The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco Celebrates the Holidays with Tree Lighting Ceremony

Along with celebratory menus on Thanksgiving, during Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, some of the other holiday offerings include annual family traditions such as the Teddy Bear Tea, the Tree Lighting Ceremony benefiting Make-A-Wish ® Greater Bay Area, a Shop and Pamper Holiday package and a brand new Hot Chocolate Lab hosted in the downtown hotel’s lobby the week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Shop and Pamper Holiday Package
Valid weekends November 1 through December 29, 2013
Rates starting at $475 USD per night

This holiday season, guests are invited to shop at the legendary Saks Fifth Avenue in San Francisco’s famous Union Square and enjoy a personalized beauty experience with the Shop and Pamper Holiday vacation package. Along with luxurious overnight accommodations in a Superior Room, guests will receive:

• Daily American Breakfast for two in Parallel 37
• A $100 gift card for Saks Fifth Avenue (one per stay)
• Complimentary makeover with beauty brand of choice at Saks’ Beauty department (advance appointment is required)
• Saks Fifth Avenue Beauty Bag amenity

Rate is per room/per night, based on single or double occupancy, exclusive of taxes, gratuities, fees and other charges; does not apply to groups; cannot be combined with any other offer and is not applicable for Rewards redemption. Five-day advance reservations are required. One Saks Fifth Avenue $100 gift card and beauty bag offered per stay only. Daily American Breakfast for two is valid at Parallel 37 only and is not valid for in-room dining. No refund or credit for unused portion. Void where prohibited. Offer is subject to availability.

Thanksgiving in Parallel 37
November 28
Menu available from noon – 8 p.m. with final seating at 7:30 p.m.

On Thanksgiving Day, guests are invited to enjoy Chef Michael Rotondo’s special four-course menu featuring creative twists on classics including a Warm Beet Salad with Laura Chenel Goat Cheese, Kumquats and Lobster, as well as a Traditional Turkey Dinner with all the fixings and a Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Celery Root and Yukon Gold Potatoes. A Pumpkin Pie with Caramelized Pecan Cream and Brown Butter Crumble round out the Thanksgiving experience. Perfect for large groups of friends and family, the Chef’s Table can accommodate up to ten restaurant guests, with up to 20 guests in the private dining room.

The four-course menu is $95 per adult and $45 per child, exclusive of tax and gratuity, with additional courses and beverage pairings available for purchase. To reserve a table or the private dining room, guests may call (415) 773-6168.

Teddy Bear Tea
November 29-December 1; December 6-8, 14-15, 20-24, 2013
Seatings at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Children and their favorite stuffed animals are invited to gather in the Terrace Room of
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco for this popular family show featuring Stretchy the Elf, Holly Berry and the giant Ritz-Carlton Teddy Bear. Holiday treats will be served while the children are entertained with holiday stories, lively sing-a-longs, and a photo with The Ritz-Carlton Teddy Bear to take home. Each child will also receive a small teddy bear gift. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Make-A-Wish® Greater Bay Area.

Teddy Bear Tea tickets are $110 per guest, inclusive of tax and gratuity for both adults and children. To purchase tickets, please call (415) 773-6168; tickets will be e-mailed to each guest. Tickets are non-refundable and will be charged within 72 hours of making the reservation. Advance purchase required. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.

Afternoon Tea
November 29-December 1; December 5-8, 12-24, 2013
One seating daily at 3 p.m.

The perfect way to unwind after a long day of shopping at the Embarcadero Center or Union Square and preparing for the holidays, the modern tradition of Afternoon Tea in the Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco is a luxurious holiday treat. Afternoon Tea features an impressive spread including a perfectly-blended pot of tea, savory finger sandwiches and holidays sweets such as scones and macaroons set to the soothing sounds of a live jazz-to-classics musician.

The Afternoon Tea is $65 per person, exclusive of tax, gratuity and alcoholic beverages. To place a reservation, please call (415) 773-6168.

Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 4
5:30-7:30 p.m.

The holiday season begins at twilight on December 4, when The Ritz-Carlton’s 40-foot holiday tree is illuminated by Santa Claus and his little helper from the Make-A-Wish ® Greater Bay Area. Hosted by veteran Bay Area TV anchor Tom Sinkovitz, this annual tree lighting ceremony begins with Dickens-era costumed carolers performing holiday favorites throughout the hotel while guests enjoy cider, hot chocolate and cookies. After the ceremony, children may take photos and visit with Santa in the Terrace Room. Complimentary and open to the public.

Hot Chocolate Lab
Christmas Eve to New Year’s Eve
3-5 p.m.

In the Lobby of The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, the culinary team will be hosting a complimentary Hot Chocolate Lab from 3-5 p.m. daily, Christmas Eve through New Year’s Eve. Guests and visitors alike are invited to partake in the holiday spirit with hot chocolate while they enjoy the holiday décor of the timeless Nob Hill hotel.

Christmas Eve at Parallel 37
December 24
Menu available from 5:30-9:30 p.m.

On Christmas Eve, guests are invited to enjoy Chef Michael Rotondo’s four-course menu featuring specials such as Nantucket Bay Scallops with Pumpkin Risotto and Caramelized Brussel Sprouts, Line-caught Halibut with Dungeness Crab and Red Wine Ragout and a special Cranberry Tart with Eggnog Ice Cream. Perfect for large groups of friends and family, there is a Chef’s Table available that can accommodate up to ten people as well as a private dining room that can accommodate up to 20.

The four-course menu is $95 per adult and $45 per child, exclusive of tax and gratuity, with additional courses and beverage pairings available for purchase. To reserve a table or the private dining room, guests may call (415) 773-6168.

Christmas Day
December 25
Menu available from noon – 8 p.m. with final seating at 7:30 p.m.

For Christmas Day, guests are invited to enjoy Chef Michael Rotondo’s festive four-course menu featuring creative twists on classic Christmas fare, including specials such as Muscovy Duck with Spiced Parsnips, Candied Ginger and Huckleberry Jus, Espresso Dusted Beef Tenderloin, Black Mission Fig Ravioli and Wild Mushrooms and a Butterscotch Cake, Candied Hazelnuts, Spiced Crème Fraiche. Perfect for large groups of friends and family, the Chef’s Table can accommodate up to ten guests, with up to 20 guests in the private dining room.

Available from noon to 8 p.m. in the Parallel 37 dining room, the menu is $95 per adult and $45 per child, exclusive of tax and gratuity, with additional courses and beverage pairings available for purchase. Both the Chef’s Table and the Private Dining room are available for two seatings, the first 12 p.m. and the second at 6 p.m. Guests may call (415) 773-6168 to make a reservation.

New Year’s Eve at Parallel 37
December 31
5 p.m. – 12 a.m. (last seating at 10 p.m.)

Guests will ring in the New Year in style at Parallel 37 with a special six-course menu created by Chef Michael Rotondo. Available starting at 5 p.m., Chef Rotondo’s menu will feature dishes that promise to be a memorable way to bid adieu to 2013. Perfect for large groups of friends and family, the Chef’s Table can accommodate up to ten guests, with up to 20 guests in the private dining room. Additional courses including caviar and oysters, as well as beverage pairings are also available.

Available from 5 p.m. to midnight in the Parallel 37 dining room, the menu is $150 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity with additional courses and beverage pairings available for purchase. Reservations strongly suggested, and guests may call (415) 773-6168 to make a reservation.

New Year’s Eve Party in The Lounge
December 31
9 p.m. – 1 a.m.

After guests have enjoyed an impressive meal at Parallel 37, they are welcome to join the party in The Lounge of The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco. Along with a full bar, there will also be a Champagne, Caviar and Oyster Bar available a la carte and a DJ will be playing lively music all night.

Table service, bottle service and a Champagne, Caviar and Oyster Bar are available a la carte from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. in The Lounge. Tables are first come, first serve. Bottle service is also available for in-room dining.

New Year’s Day Breakfast
January 1, 2014
6:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

After a long night reveling in The Lounge of The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, guests may raise a glass to the New Year over a delectable New Year’s Day Breakfast menu in Parallel 37, featuring seasonal and local ingredients as well as a Make Your Own Bloody Mary Bar. Perfect for large groups of friends and family, there is a Chef’s Table available that can accommodate up to ten people as well as a private dining room that can accommodate up to 20 people.

Available 8 a.m. to noon, the New Year’s Day Breakfast menu is a la carte. Reservations suggested, and guests may call (415) 773-6168 to make a reservation.

Visit website: The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco

Photo credit: Michelle Walker Photography