San Francisco for the Holidays!

Family events, lodging specials and more.....

In the 19th century San Francisco's downtown was Nob Hill, during the 20th century it was Union Square, for the 21st century it undoubtedly is the South of Market area (SOMA). This holiday season the Yerba Buena neighborhood, located in the heart of SOMA, is celebrating its renaissance with a number of unique activities. Whether its shopping, entertainment, arts or theater there's a little something for everyone.

Enjoy Festive Holiday Lights, Décor and Performances at Yerba Buena Gardens:
Some of San Francisco's most breathtaking décor can be enjoyed on The Esplanade and the Children's Garden at Yerba Buena Gardens. On Sunday, November 4, a tree-lighting ceremony will unveil the Gardens' fairyland of twinkling trees, topiary and other holiday ornamentation. Carolers will entertain at various times throughout the Gardens. The restaurants, museums and galleries of Yerba Buena Gardens will offer a variety of holiday cheer.

The Argent Hotel's Winter Wonderland Deals:
There's no better way to enjoy the City's holiday happenings than with The Argent Hotel's holiday packages. Poised in the center of the SOMA district, The Argent gives you the opportunity to see The Nutcracker, go on a holiday shopping spree and be close enough to visit SOMA's holiday hotspots.

Just hear those sleigh bells ringing and registers singing this holiday season as the San Francisco Shopping Centre partners with The Argent Hotel for BIG CITY discounts on a weekend holiday shopping spree! This holiday season the Argent presents the Winter Wonderland package offering overnight accommodations, complimentary parking and an "Ultimate Shopping Excursion" value card. This exclusive VIP shopping card entitles guests to major savings at popular retailers such as Nordstrom, Enzo Angiolini, J. Crew, Benetton, Godiva Chocolatier, and more. Treat yourself to two holiday rarities - fabulous shopping savings and downtown San Francisco parking! Enjoy the Winter Wonderland package at an unbelievable rate of $185. Available November 23-March 1, 2002. Based on availability. Limit one discount card per room.

Does the Sugar Plum Fairy dance in your child's head? The Argent Hotel and the San Francisco Ballet are working together to bring the magical experience of The Nutcracker to your family. Enjoy The Nutcracker then continue the memorable evening at The Argent Hotel, where you'll relax amid luxury accommodations and dreams of dancing Sugar Plums. The Nuts for Nutcracker package is valid December 11-13 for the 7 p.m. performance, and December 14-23 for the 2 or 7 p.m. performances. This package is available for $249 inclusive of two Orchestra side seats, or $339 inclusive of four Orchestra side seats. Four day advance reservations necessary, pre-payment required. No cancellations. Call (800) 974-7477 or visit www.argenthotel.com.

Metreon - A Sony Entertainment Center Brings SNOW South of Market this Holiday Season:
The weather outside might be frightful, but it's a winter wonderland at Metreon-A Sony Entertainment Center. Beginning November 23, from the windows at Fourth and Mission streets to the Gateway, it'll be a surreal experience when SNOW falls every day inside Metreon! In addition to dancing and playing in the snow, guests at Metreon can partake in old-fashioned Christmas activities on the fourth floor. Also, Metreon is unveiling its newest attraction just in time for the holidays, and it promises to be completely unique - offering something for all ages.

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts hosts the City's Favorite Yuletide Programs:
From December 1 through 31, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) present Christian Marclay's "The Sounds of Christmas," in conjunction with SFMOMA's exhibition "Christian Marclay". This interactive project, installed in YBCA's Grand Lobby, features turntables and more than 1,000 Christmas music vinyl records where visitors are invited to mix and scratch on the turntables. YBCA will also host several DJ events using Marclay's collection.

For More on San Francisco see SF Visitor. org.