A tip for travelers to San Francisco this week: Ghirardelli Square will be hosting the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Black Friday, November 25. After feasting on Thanksgiving turkey and all the fixings, celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with some festive merry-making (and lots of Ghiradelli Peppermint Bark Squares!) in San Francisco's Ghirardelli Square. The whole family will enjoy the free, live entertainment throughout the day- with performances by the San Francisco City Opera, Contra Coastal Chorale and Yuletide Carolers. It all culminates with the lighting of the Ghirardelli Square tree at 5:30 pm.

Psst. Lola Toy Stop will be offering a small gift for each child visiting the toy stop during The 47th Ghirardelli Square Tree Lighting Ceremony! In addition to sampling your fair share of complimentary Ghiradelli chocolate squares, we suggest indulging in their world-famous hot chocolate, too.

Looking for a place to crash in the lovely City by the Bay? Five Star Alliance has a bevy of recommendations for four- and five-star hotels.

Photo by Hyatt at Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco