SF’s Most Magical Tree Lightings & Holiday Events 2024
The holidays are just around the corner and you are invited to get into the spirit at tree lightings and holiday festivals all over the Bay Area.
Grab your friends and family and marvel at magical fireworks and twinkling lights, hear carolers sing all your seasonal favorites, as the little ones tell Santa their Christmas wishes.
Bay Area’s Best 2024 Holiday Lighting Events
2019 Embarcadero Center’s Lighting Ceremony & Carnival
Friday, November 22, 2019 | 4-7pm
Embarcadero Center, San Francisco
FREE
Four iconic buildings will light up with 17,000 holiday lights, along with fireworks bursting in the sky and a magical ice skating show. The Building Lighting Ceremony at Embarcadero Center is a San Francisco tradition and the official start of the holiday season in the City.
Conservatory of Flowers’ Night Bloom
Periodic Nights: November 22, 2019 – January 5, 2020
Conservatory of Flowers: 101 John F. Kennedy Dr., San Francisco
Free to watch the light show from outside
Night Bloom, a six-week light and sound exhibition, will transform the iconic San Francisco landmark.
2019 Macy’s Great Tree Lighting
Friday, November 29, 2019 | 6pm (Tree Lighting approx. at 6:50 pm)
Union Square Park | Geary and Powell, San Francisco
FREE to watch
San Francisco’s most recognized Christmas tree stands more than 83-feet tall, decorated with 43,000 twinkling energy-efficient LED lights and 700 shining ornaments. The Great Tree is lit annually on Black Friday.
Pier 39’s Nightly Tree Lighting Show
November 27, 2019 through January 5, 2020 | 5-10pm
PIER 39, The Embarcadero, San Francisco
FREE
Synchronized to holiday music, Pier 39’s Christmas tree transforms into a kaleidoscope of swirling colorsnightly, every half hour from 5-10pm, November 27, 2019 through January 5, 2020.
2019 Illuminate SF Festival of Light
November 28, 2019 – January 1, 2020
All over San Francisco – Map
FREE
Illuminate SF Festival of Light happens Thanksgiving 2019 through New Year’s Day 2020 and shines a light on San Francisco’s ever-expanding light art scene with 40+ different light sculptures (both permanent and temporary) in 17 neighborhoods by 30+ artists.
55th Annual Ghirardelli Square Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, November 29, 2019 | 4–9pm
Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco
FREEGhirardelli Square’s massive Christmas tree lights up for the holidays with live music, crafts and a special appearance by Santa.
San Jose’s Christmas in the Park Opening
Friday, November 29, 2019 | 5-9pm
Plaza de Cesar Chavez, San Jose
FREESan Jose’s favorite holiday tradition, Christmas in the Park is a holiday fantasyland with over 60 musical and animated exhibits. The 40th year kicks off at 5pm on November 29 with the return of the Christmas in the Park Parade followed by the annual tree lighting. New for 2019, enjoy a special musical light show on their 55-foot live Christmas tree each night at 6:00pm with a special guest who will light the Community Giving Tree.
2024 Niles Festival of Lights Parade
Friday, November 29, 2024 | 6pm
– Tree Lighting at 6pm
– Parade Kickoff at 6:30pm
Niles Boulevard
FREEThis wonderful holiday tradition features over 60 unique floats and other entries, marching bands, specialty service units, costumed characters and of course, an appearance by the man himself – Santa Claus.
Yerba Buena Gardens’ Carousel Lighting Ceremony
Saturday, November 30, 2019 | 4-7pm
221 4th St, Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco
FREEPut a “spin” on a classic holiday tradition this winter as the Children’s Creativity Museum lights up the Bay Area’s oldest and most beloved carousel in Yerba Buena Gardens. Plus, take a spin ’round with free carousel rides.
2024 Castro Tree Lighting
Monday, December 2, 2024 | 6 pm
Bank of America Plaza | 501 Castro St., SF
FREEKick off the holidays as San Francisco lights up the iconic 28-foot Castro Holiday tree.
Golden Gate Park’s 90th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
Tuesday, December 3, 2019 | 4-8pm
McLaren Lodge in Golden Gate Park, 501 Stanyan Street (and Fell)
FREEThis free family-friendly event will feature toboggan rides, a snow play area, carnival rides, live entertainment, cookie decorating, visits with Santa and more.
San Francisco Civic Center Plaza Tree Lighting
Wednesday, December 4, 2019 | 4-7pm
Civic Center Community Benefit District, 901 Market Street, Suite 490, San Francisco, CA
FREEThis festive event features holiday entertainment, “snow” flurries, festive bites and drinks, free holiday crafts from community organizations, and a toy giveaway for 400+ children.
Westfield Centre’s Annual Upside Down Tree Lighting
Friday, December 6, 2019 | 6-8pm
Westfield Centre, 865 Market St. Level 4 Under the Dome, SF
FREE, but an RSVP is requiredJoin the San Francisco community in kicking off the holidays under the iconic Emporium Dome with a special lighting of the 50 foot Inverted Crystal Tree. Plus, visit Santa, dance to the DJ, sip hot cocoa, and so much more.
2024 Presidio’s 55-Foot Holiday Tree Lights Up
Friday, December 6, 2024 | Dusk
Presidio Main Post, San Francisco
FREEThe Presidio’s 55-foot holiday tree lights up for the first time. Sadly, The Presidio no longer hosts a tree lighting ceremony, but they light up their tree the first Friday in December and it’ll remain lit through the end of the year.
Grace Cathedral’s World Tree of Hope Celebration
Monday, December 9, 2024 | 6:30-8:30pm
Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St, San Francisco
FREESee the world’s most unique holiday tree light up along with live performances. The World Tree of Hope is the largest origami holiday tree in the world inscribed with wishes for the future of the world.
2024 Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks
Saturday, December 14, 2019 | 6-7:15 pm (Parade starts at 6 pm)
Sausalito Waterfront
FREE to watch the parade and fireworks.Watch dozens of brightly lit and beautifully decorated boats parade along the shoreline.
Saturday, November 23
Wednesday, November 27
Glowfari returns in November 2024! This wildly popular, family-friendly experience features hundreds of ALL new, larger-than-life animal lanterns throughout the Zoo. Each lantern tells the story of the ongoing journey of wildlife, the importance of every species on our planet, and Oakland Zoo’s commitment to ...
Friday, November 29
IlluminOdyssey is back! Catch the light November 16, 2024–January 26, 2025. Inspired by the science of light, IlluminOdyssey is an immersive, interactive installation that will mesmerize kids and adults of all ages*. CuriOdyssey’s four-level Redwood Hall will transform into a glowing forest of science—light your ...
Glowfari returns in November 2024! This wildly popular, family-friendly experience features hundreds of ALL new, larger-than-life animal lanterns throughout the Zoo. Each lantern tells the story of the ongoing journey of wildlife, the importance of every species on our planet, and Oakland Zoo’s commitment to ...
Christmas in the Park is an annual holiday tradition that takes place in the heart of Downtown San José at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez. For over 45 years, this whimsical walk-thru event has brought people from all over the Bay Area together during the ...
Saturday, November 30
Sunday, December 1
Grace Cathedral is partnering with Rainbow World Fund again this year to decorate the most unique holiday tree in the world (see below for how you can help!). The Rainbow World Fund (RWF) World Tree of Hope ® is the largest origami decorated holiday tree ...
Monday, December 2
Tuesday, December 3
Join the San Francisco Symphony and legendary vocalists Peabo Bryson, Jackie Evancho, Jennifer Holliday, and BeBe Winans for a spectacular program of Christmas classics and greatest hits. Holidays With The Symphony Sunday, 12/1 – A Merry-Achi Christmas – Led by the incomparable José Hernández, Mariachi ...
Wednesday, December 4
Join the San Francisco Symphony and legendary vocalists Peabo Bryson, Jackie Evancho, Jennifer Holliday, and BeBe Winans for a spectacular program of Christmas classics and greatest hits. Holidays With The Symphony Sunday, 12/1 – A Merry-Achi Christmas – Led by the incomparable José Hernández, Mariachi ...
Friday, December 6
The most wonderful time of the year is nearly here — The 5th annual Winterfest returns to TJPA’s Salesforce Park, December 6-8, 2024! The annual festivities begin on the night of Friday, December 6th rom 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. featuring free crafts, live music from ...
Let’s Glow SF, the country’s largest holiday projection event, will return to downtown San Francisco for the 2024 holiday season. From December 6th through 15th, this free outdoor holiday event will use high-tech projectors and lasers to showcase whimsical, large-scale pieces of animated art across the facade of ...
Saturday, December 7
The most wonderful time of the year is nearly here — The 5th annual Winterfest returns to TJPA’s Salesforce Park, December 6-8, 2024! The annual festivities begin on the night of Friday, December 6th rom 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. featuring free crafts, live music from ...
The most wonderful time of the year is nearly here — The 5th annual Winterfest returns to TJPA’s Salesforce Park, December 6-8, 2024! The annual festivities begin on the night of Friday, December 6th rom 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. featuring free crafts, live music from ...
Let’s Glow SF, the country’s largest holiday projection event, will return to downtown San Francisco for the 2024 holiday season. From December 6th through 15th, this free outdoor holiday event will use high-tech projectors and lasers to showcase whimsical, large-scale pieces of animated art across the facade of ...
Sunday, December 8
The most wonderful time of the year is nearly here — The 5th annual Winterfest returns to TJPA’s Salesforce Park, December 6-8, 2024! The annual festivities begin on the night of Friday, December 6th rom 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. featuring free crafts, live music from ...
Let’s Glow SF, the country’s largest holiday projection event, will return to downtown San Francisco for the 2024 holiday season. From December 6th through 15th, this free outdoor holiday event will use high-tech projectors and lasers to showcase whimsical, large-scale pieces of animated art across the facade of ...
Monday, December 9
Let’s Glow SF, the country’s largest holiday projection event, will return to downtown San Francisco for the 2024 holiday season. From December 6th through 15th, this free outdoor holiday event will use high-tech projectors and lasers to showcase whimsical, large-scale pieces of animated art across the facade of ...
Grace Cathedral is partnering with Rainbow World Fund again this year to decorate the most unique holiday tree in the world (see below for how you can help!). The Rainbow World Fund (RWF) World Tree of Hope ® is the largest origami decorated holiday tree ...
Tuesday, December 10
Let’s Glow SF, the country’s largest holiday projection event, will return to downtown San Francisco for the 2024 holiday season. From December 6th through 15th, this free outdoor holiday event will use high-tech projectors and lasers to showcase whimsical, large-scale pieces of animated art across the facade of ...
Wednesday, December 11
Let’s Glow SF, the country’s largest holiday projection event, will return to downtown San Francisco for the 2024 holiday season. From December 6th through 15th, this free outdoor holiday event will use high-tech projectors and lasers to showcase whimsical, large-scale pieces of animated art across the facade of ...
Thursday, December 12
Let’s Glow SF, the country’s largest holiday projection event, will return to downtown San Francisco for the 2024 holiday season. From December 6th through 15th, this free outdoor holiday event will use high-tech projectors and lasers to showcase whimsical, large-scale pieces of animated art across the facade of ...
Friday, December 13
Let’s Glow SF, the country’s largest holiday projection event, will return to downtown San Francisco for the 2024 holiday season. From December 6th through 15th, this free outdoor holiday event will use high-tech projectors and lasers to showcase whimsical, large-scale pieces of animated art across the facade of ...
Saturday, December 14
Let’s Glow SF, the country’s largest holiday projection event, will return to downtown San Francisco for the 2024 holiday season. From December 6th through 15th, this free outdoor holiday event will use high-tech projectors and lasers to showcase whimsical, large-scale pieces of animated art across the facade of ...
Sunday, December 15
Let’s Glow SF, the country’s largest holiday projection event, will return to downtown San Francisco for the 2024 holiday season. From December 6th through 15th, this free outdoor holiday event will use high-tech projectors and lasers to showcase whimsical, large-scale pieces of animated art across the facade of ...
Friday, December 20
Saturday, December 21
Glide into the holiday season at Winter Wonderland Ice Skating in Thrive City! Join us for a smooth synthetic ice skating experience in the heart of Mission Bay. 2024 Thrive City Winter Wonderland Ice Skating Sessions: Dec. 21 – RSVP Dec. 22 – RSVP Dec. 24 ...
Sunday, December 22
Glide into the holiday season at Winter Wonderland Ice Skating in Thrive City! Join us for a smooth synthetic ice skating experience in the heart of Mission Bay. 2024 Thrive City Winter Wonderland Ice Skating Sessions: Dec. 21 – RSVP Dec. 22 – RSVP Dec. 24 ...
Glowfari returns in November 2024! This wildly popular, family-friendly experience features hundreds of ALL new, larger-than-life animal lanterns throughout the Zoo. Each lantern tells the story of the ongoing journey of wildlife, the importance of every species on our planet, and Oakland Zoo’s commitment to ...
Tuesday, December 24
Glide into the holiday season at Winter Wonderland Ice Skating in Thrive City! Join us for a smooth synthetic ice skating experience in the heart of Mission Bay. 2024 Thrive City Winter Wonderland Ice Skating Sessions: Dec. 21 – RSVP Dec. 22 – RSVP Dec. 24 ...
Christmas in the Park is an annual holiday tradition that takes place in the heart of Downtown San José at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez. For over 45 years, this whimsical walk-thru event has brought people from all over the Bay Area together during the ...
Wednesday, December 25
Christmas in the Park is an annual holiday tradition that takes place in the heart of Downtown San José at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez. For over 45 years, this whimsical walk-thru event has brought people from all over the Bay Area together during the ...
Lighting it up since 1975! This is our 49th Year! The First Giant Public Menorah outside of Israel has inspired thousands of Menorahs around the world! Chanukah In Union Square Dec 25th – Jan 2nd The 1st Lighting: Wednesday, Dec 25th Bill Graham Menorah Day ...
Thursday, December 26
Glide into the holiday season at Winter Wonderland Ice Skating in Thrive City! Join us for a smooth synthetic ice skating experience in the heart of Mission Bay. 2024 Thrive City Winter Wonderland Ice Skating Sessions: Dec. 21 – RSVP Dec. 22 – RSVP Dec. 24 ...
Lighting it up since 1975! This is our 49th Year! The First Giant Public Menorah outside of Israel has inspired thousands of Menorahs around the world! Chanukah In Union Square Dec 25th – Jan 2nd The 1st Lighting: Wednesday, Dec 25th Bill Graham Menorah Day ...
Friday, December 27
Glide into the holiday season at Winter Wonderland Ice Skating in Thrive City! Join us for a smooth synthetic ice skating experience in the heart of Mission Bay. 2024 Thrive City Winter Wonderland Ice Skating Sessions: Dec. 21 – RSVP Dec. 22 – RSVP Dec. 24 ...
Lighting it up since 1975! This is our 49th Year! The First Giant Public Menorah outside of Israel has inspired thousands of Menorahs around the world! Chanukah In Union Square Dec 25th – Jan 2nd The 1st Lighting: Wednesday, Dec 25th Bill Graham Menorah Day ...
Saturday, December 28
Lighting it up since 1975! This is our 49th Year! The First Giant Public Menorah outside of Israel has inspired thousands of Menorahs around the world! Chanukah In Union Square Dec 25th – Jan 2nd The 1st Lighting: Wednesday, Dec 25th Bill Graham Menorah Day ...
Sunday, December 29
Lighting it up since 1975! This is our 49th Year! The First Giant Public Menorah outside of Israel has inspired thousands of Menorahs around the world! Chanukah In Union Square Dec 25th – Jan 2nd The 1st Lighting: Wednesday, Dec 25th Bill Graham Menorah Day ...
Monday, December 30
Lighting it up since 1975! This is our 49th Year! The First Giant Public Menorah outside of Israel has inspired thousands of Menorahs around the world! Chanukah In Union Square Dec 25th – Jan 2nd The 1st Lighting: Wednesday, Dec 25th Bill Graham Menorah Day ...
Tuesday, December 31
IlluminOdyssey is back! Catch the light November 16, 2024–January 26, 2025. Inspired by the science of light, IlluminOdyssey is an immersive, interactive installation that will mesmerize kids and adults of all ages*. CuriOdyssey’s four-level Redwood Hall will transform into a glowing forest of science—light your ...
Christmas in the Park is an annual holiday tradition that takes place in the heart of Downtown San José at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez. For over 45 years, this whimsical walk-thru event has brought people from all over the Bay Area together during the ...
Glowfari returns in November 2024! This wildly popular, family-friendly experience features hundreds of ALL new, larger-than-life animal lanterns throughout the Zoo. Each lantern tells the story of the ongoing journey of wildlife, the importance of every species on our planet, and Oakland Zoo’s commitment to ...
Lighting it up since 1975! This is our 49th Year! The First Giant Public Menorah outside of Israel has inspired thousands of Menorahs around the world! Chanukah In Union Square Dec 25th – Jan 2nd The 1st Lighting: Wednesday, Dec 25th Bill Graham Menorah Day ...
Wednesday, January 1
Christmas in the Park is an annual holiday tradition that takes place in the heart of Downtown San José at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez. For over 45 years, this whimsical walk-thru event has brought people from all over the Bay Area together during the ...
Lighting it up since 1975! This is our 49th Year! The First Giant Public Menorah outside of Israel has inspired thousands of Menorahs around the world! Chanukah In Union Square Dec 25th – Jan 2nd The 1st Lighting: Wednesday, Dec 25th Bill Graham Menorah Day ...
Glowfari returns in November 2024! This wildly popular, family-friendly experience features hundreds of ALL new, larger-than-life animal lanterns throughout the Zoo. Each lantern tells the story of the ongoing journey of wildlife, the importance of every species on our planet, and Oakland Zoo’s commitment to ...
Saturday, January 4
Grace Cathedral is partnering with Rainbow World Fund again this year to decorate the most unique holiday tree in the world (see below for how you can help!). The Rainbow World Fund (RWF) World Tree of Hope ® is the largest origami decorated holiday tree ...
Monday, January 20
IlluminOdyssey is back! Catch the light November 16, 2024–January 26, 2025. Inspired by the science of light, IlluminOdyssey is an immersive, interactive installation that will mesmerize kids and adults of all ages*. CuriOdyssey’s four-level Redwood Hall will transform into a glowing forest of science—light your ...
Sunday, January 26
IlluminOdyssey is back! Catch the light November 16, 2024–January 26, 2025. Inspired by the science of light, IlluminOdyssey is an immersive, interactive installation that will mesmerize kids and adults of all ages*. CuriOdyssey’s four-level Redwood Hall will transform into a glowing forest of science—light your ...
Glowfari returns in November 2024! This wildly popular, family-friendly experience features hundreds of ALL new, larger-than-life animal lanterns throughout the Zoo. Each lantern tells the story of the ongoing journey of wildlife, the importance of every species on our planet, and Oakland Zoo’s commitment to ...
