Get ready to be swept away by the magical glow of 2023’s tree lightings and holiday displays in San Francisco and the Bay Area! From the iconic Union Square tree to charming neighborhood illuminations, this year promises a season of dazzling festivities.
Explore a wonderland of twinkling lights, festive cheer, and create cherished memories with loved ones throughout the holiday season.
Friday, November 20
2026 City Center’s Tree Lighting Celebration (San Ramon)
Friday, November 20 – 6:00 pm - Ends at 7:00 pm |
Cost: FREE | City Center Bishop Ranch
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Nov 20, 2026
6:00pm–7:00pm
Join us at City Center Bishop Ranch on Friday, November 20 from 6 PM to 7 PM for our Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. Delight in the sounds of the season with performances by the Monte Vista Band and a group ...
Friday, November 27
Santa Lights a 46-Foot Christmas Tree w/ Free Candy (Ghirardelli Square)
Friday, November 27 – 4:00 pm - Ends at 7:00 pm |
Cost: FREE | Ghirardelli Square
Join us Friday, November 27 at 4:45 PM for our grand 46’ Christmas tree lighting ceremony featuring Santa, Elf, and a special musical performance by the San Francisco Boys Chorus. Follow Santa and his elf for a festive sing-a-long plus Santa visits, letters to Santa ...
Ghirardelli Square’s 46-Ft Tree Lighting: Santa, Candy & Sing-Along (2026)
Friday, November 27 – 4:30 pm - Ends at 8:00 pm |
Cost: FREE | Ghirardelli Square
Join us Friday, November 27 at 4:45 PM for our grand 46’ Christmas tree lighting ceremony featuring Santa, Elf, and a special musical performance by the San Francisco Boys Chorus. Follow Santa and his elf for a festive sing-a-long plus Santa visits, letters to Santa ...
Saturday, November 28
3rd Annual Holiday Tree Lighting, Carousel Lighting + Free Ice Skating (Yerba Buena Gardens)
Come kick off the holiday season with us at Yerba Buena Gardens with a tree lighting, hot cocoa, and more!
With cheer and good spirits, we invite you to celebrate the holiday season at Yerba Buena Gardens. Enjoy hot cocoa, a tree lighting, free carousel rides, ...
Monday, November 30
2026 Nob Hill Tree Lighting Ceremony (SF)
Monday, November 30 – 5:30 pm - Ends at 7:30 pm |
Cost: FREE | Huntington Park
🎄 Join Us for a Magical Evening! ✨The Nob Hill Association is delighted to invite you to our annual Holiday Lighting Celebration at Huntington Park!
This cherished tradition is free and open to the entire community. Come enjoy an unforgettable evening filled with holiday spirit and ...
Castro Holiday Tree Lighting 2026 (SF)
Monday, November 30 – 6:00 pm - Ends at 6:30 pm |
Cost: FREE | Bank of America Plaza
Get ready to kick off the holiday season in style as we light up the iconic Castro Holiday Tree! We’re excited to announce the official lighting of the Castro Holiday Tree, made possible through Castro Merchants Association and the generosity of our beloved benefactors.
This event ...
Wednesday, December 2
The Ritz-Carlton SF’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony 2026 (SF)
Wednesday, December 2 – 5:30 pm - Ends at 7:30 pm |
Cost: FREE | Ritz Carlton Hotel
Join us at our annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, hosted by Betty Yu (KTVU-TV Fox 2) and Liam Mayclem (KCBS Radio) and a Make-A-Wish® Greater Bay Area child. The complimentary-to-the-public event will feature live entertainment with Dickens-era carolers and trumpeters, the legendary tree lighting at the ...
Friday, December 4
Union Square’s 2026 Chanukah Festival: 25-Foot-Tall Menorah (Dec 4-11)
Friday, December 4 – 2:30 pm |
Cost: FREE | Union Square Park
Lighting it up since 1975, San Francisco celebrates the 51st anniversary of the first giant public menorah outside Israel, a landmark Bill Graham project that inspired thousands of menorahs around the world. This year’s eight-night celebration brings music, community gatherings, and nightly ceremonies honoring leaders ...
Free 2026 Hayes Vally Holiday Stroll w/ Snowfall + Tap Dancing Trees (SF)
Friday, December 4 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 8:00 pm |
Cost: FREE | Hayes Valley
Get ready to kick off the most magical season of the year! The Hayes Valley Merchants Council (HVMC) and the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association (HVNA) are thrilled to invite neighbors, families, and visitors from near and far to the annual Hayes Valley Holiday Stroll on ...
San Leandro’s 29th Annual Tree Lighting, Holiday Market, Train Rides & Performances
Friday, December 4 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 9:00 pm |
Cost: FREE | Estudillo Plaza
Downtown San Leandro invites you to the 29th Annual “It’s a Wonderful Night” holiday celebration! Ring in the holidays with the annual tree lighting, holiday performances, free photos with Santa, holiday train rides, kids zone, holiday market, holiday drinks, and more!
This family-friendly event will ...
“Let’s Glow SF” 2026: SF’s Huge Holiday Projection Arts Fest (Opening Night Celebration)
Friday, December 4 – 6:00 pm - Ends at 10:00 pm |
Cost: FREE | Harry Bridges Plaza
Let’s Glow SF, the nation’s largest free holiday projection arts festival, is lighting up downtown San Francisco once again for its sixth and brightest year yet. This all-ages, family-friendly festival runs for 10 dazzling nights from December 4-13, 2026. Experience breathtaking animated projections illuminating iconic buildings ...
Saturday, December 5
City of San Rafael’s Winter Wonderland: 45th Anniversary
A beloved San Rafael holiday tradition returns with a new date this year for the 45th anniversary of Winter Wonderland on Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm in Downtown San Rafael.
This free, family-friendly celebration will feature winter-themed activities, entertainment, and holiday ...
6th Annual Inner Sunset Holiday Stroll (SF)
Join Sunset Mercantile and the businesses of the Inner Sunset for the 6th annual Inner Sunset Holiday Stroll!
Following the Holiday Mercantile on Saturday, December 5th, the 6th annual Inner Sunset Holiday Stroll will take place through the Inner Sunset Merchants Corridor from 5-9pm.
Celebrate this unique ...
“Let’s Glow SF” 2026: SF’s Huge Holiday Projection Arts Festival (Dec. 4-13)
Saturday, December 5 – 5:30 pm - Ends at 10:00 pm |
Cost: FREE | San Francisco's Financial District
Let’s Glow SF, the nation’s largest free holiday projection arts festival, is lighting up downtown San Francisco once again for its sixth and brightest year yet. This all-ages, family-friendly festival runs for 10 dazzling nights from December 4-13, 2026. Experience breathtaking animated projections illuminating iconic buildings ...
Union Square’s 2026 Chanukah Festival: 25-Foot-Tall Menorah (2nd Night)
Saturday, December 5 – 8:00 pm |
Cost: FREE | Union Square Park
Lighting it up since 1975, San Francisco celebrates the 51st anniversary of the first giant public menorah outside Israel, a landmark Bill Graham project that inspired thousands of menorahs around the world. This year’s eight-night celebration brings music, community gatherings, and nightly ceremonies honoring leaders ...
Sunday, December 6
Union Square’s 2026 Chanukah Festival: Bill Graham Menorah Day
Sunday, December 6 – 2:00 pm - Ends at 6:30 pm |
Cost: FREE | Union Square Park
Lighting it up since 1975, San Francisco celebrates the 51st anniversary of the first giant public menorah outside Israel, a landmark Bill Graham project that inspired thousands of menorahs around the world. This year’s eight-night celebration brings music, community gatherings, and nightly ceremonies honoring leaders ...
“Let’s Glow SF” 2026: SF’s Huge Holiday Projection Arts Festival (Dec. 4-13)
Sunday, December 6 – 5:30 pm - Ends at 10:00 pm |
Cost: FREE | San Francisco's Financial District
Let’s Glow SF, the nation’s largest free holiday projection arts festival, is lighting up downtown San Francisco once again for its sixth and brightest year yet. This all-ages, family-friendly festival runs for 10 dazzling nights from December 4-13, 2026. Experience breathtaking animated projections illuminating iconic buildings ...
Monday, December 7
“Let’s Glow SF” 2026: SF’s Huge Holiday Projection Arts Festival (Dec. 4-13)
Monday, December 7 – 5:30 pm - Ends at 10:00 pm |
Cost: FREE | San Francisco's Financial District
Let’s Glow SF, the nation’s largest free holiday projection arts festival, is lighting up downtown San Francisco once again for its sixth and brightest year yet. This all-ages, family-friendly festival runs for 10 dazzling nights from December 4-13, 2026. Experience breathtaking animated projections illuminating iconic buildings ...
Tuesday, December 8
“Let’s Glow SF” 2026: SF’s Huge Holiday Projection Arts Festival (Dec. 4-13)
Tuesday, December 8 – 5:30 pm - Ends at 10:00 pm |
Cost: FREE | San Francisco's Financial District
Let’s Glow SF, the nation’s largest free holiday projection arts festival, is lighting up downtown San Francisco once again for its sixth and brightest year yet. This all-ages, family-friendly festival runs for 10 dazzling nights from December 4-13, 2026. Experience breathtaking animated projections illuminating iconic buildings ...
Wednesday, December 9
“Let’s Glow SF” 2026: SF’s Huge Holiday Projection Arts Festival (Dec. 4-13)
Wednesday, December 9 – 5:30 pm - Ends at 10:00 pm |
Cost: FREE | San Francisco's Financial District
Let’s Glow SF, the nation’s largest free holiday projection arts festival, is lighting up downtown San Francisco once again for its sixth and brightest year yet. This all-ages, family-friendly festival runs for 10 dazzling nights from December 4-13, 2026. Experience breathtaking animated projections illuminating iconic buildings ...
Thursday, December 10
“Let’s Glow SF” 2026: SF’s Huge Holiday Projection Arts Festival (Dec. 4-13)
Thursday, December 10 – 5:30 pm - Ends at 10:00 pm |
Cost: FREE | San Francisco's Financial District
Let’s Glow SF, the nation’s largest free holiday projection arts festival, is lighting up downtown San Francisco once again for its sixth and brightest year yet. This all-ages, family-friendly festival runs for 10 dazzling nights from December 4-13, 2026. Experience breathtaking animated projections illuminating iconic buildings ...
Friday, December 11
“Let’s Glow SF” 2026: SF’s Huge Holiday Projection Arts Festival (Dec. 4-13)
Friday, December 11 – 5:30 pm - Ends at 10:00 pm |
Cost: FREE | San Francisco's Financial District
Let’s Glow SF, the nation’s largest free holiday projection arts festival, is lighting up downtown San Francisco once again for its sixth and brightest year yet. This all-ages, family-friendly festival runs for 10 dazzling nights from December 4-13, 2026. Experience breathtaking animated projections illuminating iconic buildings ...
Twas the Night: Fairyland’s 21+ Musical Night Market (Oakland)
Twas the Night: a musical, magical night market!
Twas the Night is the now-famous grownups only (21+) evening when the Park transforms into a festive holiday party, a concert, and an open-air night market!
Shop for unique holiday gifts made by local artisans, dance under the stars, sip ...
Saturday, December 12
“Let’s Glow SF” 2026: SF’s Huge Holiday Projection Arts Festival (Dec. 4-13)
Saturday, December 12 – 5:30 pm - Ends at 10:00 pm |
Cost: FREE | San Francisco's Financial District
Let’s Glow SF, the nation’s largest free holiday projection arts festival, is lighting up downtown San Francisco once again for its sixth and brightest year yet. This all-ages, family-friendly festival runs for 10 dazzling nights from December 4-13, 2026. Experience breathtaking animated projections illuminating iconic buildings ...
Sunday, December 13
“Let’s Glow SF” 2026: SF’s Huge Holiday Projection Arts Festival (Final Night)
Sunday, December 13 – 5:30 pm - Ends at 10:00 pm |
Cost: FREE | San Francisco's Financial District
Let’s Glow SF, the nation’s largest free holiday projection arts festival, is lighting up downtown San Francisco once again for its sixth and brightest year yet. This all-ages, family-friendly festival runs for 10 dazzling nights from December 4-13, 2026. Experience breathtaking animated projections illuminating iconic buildings ...
