2017 Christmas Traditions at the Westin

When looking for holiday things to do this year, check out the Westin in Union Square. They'll have the 12-feet tall Medieval Sugar Castle and the St. Francis Enchanted Castle. Plus, their popular St. Francis Sweet Boutique will be filled with tasty treats, plus holiday décor in both lobbies.

CASTLES
On November 22 at 11 a.m., their executive pastry chef Jean-Francois Houdré and his team will unveil two unique handcrafted castles in the Landmark Lobby. They'll reveal their 12-ft. Medieval sugar castle, originally created in 2005. It resembles a French chateau inspired by Chef Houdre’s travels, and features grand circular towers, individual rooms and colorful illuminated windows.

The St. Francis Enchanted Castle showcases a winter wonderland of elaborate gift boxes, gingerbread trees and brilliantly colored candies, all intricately handmade with sugar and pastry. Elves can be spotted climbing all the way up to a towering sugar castle. This event is open to the public and will feature complimentary coffee and tray-passed cookies. Both castles are on display through January 2.

ST. FRANCIS SWEET BOUTIQUE
Also in the Landmark Lobby, Chef Houdré and his team offer freshly baked decorative cookies, orange-scented shortbread, gingerbread men, holiday Parisian macarons and rice crispy treats, available for purchase. It's open Saturdays and Sundays from November 25 - December 23; 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

DECORATIONS
On November 23, The hotel will show off its holiday decorations, in the Landmark Lobby. Look for a large illuminated tree and the two sugar castles. The Tower Lobby will have a 20-feet tree with 10,000 LED lights to illuminate green and gold gift boxes and historic images of years past. Santa’s sleigh, filled with an assortment of decorative gift boxes, and holiday décor will garnish the front desk area. Large wreaths embellished with lights and ornaments will be displayed throughout the hotel. On display through January 2.

For another holiday experience, make reservations for the St. Francis Holiday Tea (November 25–December 17) on Saturdays and Sundays only, from noon to 4. For reservations, call (415) 774-0264.