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Christmas eve traditions in full swing across San Francisco
From comedy shows, to church services, to prime rib, people celebrated Christmas Eve with their favorite traditions in San Francisco.
SAN FRANCISCO - Christmas Eve celebrations were in full swing across San Francisco, from the spiritual services at local churches to festive dining experiences at beloved restaurants.
At Grace Cathedral, preparations were underway for the much-anticipated midnight mass, set to begin at 10:30 p.m. The cathedral was bustling with visitors.
Meanwhile, at the iconic House of Prime Rib, a San Francisco institution, the holiday tradition of Christmas Eve dining was on full display in the evening. Known for its hearty meals and classic atmosphere, the restaurant served a packed house.
Many diners made reservations a year in advance. For those without a reservation, the wait stretched up to three hours for the final seating at 10 p.m.
Dru Babcock, a San Francisco native, has made dining at House of Prime Rib a family tradition for decades.
"This place has been the same since I was a kid," Babcock said. "I can always count on the food being delicious, and I go home a little too full, actually."
The restaurant, which expects to serve 1,000 diners on Christmas Eve, said the holiday crowd is a multi-generational one.
"It's a family restaurant, so we have people coming – from when they’re young until they’re old," said Evan Burns, a manager at House of Prime Rib.
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In Chinatown, the 32nd annual Kung Pao Kosher Comedy dinner show was a sell-out success at Imperial Palace restaurant. The three-day event features four comedians and a multi-course meal each night.
Proceeds benefit two charities, including the Chinatown YMCA food pantry and Shalom Bayit, an organization dedicated to preventing domestic violence.
Lisa Geduldig, the comedian and producer behind the show, reflected on its growth over the years.
"It's amazing," she said. "I thought it was going to be a one-off, but it just got popular. It brings people together, and you don’t have to be Jewish, you just have to enjoy comedy."
In nearby North Beach, Saints Peter and Paul Church was filled with worshipers for Christmas Eve Mass.
For fourth-generation San Franciscan Robert Aicardi, attending mass here has been a family tradition for decades. He brought his wife and three children to the service.
"My family's been here since 1921, and Saints Peter and Paul has been a part of our family. The 5 p.m. family mass has always been a tradition, since my grandparents, my parents, and even my five brothers who all went to school here."
Saints Peter and Paul Church also held a midnight mass, complete with Christmas carolers to celebrate the holiday.