Is anyone else shocked and amazed at how quickly winter came to San Francisco? With this chill and white sky all around us, it’s time to kick off the holiday festivities. Here’s a round up of the best holiday displays in San Francisco.

The Westin St. Francis and Fairmont gingerbread house displays. One stands 12ft tall and rotates (Westin) and the other you can walk through (Fairmont).  (Note: the Hyatt is undergoing renovations, so their model train and village display is on hold for 2015.)

Zoo Lights at the San Francisco Zoo. Runs daily after 8pm, and some nights includes lives music and carolers. And the website says something about snow? They’re going to make it snow? I’m going to need reports back, because this event sounds too good.

The Great Christmas Dickens Fair, wherein the entire Cow Palace is transformed into a Victorian village. Runs every weekend up til Christmas.

The ice rinks at Union Square and Embarcadero.

Berkeley’s Gourmet Ghetto brings in real snow for a community Snow Day. I’m a fan of all this real snow. Also featuring hot apple cider and they’ll even let you take some snow home with you.

Every city has those houses that get all dressed up for the holidays, and San Francisco is no exception. Check out 21st Street between Church and Sanchez in Noe Valley; Castro Street between 14th and Duboce in the Castro; Quintara Street and 34th Avenue in the Outer Sunset.

Every year, Union Street’s Victorians light up for a Fantasy of Lights, complete with horse drawn carriage rides.

Let the Season begin!