South Asian-inspired finger sandwiches and petit fours, and freshly baked scones served with traditional accompaniments. Designed as a warm and festive gathering for friends and family, Diwali Tea brings together the Palace Hotel’s timeless tea tradition with the color, flavor, and celebratory spirit of one of the season’s most meaningful cultural holidays. Booking link here.
Thanksgiving | Thursday, November 27 | Brunch: 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., $250 Adults / $95 Children | Prix Fix Dinner: 4–7 p.m., $295 Adults / $95 Children
Palace Hotel will welcome guests for Thanksgiving in the historic Garden Court and the hotel’s iconic bar, Pied Piper. Brunch will be offered from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., noon to 2 p.m., and 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. The expansive buffet will feature Piper Sonoma Brut mimosas, Palace Bloody Marys, Martinelli’s Apple Cider, antipasti, composed salads, fresh seafood, and carving stations highlighted by whole roasted turkey with traditional accompaniments. A Viennese Sweet Table of classic holiday desserts will complete the afternoon, accompanied by a traditional jazz duo from Kent Strand. Booking link for Thanksgiving Brunch is here and buffet is here.
Thanksgiving Prix Fixe Dinner will be offered from 4 to 6 p.m., 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., and 5 to 7 p.m., priced at $295 for adults and $95 for children. The evening menu adds indulgent touches including a Tsar Nicoulai caviar cart, Peking duck station and barista coffee station alongside the day’s signature holiday selections. A traditional jazz trio from Kent Strand will provide the musical backdrop. Booking link here.
Carolers Tea | Thursday, December 18 | 12–4 p.m. | $200 per person
For one day only, Palace Hotel invites guests to step into a holiday tradition inspired by the era of Charles Dickens with a special Carolers Tea in the enchanting Garden Court. From noon until 5:30 p.m., live piano music and costumed carolers will fill the landmark space with timeless seasonal melodies, creating an atmospheric afternoon of old-world charm and festive elegance. The experience includes a glass of Piper Sonoma Brut, an assortment of Harney & Sons teas, holiday-inspired finger sandwiches, themed petit fours, and freshly baked scones served with traditional accompaniments. Designed as a refined seasonal celebration for locals and visitors alike, Carolers Tea brings together the Palace Hotel’s storied grandeur, classic holiday hospitality, and the joyful nostalgia of a Victorian Christmas. Booking link here.
Santa Afternoon Tea | 12:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Adults: $230, Children: $135 (ages 5–12)
Embrace the festive spirit with the whole family with the Palace Hotel’s Santa Afternoon Tea held at the Garden Court. Amidst the grandeur of San Francisco’s most iconic setting, adorned with dazzling holiday decorations and seasonal charm, guests will enjoy a cheerful afternoon tea service featuring sweet treats, delicate finger sandwiches, and freshly baked pastries. Children will be enchanted by a special visit from Santa Claus, creating joyful moments and cherished memories. The Garden Court’s enchanting ambiance, illuminated by twinkling lights and elegant holiday décor, provides the perfect backdrop for a truly unforgettable afternoon. A professional keepsake photograph is included to capture the magic. Booking link here.
Christmas Eve Prix Fix Dinner | Wednesday, December 24 | 4–8 p.m. | $125 per person
Christmas Eve will feature a four-course prix fixe dinner of soup, salad, entrée and dessert, beginning with a Piper Sonoma Brut toast. Served from 4 to 8 p.m., the evening will include live music from 4 to 9 p.m., offering a festive setting for families, friends and holiday gatherings. Booking link here.
Christmas Day | Thursday, December 25 | Brunch: 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., $250 Adults / $95 Children | Dinner: 4–7 p.m., $295 Adults / $95 Children
On Christmas Day, the Garden Court will host festive dining and visits with Santa from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Christmas Brunch will be offered from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., noon to 2 p.m., and 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. The holiday spread will include Piper Sonoma Brut mimosas, Palace Bloody Marys, Martinelli’s Apple Cider, antipasti, salads, fresh seafood, carving stations, and a Viennese Sweet Table filled with family favorites. A traditional jazz duo from Kent Strand will accompany the afternoon.
Christmas Dinner will follow from 4 to 6 p.m., 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., and 5 to 7 p.m. Evening highlights include a Tsar Nicoulai caviar cart, Peking duck station, barista coffee station, carving stations, fresh seafood, and a dessert presentation of Christmas classics. A traditional jazz trio from Kent Strand will bring live music to the celebration. Booking link here.
New Year’s Eve Dinner and Brunch| Wednesday, December 31
Palace Hotel will ring in the New Year with a four-course prix fixe dinner featuring soup, salad, entrée, dessert, and a Piper Sonoma Brut toast. Served from 5 to 9 p.m. for $145 per person, the celebration will continue with live music from 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. as guests welcome the year ahead in one of San Francisco’s most iconic settings. Booking link here. New Year’s Day Brunch Buffet will be served at two seating times at 12:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. in the garden Court. Pricing is $130 for adults and $65 ages 5-12. Booking link for New Year’s Day Brunch is here.
Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco is located at 2 New Montgomery Street in San Francisco, in the heart of the city. The full itinerary of holiday programming can be found here. For more information on Palace Hotel and to book, please visit SFPalace.com.
