Home » **Annual Event**, *Top Pick*, Art & Museums, Holiday Festivities, In Person, San Francisco, Tree + Holiday Lightings

Final Day: SF’s 12 ft. Tall “Sugar Castle” at The Westin St. Francis

Friday, January 2, 2026 - All Day | Cost: FREE
The Westin St. Francis | 335 Powell Street San Francisco, CA 94102

Free / Learn More

20th Anniv. of SF’s 12 ft. Tall “Sugar Castle” (Nov. 26-Jan. 2)

The Westin St. Francis’ iconic Sugar Castle celebrates 20 years of holiday magic in San Francisco. This nearly 12-foot-tall, 1,000-pound masterpiece features more than 20 towers, 15 illuminated rooms, and a running train, bringing a whimsical French château to life in the heart of the city.

Originally envisioned in 2005, the castle is the creation of the renowned Executive Pastry Chef Jean-Francois Houdré and his skilled team.

 The Sugar Castle stands as a mesmerizing 12-feet-tall rotating work of art, evolving with more grandeur and innovation each passing year. Resembling a French Chateau inspired by Chef Houdré’s hometown of Bordeaux, the castle weighs over 1200 pounds and is adorned with over 20 grand circular towers, approximately 30 rooms, illuminated windows, and is surrounded by a charming village and a running train. Explore the castle’s magical interior on a smartphone and watch every whimsical detail come to life with immersive augmented reality. Spot Francis the Dog: The hotel’s beloved mascot roams the castle, and lucky visitors who spot him can claim a special prize at the concierge desk.

The Westin St. Francis Sugar Castle
On Display November 26, 2025 – January 2, 2026
The Westin St. Francis, 335 Powell Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Free and open to the public

Please Note: The sugar castle will be in a new location this year, the Tower Lobby, and due to space constraints, there will not be a public unveiling event this year.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.


Cost: FREE
Categories: **Annual Event**, *Top Pick*, Art & Museums, Holiday Festivities, In Person, San Francisco, Tree + Holiday Lightings
Address: 335 Powell Street San Francisco, CA 94102

Friday, January 2, 2026

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9:00 am   Japanese Tea Garden’s Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)  FREE*
*Free from 9-10am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; otherwise non-resident admission is $12 - $16 depending on the season. San Francisco residents are always free with valid ID
All Day   Free Admission Day at Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History  FREE
All Day   History Museum: Free First Fridays (Redwood City)  FREE
11:00 am   “Pay-What-You-Can” Taco Day at SF’s Tato (Every Friday)  FREE*
*Every Friday pay anywhere from $0 up to $10. When a customer pays the full price of $10, TATO will give a free meal to someone in need in The City. Please note promotion might end at any time
3:00 pm   “Block Fest” Tenderloin Arts Festival & Free Art Making | SF  FREE*
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3:00 pm   $5 Off Tix: Timeless Musical “Into the Woods” Live in SF (Nov. 20-Jan. 17)  $47*
*Normally $52. $5 off Tickets w/ secret code FUNCHEAP; fees included
5:00 pm   South First Fridays Art Walk (San Jose)  FREE
5:00 pm   North Beach First Fridays Art Crawl (SF)  FREE
5:00 pm   $1 Drink Fridays: “Battle of the Decades” DJ Party (North Beach)  FREE*
*Free admission with RSVP on Eventbrite
5:00 pm   Baukunst First Fridays: Art, Music + Food (Bernal Heights)  FREE
6:00 pm   Oakland Art Murmur (First Fridays Art Walk)  FREE
7:00 pm   SF’s HellaSecret “Crazy Funny Asians” Friday Night Comedy Showcase (7p + 9p)  FREE*
*Free tickets, but RSVP Required. Donations ($5-$10) greatly appreciated. Otherwise, $15 adv / $20 door tickets also available
7:30 pm   Free “Verdi Requiem” Concert w/ Berkeley Community Chorus and Orchestra (Jan 2-4)  FREE*
*Donations welcome
8:00 pm   San Francisco Bike Party (First Fridays)  FREE
8:00 pm   Oakland Critical Mass | First Friday  FREE
8:00 pm   “The Stoner Comedy Jam” Friday Nights (SF)  FREE*
*Free with RSVP (21+ with Valid ID) - One item minimum purchase per person required
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