Area Attractions
Nectar Wine Lounge
Open for wining and dining just two miles down the road from the Hyatt, the Nectar Wine Lounge offers over 800 different bottles of wine from around the world. This trendy wine tasting lounge juxtaposes sleek city sophistication with heartwarming sensibility. Located at 270 Lorton Avenue in Burlingame. (650) 558-9200 www.nectarwinelounge.com
Pier 39
Pier 39, San Francisco's Premier Bay Attraction, is a festive shopping mecca featuring 110 specialty shops and 12 full-service restaurants serving seafood, California cuisine, and casual fare with beautiful Bay views. At Pier 39 the picturesque scenery captures Alcatraz, the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, Fisherman's Wharf and city skyline. Pier 39's two-level design with lush landscaping is a must-see on San Francisco's historic waterfront. There's a multitude of fun for everyone with attractions and live entertainment to amuse all ages. www.pier39.com
Union Square
San Francisco's most popular visitor destination, Union Square is home to the top names in fashion, dining and entertainment. The convenient environment of mall shopping in an open-air setting attracts visitors to this popular location. Most stores are open until at least 8 p.m., and during the Christmas season the square is lit with festive holiday decorations.
Half Moon Bay
A small, quiet community on the coast of San Mateo County just south of San Francisco, Half Moon Bay boasts fine restaurants, a quaint Main Street, redwood forests, beaches, whale watching, sport fishing, and luxurious golf courses. While visiting, go on coastal or mountain hikes or explore the coast's famous tide pools.
Christmas-related Activities
Nov. 28-Dec. 21 - Holiday Festival
(Saturdays and Sundays only)
Great Dickens Christmas Fair, Cow Palace Exhibition Hall, San Francisco
(415) 392-4400, Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Visit the Great Dickens Christmas Fair, where visitors are encouraged to dress as literary characters from Charles Dickens' novels. Visitors can sample an assortment of Christmas delicacies and holiday spirits.
Dec. 6 - The Fantasy of Lights
Parade and Light Celebration, San Francisco
At 6 p.m. on December 6, the annual Fantasy of Lights Parade will begin at Gough and Union and travel westbound to Steiner, lighting up Union Street. Meet Santa, the Snow Queen and their friends.
Nov. 28-Dec. 6 - Holiday Traditions at Filoli Estates
Recognized as one of the finest remaining country estates of the early 20th century, Filoli welcomes the public to this remarkable 654-acre property, including the 36,000-squarefoot Georgian county house. Visit the estate during their Holiday Traditions event. For more detailed information and directions, visit www.filoli.org or call (650) 364-8300 extension 507.
For further information contact the San Mateo Convention and Visitors Bureau at (650) 348-7600 or go to www.visitsanmateocounty.com.