Erika Mailman

This time of year, most every community in the U.S. hosts some kind of holiday lights spectacular, in small town squares and among glittering skyscrapers—and the moment that the tree lights are turned on provides an incredible experience of good cheer as the “ahhs” are audible. If your town has a railroad, there’s often a Polar Express ride through the night that thrills people of all ages, and many people put candles in their windows and decorate for Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Christmas. It feels good to think about others as you pick out gifts or bake sweets—and this time of year can feel earnest and repair some of the year’s wrongs as we prepare to start a whole new year afresh. With our feature of magical holiday events, we’ve tried to come up with some more out-of-the-ordinary ones, events specially curated to elicit a sense of magic… to help us find simple pleasure in being filled with wonder. Maybe it’s been a while since our eyes widened in surprise, since we felt the stirrings of awe—maybe our Grinchy hearts are starting to get bigger and our Scroogian workaholic natures need to be adjusted. It may sound like a cliché, but trying to see the world through a child’s eyes, surprised and delighted by so many things—even if it’s just the sound of sleighbells as a horse trots by, or the glow cast by a row of bulbs, or craning your head back to see the top of a towering tree—it’s worth it to let ourselves feel something bigger than ourselves.

Part of the joy of Thanksgiving is anticipation: the turkey slowly cooking as tantalizing aromas drift out from the oven and from various pots and pans on the stove. And Thanksgiving parades are another way of stretching out the expectations—whether you’re keeping one eye on the TV while you’re managing the potatoes or on the sidewalk cheering as the marching band passes by. Watching a parade provides a time-honored way to come together as a community; feel pride as Americans sharing an important holiday; showcase the talents of musicians, dancers and members of civic organizations; and, of course, enjoy some really impressive balloons! These parades are free to watch, but comfortable viewing in grandstands can often be purchased. And if you want to easily transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas, many of these events incorporate a visit from Santa and his reindeer. RECOMMENDED: Where to find the best pies in America

While some hurtle home for the holidays, others encourage family and friends to meet up somewhere fun. Why not travel for Christmas, especially if your destination carries more of a holiday vibe than your own city? It can make for a truly memorable vacation to embrace snow (or conversely, to nestle down on a warm beach), to rent that little cottage in a forest that looks like it was used for a Hallmark movie or to experience Christmas in a big city with all the holiday lights and skyscrapers radiating pure elation. Whatever your wish—small town or jazzy metropolis—Santa should make sure to grant it. Here’s our inspo list of the top 17 Christmas vacations in the U.S. 

Lights provide a huge part of the Christmas ambience: We love to see candle flames flickering, strings of lights draped over rooflines, tiny colored lights in our living rooms embedded in the branches of our Christmas trees—and a star on top. The steady glow of light in the dark makes the whole season seem magical. And venturing out of our own neighborhoods, it’s fun to visit a citywide fantasyland of lights, with shops lit up, Christmas markets bustling, and creatively illuminated lanes to wander (or drive) through with displays geared to make our eyes light up, too. Here’s our tour of some of the most enchanting light displays you can encounter this holiday season. Don a sweater or parka, depending on where you live, and pour some hot cocoa into that mug as you embark on an evening of wonder. RECOMMENDED:The best Christmas towns in the U.S.The best Christmas markets in the U.S.

There are a lot of reasons to choose a restaurant for Christmas Day. Maybe no one is up for hosting, maybe the holiday isn’t part of your belief system but you still want to be a part of it . . .  or perhaps your relationship with family is such that a one-hour meal hits the sweet spot and then everyone can dip. But probably the best reason is that you want to be around others celebrating the day in a busy, bustling restaurant with generous helpings of Christmas excitement. Whatever the reason, it’s also attractive to not have to do the dishes (and to know everything will be perfectly prepared: when restaurants burn something, it’s not served!) These San Francisco restaurants stay open on Christmas Day and serve delicious, festive fare—and some even offer a performance to accompany your meal, like a pianist playing carols or a comedian doing a set. Having a holiday meal in a brightly-decorated space with Christmas lights, pointsettias, garlands and good cheer may be the exact right way to spend the day (we recommend copious tipping for those servers and chefs who may have given up their own holiday observance to customers). Let Christmas be an excellent day on your own terms.

While we all can appreciate that some of the best dining comes from tiny, hole-in-the-wall restaurants that don’t qualify as “fancy” and that dispense with encyclopedia entry-length descriptions of the entrées, we have to admit that there is a certain cachet to choosing a Michelin-starred restaurant for your evening. While you may have to Google a few terms on the menu surreptitiously, you know you’re in excellent hands and can expect a meal of surprising tastes and textures, each dish so gorgeously plated that you can’t help but level your phone’s camera like an appreciative helicopter above it. Food can represent more than just fuel to continue our lives; it can be an artistic expression of gratitude for beauty. The Michelin stars come from the Michelin Guide, and fitting for its origins as a driver’s guide (yes, it is related to Michelin tires and was established to encourage more people to drive!), the three stars correspond to the concept of whether the restaurant is worth including in your car-based itinerary. According to Michelin’s website, one star means a restaurant is “worth a stop,” two stars mean it is “worth a detour,” and three stars mean it is “worth a special journey.” Of course, we hope you'll be getting there on foot or by bike, Muni, or BART, but regardless, these specially recognized restaurants are all exactly where you should start your night. In San Francisco this year, we have three restaurants that have earned three stars, seven with two stars and 16

San Francisco abounds in a dazzling array of dim sum places, both with minimal “curb appeal” but fantastic food, and with sophisticated aesthetics that match the delicious fare. “Dim sum” is Cantonese for “touch the heart,” and is meant to be a social experience revolving around drinking tea with friends. Chinatown is a good bet for locating authentic and creative dim sum—our Chinatown is the oldest in the U.S. and the biggest outside of Asia—but you can also find it all over the city. And while our list rounds up restaurants that focus only on dim sum, you can also find dim sum options included on the menu in many restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Mister Jiu’s, where a few dishes are featured on the tasting menu. Whether you’re at an elegant restaurant awaiting the cart to be wheeled to your table so that you can literally see and order the dishes you want, or standing at a no-nonsense counter for takeout, the traditional Chinese dumplings, buns, rolls and pastries will fill you up, small dish by small dish. Don’t forget to end with a sweet egg custard tart! Updated November 2025: We’re curating our list down from 18 to 10, and while some fantastic places fell off the list, we’re also thrilled to include three new ones: Z and Y Peking Duck, Dumpling Kitchen and Dim Sum Bistro. Learn more about how we curate and review at Time Out.

This vibrant neighborhood is full of busy shopkeepers, produce markets, bustling restaurants and plenty of visitors aiming cameras at beautifully Instagrammable architectural features—the most iconic being the green-roofed Dragon’s Gate. You’ll also find red lanterns and flags draped across streets, and dramatic paint colors used for signs and structures. San Franciso’s Chinatown is the nation’s oldest and largest Chinatown, settled by immigrants lured by the Gold Rush’s siren call. Although much of it burned during the 1906 earthquake and fire, the neighborhood was rebuilt. Today its 30 blocks draw locals and visitors alike to enjoy this spirited Chinese culture. RECOMMENDED:🥟 The best dim sum in San Francisco🍽️ The best restaurants in San Francisco👗 The best thrift stores in San Francisco📍 The best things to do in San Francisco🍳 The best brunch in San Francisco

For many people, a Thanksgiving feast is an overwhelming meal to prepare. There’s a gigantic bird that takes up the entire oven and requires constant, hours-long attention with a basting syringe, an intimidating array of side dishes which must all be hot at the same time, perhaps special dishware you use only a few times a year (and where’d we put the gravy boat last year?) and a variety of pies to make sure everyone’s favorite is there. It’s exhausting, even if you are good at delegating and have a kitchen full of helpers. So it’s no wonder that some people just say, “Hey, let’s meet up at a restaurant this year.” RECOMMENDED: The best Thanksgiving parades in America The idea of someone else doing the menu planning and pulling off this elaborate dinner is certainly attractive—and best of all, you can walk away afterwards while the dishes are washed by others (leave a hyper-generous tip for anyone working this holiday!) San Francisco’s participating restaurateurs take great care with their Thanksgiving feasts—you’ll be in good hands. Below, find our picks of where to dine on Thanksgiving in San Francisco. Prices below do not include tax and gratuity.

San Francisco is brimming with bespoke shops, clever merchandise and all the creative flair that makes the city what it is. Sure, you’ll also find chain stores and even some big-box ones, but wander the neighborhoods to see the best of independent business owners selling something special. Build a day into your schedule—whether you’re a local or a visitor—to cruise by some of these shops and get a head start on holiday gift buying, or to get a cool souvenir for yourself. You might also want to plan a visit to one of the city’s flea markets for the best of sustainable buying. Speaking of which, don’t forget to bring your reuseable shopping bags.

San Franciscans may not stay out late at night but they definitely know how to keep a dancefloor electric and support the local music scene. Thanks to a history that dates back to the Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, Carlos Santana, Counting Crows, Journey and other local luminaries, the city embraces its musical legacy—and keeps it going. Golden Gate Park remains a legendary place to see a show on the green, and the city abounds in nightclubs, including LGTBQ+ spaces in the Castro, small live music venues and gigantic multi-level clubs with multiple dance floors spinning out DJ beats. Watch for rotating calendars of visiting artists and bands, pop in your earplugs if the volume’s at 11 and keep the pulse pulsing all night long. Here’s our list of the best nightclubs in San Francisco.    

For the past eight years, we’ve made it our mission to scope out the coolest pockets of the world’s greatest cities in order to create our definitive annual ranking. The places where stuff like nightlife, art, culture, and affordable food and drink can be found on every corner and down every backstreet. Where diversity is championed and independent businesses thrive, from old-school boltholes to the newest avant-garde art space. Put simply, the world’s coolest neighbourhoods are places that represent the soul of our cities, while maintaining their own unique local character that draws people in to live, work and play. So, what are the neighbourhoods that fit the bill this year? To find out, we asked our network of writers and editors across a breadth of cities to nominate the vibiest district in their hometown right now. We then ranked every neighbourhood against criteria including culture, community, liveability, nightlife, food and drink, street life and that hard-to-define sense of ‘nowness’.  On our list this year, you’ll find everything from homely, village-like enclaves with tight-knit communities to revitalised city-centre hubs and formerly dormant, industrial areas transformed into creative districts. Many are underrated spots that sit in the shadow of their commercialised counterparts; others have become unexpected culinary hotspots or magnets for the city’s artists, writers and activists. What they all have in common is a DIY spirit – and an unshakeable proclivity f

The lines are literally out the door at this fantastic spot tucked in the heart of Chinatown, and if you don’t have a reservation, you might get your heart broken. Here, a half-dozen ducks hang in the front window to let you know this is an authentic Peking Duck (not Peking-style duck) restaurant, where a 48-hour process keeps the duck meat succulent beneath its wildly crispy skin. The procedure involves air-pumping, blanching, drying and then roasting. This is a meticulous dish once prepared only for Chinese emperors, so how lucky are we to have it at our humble table? Fitting for its special status, it’s carved at a central station where you can watch and photograph, and it’s served as a half or full duck with pancakes, thinly sliced vegetables and sauce to create your own delicious roll.  As for dim sum, Z and Y Peking Duck boasts an impressive selection of Beijing-style dim sum, including duck bone and Napa cabbage soup, beef roll pancakes, and XLB dumplings like crab and pork or black truffle. The table next to us was raving about their grilled sea bass, and we loved the very simple yet complex hot and sour soup with cilantro. The tables’ proximity encourages discussion among strangers—it makes for a fun night. Don’t be confused, as we were, by the same-block proximity of Z & Y Restaurant, owned by the same kind family and also with lines out the door. Z & Y Restaurant dates to 2008 and has held a Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction since 2012, serving Szechuan fare. Z & Y

The culinary offerings at Yank Sing are delectable, earning a Bib Gourmand designation from the Michelin Guide—and the restaurant has the added benefit of being run by a third generation of the family. It began in 1958 on Powell Street and today has two locations: Spear Street and Stevenson Street (the latter has a heated outdoor patio). While the Spear Street interior at Rincon Center—a retail and dining complex inside a historic post office with an impressive atrium—isn’t especially elegant, just look down at the table and the profusion of expertly prepared dishes: chicken mushroom dumplings, turnip cake, crab claw, all served on simple white plateware. There are 100 rotating dishes on offer. George and Alice Chan founded the restaurant after fleeing China during the Communist Revolution, and it has passed through several hands and locations over the decades, today run by Vera Chan Waller and Nathan Waller. A painted portrait of Alice Chan graces the pale yellow walls and a few orchids add a pop of color.  Aware of being part of the fabric of San Francisco’s history, the restaurant’s website mentions the fun fact that the one-time Battery Street location operated for 20 years over the remains of an 1840 Gold Rush ship without knowing it; the General Harrison was rediscovered in 2001.  Michelin says, “Yank Sing is arguably the place in town for dim sum. The upscale setting boasts reasonable prices, and while peak hours entail a wait, one can be assured of quality and abundan

Although the Palette Tea House is found closer to Fisherman’s Wharf than to Chinatown, it’s still a fantastic dim sum house, and its colorful, busy interior ensures that you’ll have a memorable meal. Its placement in Ghirardelli Square (home to the iconic Gold Rush chocolatier Ghirardelli), halfway between Fisherman’s Wharf and Fort Mason, means you can enjoy other walking-distance attractions, whether you're a visitor or a San Franciscan “playing tourist.” Aesthetics rule the day here. The “palette” of the restaurant’s name refers to the plate you receive, shaped like an artist’s palette with five wells to hold differently colored sauces. It makes you feel like an artist preparing paints as you pour the sauces into your own palette. One of the standout dishes, a xiaolongbao sampler, also earns admiration for its five soup dumplings arranged in a rainbow array. The five dumplings have doughs colored red by beets, green by spinach, yellow by turmeric, black by squid ink and white. They each had different fillings and were absolutely delicious, served in a spoon-shaped vessel to catch the broth as you bite into them. We ordered the taro puff black swan with a delicate cracker neck that “floats” on an edible flower-strewn plate (though it is perhaps more beautiful to behold than to eat), and we found the hot and sour soup to be classically delicious.  I indulged on the dessert side with an espresso martini and Portuguese egg tart, while also stealing bites of my daughter’s mango

What is it: A hotel brand so iconic it even has a song in its honor—"Puttin’ on the Ritz," if you remember the 1980s hit. Why we love it: The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park, provides a stay that feels like you’ve checked something off your bucket list. From the moment you enter, you’re aware of the history and elegance of this Forbes five star and AAA five diamond hotel, starting with its brick facade stretching 22 stories high and the entry with a formal vintage canopy. Inside, the hallways are a bright gloss white with coffered ceilings holding glass chandeliers and marble tables with bright orchids. It even looks a bit like the interior of the first class passageways on the Titanic...and in fact, I had been so excited to stay here thinking that this is where Margaret “Molly” Brown stayed upon landing in New York after the ship sank. However, that turned out to be another Ritz-Carlton located on Madison and 46th, opened in 1911 as the first Ritz-Carlton in the U.S. It was demolished in 1951 to build an office building, so I’ll never have the chance! This hotel dates to 1929 and became a Ritz-Carlton in 1999. One of its best aspects is the fact that Central Park is across the street. With my sister, I stayed in a Park View Room that overlooked the park, and we had fun sitting on the generously sized windowsills for people-watching out the window. There’s also a telescope in each room. With such a fantastic home base, we took several rambles through the park, entering by

What is it? A contemporary American restaurant carrying one Michelin star in the Fillmore. Why we love it: On a quiet street near the edge of Japantown, 7 Adams bustles with attentive waitstaff, crazy-skilled chefs and blissed out diners. Behind the chef’s counter, there’s gorgeous backlit mod-shaped embedded wall compartments holding plants, stemware, candles and a miniature statue of the Michelin man petting a dog. Chef owners Serena Chow Fisher and David Fisher have created a space where the vibe is relaxed and down to earth, even though the exquisite food could easily deserve a snooty air. We especially loved the starter of hokkaido scallop crudo with koji kosho, pepita and pixie mandarin and all the mains, and lost our minds over the winter citrus dessert (pistachio cake, lemon curd and blood orange ice cream—intensely succulent and vibrant) and the salted malted s’more with chicory pastry cream. Time Out tip: A 20 percent service charge is automatically added to the bill, so you can relax about tipping. Address: 1963 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94115 Opening hours: Mon–Thur 5:30–9pm; Fri, Sat 5–10pm; Sun 5–9pm Expect to pay: The five-course tasting menu is $87 per person, while the chef’s counter (six people only) is 8 to 10 courses for $157 per person.

What is it? A French bistro with bright vibes at the Embarcadero. Why we love it: Everything’s at bar level here, so you feel elevated and light while you indulge in French favorites “from Paris with love,” as the menu says—a nod to charming owner Kais Bouzidi’s Parisian roots. Plants are embedded in the mesh liquor cabinet that hovers above the bar, which itself is a beautiful wooden statement piece with carved out embeds for your knees. The croque monsieur was a fantastic confection of layers of thin ham, pickle and béchamel sauce: It was a “fondue with bread” in one gooey unit. We also loved the madeleines plate with anglaise and chocolate sauce. For a refreshing drink that’s adorably photogenic, try the citron pressé: fresh lemon juice and a separate cute vessel of housemade lemon cordial. Time Out tip: Absolutely make reservations in advance; the walk-in party ahead of us was turned away. Address: Pier 3, the Embarcadero, San Francisco, 94105 Opening hours: Mon–Fri 11:30am–2pm, 3–10pm; Sat 11:30am–3:30pm, 5–10pm; Sun 11:30am–3pm Expect to pay: If your brunch includes an hors d’oeuvre, a main, a beverage and dessert, it will run about $60.

What is it? A seafood restaurant on the second story of Pier 39. Why we love it: You can count on 100 percent sustainable seafood at this busy waterfront spot with floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the bay. The clam chowder literally has “award-winning” in its name, and you can order it (as one does here) in a fresh house-baked sourdough bowl. We tried the dual lobster tails (oven roasted with seasonal vegetables), the Petrale sole (pan seared with a pesto cream sauce) and fried scallops, served with roasted jalapeno aioli. The cocktail game is wonderful here with drinks named for local landmarks, like the Alcatraz Escape and the Spicy Mission Margarita. For land-favoring folks just “along for the ride,” there are also sandwiches, steaks and pasta. Time Out tip: Try to sit at the farthest end of the restaurant, where you’ll be able to catch the best view of the sea lions pushing each other off the docks. And if you love flowers, TulipMania is at Pier 39 throughout April with 20,000 tulips in bloom. Address: Pier 39, San Francisco, 94133 Opening hours: Daily 11am–9pm Expect to pay: Seafood mains run $29 to $56, while the clam chowder in sourdough is $16. House specialties include cioppino at $42 and a whole Dungeness crab for $64. Cocktails are $14 to $17.

What is it? An Argentinian steakhouse in the heart of the Mission. Why we love it: The ojo de bife Argentino rib eye (100 percent grass-fed) was supremely buttery in texture, and the wild mushroom sherry sauce had us trying to soak up more with each forkful like a sponge. The pollo skewer with perfectly blackened corn and aji amarillo almost surpassed the steak for me, but we also loved the yuca fries with rocoto aioli—and we had fun moderating our evening with the “sin licor” mocktails, an agridulce citrus beverage and a tutti frutti sweet one. Though I didn’t have room for the empanada options, I’d certainly try them next time. The décor is atmospherically dim and dominated by some fearsome underlit bull head statues, while beautiful chandeliers and metal fixtures that mimic wagon wheels adorn the ceilings. Time Out tip: Arrive before your reservation and head to El Techo, the bar perched on Lolinda’s rooftop, for excellent city views. Also, as much as we love the colorful vibe of the Mission, the homelessness crisis may make visitors feel uncomfortable after dark, so consider that when planning your reservation and parking or transit plans. Address: 2518 Mission St, San Francisco, 94110 Opening hours: Tue–Thu 5:30–10pm; Fri, Sat 5:30–11pm; Sun 5:30–10pm Expect to pay: For a few pequeños (littles), a 12oz rib eye, a beverage and a dessert, you’ll pay around $85.

What is it? A Mediterranean restaurant housed in a former army barracks in the Presidio. Why we love it: Billed as “modern Eastern” rather than “Middle Eastern,” Dalida comes from husband-and-wife chef team Laura and Sayat Ozyilmaz. The flavors here stretched our palates and made our eyebrows rise—even the hummus had some extra zing sitting under the Cypriot lamb chops wrapped in ground lamb and caul fat. Our family’s favorite was the Breaking Bread dish with round tins of spreads accompanied by chubby pita (baked in-house every five minutes). The cocktails were a highlight, served in fun vessels like a miniature silver tankard or with tall, glass-height ice cubes ordered by mail. Stay for dessert and you may catch some Top Chef magic with pistachio three-ways baklava and the sour cherry Maraş ice cream that chef Laura made for one of the show’s challenges. The interior’s muted lighting comes from rice paper chandeliers, and there’s a beautiful mural of trees in bloom. The historic building’s high ceilings really open up the interior, but that does mean the acoustics are rough for conversation.  Time Out tip: If you want to make a night of it, book a room at the Lodge at the Presidio, just a four-minute walk away. Address: 101 Montgomery St, San Francisco, 94129 Opening hours: Tue–Fri 11:30am–2pm, 5–9pm; Sat, Sun 11am–2:30pm, 5–9pm Expect to pay: The chef’s menu is $85. Otherwise, you can expect to pay about $100 per person for appetizers, entrée, a vegetable dish and a few c

What is it? A two Michelin-starred Indian restaurant in the Fillmore, helmed by chef Srijith Gopinathan. Why we love it: The food here is exquisite with many moments that’ll leave you closing your eyes to exult. Among every beautiful thing we ate, our favorite was the rasam poori with passionfruit, mint, sprouted chickpea and radish: It’s a delicate fried puri sphere into which you spoon a bit of soup and eat in one frisson-filled mouthful. For cocktails, the winner was the turmeric spritz with marigold amaro that was so light and fruity it provided perfect accompaniment. As far as a bit of refreshment, don’t fear that the dishes will be too spicy; everything was perfectly spiced to make lips tingle but not overwhelm the tongue. Plus, the interior is insanely pretty with macrame lighting features, two rooms delineated by changes in flooring (blonde wood to button tile) and an indoor gazebo marked by twining ivy. Muted brick, a two-story wall of cubbies holding amphoras and wicker furnishings lend an air of museum-like elegance. Time Out tip: Ask your server to identify which menu items are unique to Copra (or at least the most innovative) and order those. Address: 1700 Fillmore St, San Francisco, 94115 Opening hours: Mon–Sun 5–10pm; brunch Sat, Sun 11:30am–2pm Expect to pay: Brunch is surprisingly affordable for a spot carrying two Michelin stars. If you order several “littles” and a main with a few cocktails, you’ll walk out paying around $90.

What is it? An Italian eatery in the Russian Hill neighborhood with a parklet out front Why we love it: The menu is so full of great options I had pasta twice (and I’m glad I did, because the agnolotti was a true standout, and I wouldn’t have wanted to miss the fettuccine blackened by squid ink and accompanied by generous lumps of Dungeness crab). Even though we were stuffed, the delightful server—chef Anthony Florian has assembled an amazing team with great wine guidance—wouldn’t let us go without trying the chocolate budino served in a mason jar: We’re glad we relented to the peer pressure. Time Out tip: Request a seat in the back dining area if you would like a quieter space for conversation. Address: 1896 Hyde St, San Francisco, 94109 Opening hours: Sun–Thu 5–9pm; Fri, Sat 5–9:30pm Expect to pay: About $140 per person if you indulge in antipasti, salad, pasta and secondi with a few glasses of wine.

What is it? An American restaurant inside the Beacon Grand hotel in Union Square Why we love it: Want bountiful proof of why the food scene in San Francisco is so great? Look no further than the California market salad, with mixed greens in a citrus vinaigrette we adored, along with Point Reyes blue cheese, candied pecans and tender slivers of tangerine. Other dishes we loved were the wild king salmon with thinly shaved fennel, radish and cucumber in a dill vinaigrette, as well as the hand-rolled spinach and mushroom canelloni dotted with morels. Make your lunch truly inspiring by pairing it with the Spring Sour mocktail—bright and fresh enough to power through the day. Here for business? The prix-fixe “executive lunch” is only $28 Monday through Friday. Time Out tip: Venture into the side chamber and look up: The painted ceiling and ornate grillwork on either side of the pedimented door are impressive. Want to fully appreciate the opulent architecture and décor of this 1928 beauty? Elect to spend the night (you should). Address: 450 Powell St, San Francisco, 94102 Opening hours: Daily breakfast 7–11am, lunch 11:30am–1:30pm, dinner 4–10pm Expect to pay: For brunch with a salad, salmon and mocktail, close to $70.

This time of year, we’re all looking forward to exchanging our pumpkin spice latté for a steaming mug of hot chocolate as we gaze out the window at fast-falling snowflakes. Or, perhaps, we're enjoying milder temperatures and actually wishing we could have the hot cocoa in cold form. Is "cold cocoa" even a thing? At Jamba, yes. This year, for the first time, the smoothie palace is rolling out an all-new frozen hot chocolate, a “frozen twist on a classic fave,” in the company's own words. The new treat is made with milk, soy milk, chocolate powder, bananas (some extra potassium as we enter flu and cold season!), frozen yogurt and ice, blended and—here’s the best part—poured into a Nutella-rimmed cup and topped with coconut whip. Coconut and Nutella is the best combo since strings of electric lights met the holidays. So, maybe, instead of an ugly Santa sweater, you’ll be wearing an ugly Santa tank top, sipping on this traditional-takes-a-left-turn treat. The frozen hot chocolate is available now nationwide through January 12, 2026, and joins some of the other quirky menu items like the white gummi drink (a mixture of several sherbets and fruits) and the current “monthly mystery” drink, a banana cream pie smoothie.  In a culinary version of "who wore it best?," Starbucks is teaming up with Target to offer a different take on frozen hot chocolate: Starbucks' version is a frozen peppermint hot chocolate available only in Target stores through the holiday season. Happy cold cocoa dr

When booking a vacation, a destination's affordability can be top of mind—especially as costs of living rise all over the country. From flight prices to car rentals rates, restaurant and hotel room costs, there is a lot to keep track of—which is why we're paying particular attention to a new Forbes Advisor report titled "The U.S. Cities Becoming the Most Expensive to Visit in 2025." The new survey analyzes 75 major U.S. cities to figure out which are becoming the most expensive—the ones that, for whatever reason, are seeing a higher percentage of cost increases. The report is based on visitor costs and covers data from the last three years (post pandemic, which is helpful). If you’re planning to travel, it’s good to be armed with knowledge imparted by the report. Tied in first place are Detroit and Chicago. To be clear: these aren’t the most expensive cities overall (have you ever been to New York?) but they are the top two towns where prices are, overall, on the upswing. In third place is Atlanta, followed by Denver and then Charleston. None of these are cities we traditionally associate with high prices, but something’s happening, according to the report. Some other key facts to keep in mind: across all 75 cities, hotel costs have increased by an average of 3 percent, meal prices by an average of 24 percent and airfare by an average of 8 percent. That's rough to hear. Meal prices leapt the highest in Charleston, by a shocking 92 percent. On the other side of the coin, lucky

Boston has always been chock-full of enticing seafood restaurants reliant on the city's harbor and coastline and, now, serious foodies have an even more legitimate reason to descend on the land of baked beans: for the first time ever, a Boston eatery has received a Michelin star. Japanese destination 311 Omakase has officially earned one Michelin star, considered “worth a stop” by the guide.  For $250 per person, diners can enjoy an 18-course tasting menu helmed by founder and executive chef Wei Fa Chen, who crafts splendid nigiri at the intimate chef's counter using fish imported from Japan. "The chef's omakase features impressive nigiri showcasing high-quality product, much of it imported from Japan; and the range of fish could include fluke, striped beakfish and goldeneye snapper," reads the official Michelin write-up about the restaurant. "Cooked items precede the sushi and highlight a particular cooking method, such as delicately crunchy fried longtooth grouper with ponzu sauce or a simmered bowlful of amadai and abalone in dashi."  Clearly, chef Chen knows what he's doing, having honed his craft alongside Masa Takayama, the chef-owner of the first-ever Michelin-starred Japanese and sushi restaurants in the U.S., Masa in New York City (which recently lost one of its Michelin stars).  "My goal is to create exceptional traditional Japanese cuisine that reflects the artful use of ingredients and meticulous mastery of preparation techniques, while infusing classic dishes w

Grammy Award-winning artist NE-YO is making his Broadway debut in the wildly popular, also-Grammy-winning (and Tony-winning!) musical Hell’s Kitchen on December 4. He will play Davis, a father figure to the main character. Mounted at the Shubert Theatre, the jukebox musical, written and composed by Alicia Keys, tells the coming-of-age story of 17-year-old Ali in 1990s New York. In keeping with that number, the show has already won 17 Grammy Awards. Although this will be NE-YO's first time on Broadway, the artist is clearly no stranger to the stage: he played the Tiin Man in NBC's The Wiz Live! back in 2015. “I’ve performed on a lot of stages in my life, but making my Broadway debut in Hell's Kitchen is something truly special,” NE-YO said on Instagram. “Alicia created a world that’s real, raw and full of soul, and stepping into the role of Davis lets me explore a whole new side of storytelling. I’m honored to join this incredible cast and creative team, and I can’t wait to bring everything I’ve got to the Shubert Theatre.” Keys—whose older hits like "Fallin'," "If I Ain't Got You," "No One" and "Empire State of Mind" feature in the show alongside new tracks—also expressed excitement in an official statement.  “[NE-YO's] special talent is going to bring even more magic to this powerful show,” she said. “Our story is about finding community, finding your place and we are excited to welcome him into the role of Davis. This is going to be unforgettable!” Keep in mind that, althou

Our nation’s parks—whether formed on the state or national level—are a source of joy, calm and connectedness to nature. While national parks tend to get all of the attention, state parks are absolutely worth a visit too. In New York, there are some gorgeous parks to choose from, especially now that fall foliage is hitting its late stages and the air is crisping up. Here are our favorite five (out of 180) most underrated state parks! First is Niagara Falls State Park. Yes, it may be crowded, but it’s an iconic American tradition to see the enormous spray from this gorgeous set of waterfalls. Back in 2022, a 1905 tunnel was reopened to let visitors experience the falls from a new, ground-level platform, giving more drama than seeing the falls from above. And now, a “Crow’s Nest” is underway, a set of stairs that let you walk halfway up the American side of the falls before returning back down into the gorge, relieving congestion and giving a new vantage point for visitors. It’s scheduled to open in 2026. In second place is Whetstone Gulf State Park in Lowville, in the Thousand Islands region. It’s built along a three-mile-long gorge and has impressive vistas, 56 beautifully wooded campsites, a swimming hole and, best of all, a hiking (and in winter, cross-country ski) trail that circles the gorge. A reservoir is stocked with fish for fishers, and non-fishers can canoe or kayak across it. According to Only in New York, “Camping here in the fall is a bit of a best-kept secret. Th

Are you ready for a brand-new holiday tradition that is going to hard-rock your world? The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood has just announced that it’s going to create an extraordinary 24-acre holiday village at the Guitar Hotel in its complex. For those unfamiliar, the Guitar Hotel is a 45-foot hotel in the shape of two upright back-to-back guitars with brightly lit strings. The 35-day event is called “Hard Rock the Holidays” and involves more than two million lights in a glowing wonderland with 20 different themed areas encircling the hotel’s pool. Rendering: Courtesy Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood Visitors can expect world-class seasonal food and drinks alongside live festive performances. Of course, Santa will also be on deck for photos in the light-filled, immersive environment (think forests of lit-up trees, colorful tunnels to walk through and even pool floats with giant candy canes).  Rendering: Courtesy Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood Guests will enter through the Gates of the Glowing Grove, flanked by two 13-foot illuminated deers, then walk through the North Pole Passage crafted of garland arches. Other standout scenes among the 20 displays are Frozen Flame, where ice sculptures shimmer' Santa's Celestial Ride, where Santa and his sleigh climb into the sky surrounded by glowing orbs; Starlight Boulevard, with a dozen illuminated star arches; Glowing Palm Paradise, where 28 palm trees—part of the traditional look of this Flor

When we first learned about Olive Garden's intention to shut down all of its 900 stores for 24 hours, we panicked. Was the news a signal of more permanent shutterings to come? Alas: the temporary closure is the company's way to help all employees (deservedly!) celebrate the holidays. RECOMMENDED: Here are the very worst U.S. airports for food That’s right: the beloved Italian restaurant chain is going to close all of its doors on both Thanksgiving and Christmas to “allow [...] team members to spend time with their family and friends. Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam and International holiday hours may vary by location,” according to an official statement. What's more, Olive Garden also acknowledged that a fair amount of holiday prep happens the day before families actually get together. RECOMMENDED: The best Christmas towns in the U.S. to get you in the holiday spirit “Depending on the amount of business on the day before these holidays, the restaurants may close early,” reads the statement. “We leave this decision to the discretion of the management team. Please contact the restaurant directly for the scheduled closing time the day before Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve.” This isn't the first time that Olive Garden was praised for its devotion to employees. Darden Restaurants, the chain's parent company, has, in fact, rolled out a number of employee-friendly initiatives throughout the years. In March 2021, for example, Darden announced that every hourly worker would earn at least $1

Stranger Things is back on everyone's minds—the first four episodes of the final season will drop on Netflix on November 26—so it's no surprise that L.A. is celebrating with a free, super-fun activation that will take over a four-mile stretch of Melrose Avenue on Sunday, November 23 from 9am to 3pm. Sponsored by Netflix and CicLAvia—Melrose Ave, the "One Last Ride" event invites participants to show up in full 1980s gear (leg warmers! Neon! Windbreakers!) or, perhaps, opt for a demogorgon costume for this epic bike ride. Skaters and walkers are also welcome. If you want to ride a bike but don’t have one, there will be pop-up bike rental stations (keep in mind that, according to the event's official website, "anyone under 18 must wear a helmet if they are on a bike, skateboard, scooter, skates or a passenger in a child seat." The site goes on to joke, "We recommend everyone wear one; they didn’t know better in the ‘80s.”) You can expect fan games, giveaways, live entertainment, a ton of merch for sale and a general sense of frivolity as everyone comes together in a car-free, shutdown part of the city. Once there, make sure to snag a quest book from one of the three different hubs set up on site. Find them all on Melrose Avenue: one between Vermont and Berendo, another between Plymouth and Windsor, and a third between Genesee and Fairfax. Each book features a map highlighting all trivia stops, special offers at local businesses, photo ops and a few other surprises.  L.A. isn't

Fans in the audience of the Jonas Brothers concert in Buffalo, New York three days ago were the first to hear an exciting announcement from the band, as reported by USA Today: the real-life brothers are going to perform a live New Year's Eve show at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood. What's more: the New Year's Eve show will be livestreamed exclusively on Samsung TV Plus, so even folks who won't be in South Florida will be able to catch it. “Greetings from 2026! We couldn’t imagine closing out 2025 anywhere else but with you,” said the band on Instagram. “Thank you for making this one of the most unforgettable years in our 20-year journey so far.”  Here is everything we know about the upcoming concert: Where is the Jonas Brothers New Year's Eve concert happening? At the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. How can I get tickets for the Jonas Brothers New Year's Eve concert? The presale is happening right now on Ticketmaster. The general sale kicks off tomorrow, November 13, at 10am EST on Ticketmaster as well.   How much do tickets for the Jonas Brothers New Year's Eve concert cost? At the moment, tickets are running about $170. 

The Farmers’ Almanac, founded in Lewiston, Maine back in 1818, will be ceasing after more than 200 years, as reported by Today. The 2026 edition will be the outlet's last and access to the website content will end in December. To be clear: the similarly named Old Farmer’s Almanac—which we quote from regularly when reporting on weather trends—is still quite healthy and in business. Feeling confused? You are not the only one: the Old Farmer's Almanac, with a trademark light yellow cover and florid elements bordering the title, actually had to release a statement assuring fans of its continued publication. "Over the years, there has been some confusion between different almanacs, so to be clear: The OLD Farmer’s Almanac isn’t going anywhere," reads the statement. "As we have since 1792, during George Washington’s presidency, we will continue to publish our annual edition, while educating and entertaining readers online." The newer Farmers’ Almanac is closing down due to financial troubles in an era that no longer supports this kind of publishing, according to editor Sandi Duncan. She told Today that the “decision was very hard to make. The Almanac has been published each and every year since 1818—even when the editor (Ray Geiger) was overseas serving in World War II. And we also recognize that it’s more than just a book—it’s a way of life—a tradition—a resource for so many people for so many years." Duncan went on to note that, “Readers now access information and answers differe

Journey—the 1973 San Francisco band formed by former members of Santana, the Steve Miller Band and Frumious Bandersnatch—will soon embark on an epic 60-city tour set to kick off in Hershey, Pennsylvania, on February 28, 2026. Consider the shows a goodbye of sorts. "This tour is our heartfelt thank you to the fans who’ve been with us every step of the way—through every song, every era, every high and low," 71-year-old founder and guitarist Neal Schon said in an official statement. "We’re pulling out all the stops with a brand-new production—the hits, the deep cuts, the energy, the spectacle. It’s a full-circle celebration of the music that’s brought us all together." Here are all the details: What’s the band lineup for the tour? As all Journey fans know, the band has basically been a rotating cast of members for years. Originally formed by Schon and Gregg Rolie, Journey's lineup has since changed many times, with Schon remaining the only consistent member in its history. That's all to say: asking who will actually take the stage on tour is a fair question. According to reports, Schon will be on lead guitar, Arnel Pineda will be on vocals, Jonathan Cain on keys.  Three other members of the band—Deen Castronovo, Jason Derlatka and Todd Jensen—are not listed on the tour website in the “Meet the Band” section, although the Ticketmaster page for the tour includes all six names. What are some of Journey's greatest hits? The band's greatest hit is, undoubtedly, “Don’t Stop Believin,’

Shake Shack’s beautiful ShackBurger just got… supersized—and the world is very happy about that. The brand-new (as of last week) burger is called The Big Shack and it’s two quarter-pound beef patties made of 100 percent Angus, slathered with secret sauce (a creamy, tangy version of the regular Shack Sauce) and adorned with green leaf lettuce, melted American cheese, thick-cut dill pickles, hand-sliced onions and tomatoes, all delivered on a buttered, toasted potato bun—plus an extra bun in the middle. This behemoth of a burger is only $9.99 and is available for a limited time at all Shake Shacks locations nationwide. Shake Shack’s Instagram post about the new delicacy was met with immediate enthusiasm. The company posted about a dozen images of the burger being assembled, a picture run-through of the process that almost feels like flipping the pages of a book. “We set out to create something bigger and bolder than anything we've done before,” said the company’s executive chef and vice president of culinary innovation John Karangis in an official statement. “The Big Shack is a super stacked burger, built with premium ingredients, an extra bun in the middle and a new secret sauce that brings a whole new flavor dimension. Made to order with the care our guests expect, the Big Shack delivers serious craveability and undeniable value in every bite." Although we don't know how long the burger will be available for, we suggest you snag one ASAP and perhaps post about your craving.