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SF’s Most Magical Tree Lightings & Holiday Events 2024

All the biggest lighting ceremonies and the Bay’s most special Xmas & holiday events
By - posted 11/28/2024 No Comment

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

2024 “Let’s Glow” Downtown SF Light Show

December 6-15, 2024 | 5:30-10p nightly
Opening Night Celebration, Friday, December 6, 2024 5-7p
Downtown San Francisco
FREE

The country’s largest holiday projection event with large-scale pieces of animate art across the facade of eight iconic buildings in Downtown SF including the Ferry Building, Salesforce Tower, One Bush Plaza and more.

Kevin Shea Adams

Downtown SF Let’s Glow SF



2024 Embarcadero Center’s Lighting Ceremony

Thursday, November 21, 2024 | 4pm
Embarcadero Center, San Francisco
FREE

Celebrate the official start of the holiday season with the 38th Annual Building Lighting Ceremony at Embarcadero Center with a festive holiday market with live music and the breathtaking sight of Embarcadero Center lighting up the sky with 17,000 dazzling lights outlining the buildings.

BXP

Conservatory of Flowers’ Photosynthesis Light & Sound Show 2024

Nightly starting November 8, 2024 | From approx. 30 min after sundown to midnight
Conservatory of Flowers: 101 John F. Kennedy Dr., San Francisco
Free to watch the light show from outside

Photosynthesis is a light and sound exhibition that transforms the iconic San Francisco landmark’s all-white glasshouse into a series of exquisite scenes inspired by the rare tropical flowers growing within this national landmark. Bundle up and spread out a blanket on the lawn in front of the Conservatory of Flowers for an amazing evening of free music and psychedelic visuals in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park every night at sunset.


2024 Macy’s Union Square Great Christmas Tree

November 13, 2024 – January 1, 2025
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. Although the tree will make another appearance in Union Square and will be lit throughout the holidays, there isn’t an official tree lighting ceremony in 2024.


Pier 39’s Nightly Tree Lighting Show 2024

November 26, 2024 through January 5, 2025 | 5-10pm
PIER 39, The Embarcadero, San Francisco
FREE

Synchronized and choreographed to festive holiday music
, the tree “performs” every half hour from 5-10pm, becoming a kaleidoscope of swirling colors and songs, adorned with thousands of glittering specialty lights and ornaments. At the end of each performance, the tree magically returns to a static, elegant, traditional Christmas tree.


Illuminate SF Festival of Light

Year Round
All over San Francisco
FREE

San Francisco’s annual Illuminate Festival of Light typically happened November through January, highlighting San Francisco’s ever-expanding light art scene with 40+ different light sculptures (both permanent and temporary) in 17 neighborhoods by 30+ artists. We’re not sure if there’s an official festival organized for 2024, but many of the light sculptures are permanent installations, so you can make your own tour around The City to view them. View our 2022 guide for permanent installation information and find Illuminate sculptures by neighborhood.


2024 Ghirardelli Square Tree Lighting Ceremony

Friday, November 29, 2024 | 4:30–8pm
Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco
FREE

Ghirardelli Square’s massive Christmas tree lights up for the holidays with an annual holiday performance by the SF Boys Chorus, singing classic holiday tunes around the fountain in the Main Plaza.


San Jose’s Christmas in the Park Opening 2024

November 9, 2024 – January 1, 2025 | Noon – 10pm
Tree Lighting: Friday, November 29, 2024 | 6pm
Plaza de Cesar Chavez, San Jose
FREE

San Jose’s favorite holiday tradition, Christmas in the Park is a 2-acre holiday fantasyland with over 40 musical and animated exhibits, glittering lights and the 65-foot illuminated Community Giving Tree. Join in for the traditional tree lighting ceremony starting at 6pm.


2024 Niles Festival of Lights Parade

Friday, November 29, 2024 | 6pm
– Tree Lighting at 6pm
– Parade Kickoff at 6:30pm
Niles Boulevard
FREE

This 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.


2024 Yerba Buena Gardens’ Carousel Lighting Ceremony

Saturday, November 30, 2024 | 4-6pm
221 4th St, Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco
FREE

Put 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
FREE

Kick off the holidays as San Francisco lights up the iconic 28-foot Castro Holiday tree.


Golden Gate Park’s 95th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting

Thursday, December 5, 2024 | 4-8pm
McLaren Lodge in Golden Gate Park, 501 Stanyan Street (and Fell)
FREE

Join in for the 95th annual holiday tree lighting in Golden Gate Park with carnival rides and games, holiday activities, lighted park attractions, live entertainment, food for sale, and the ceremonial lighting of Uncle John’s tree—the historic 100-foot tall Monterey cypress outside of McLaren Lodge


San Francisco Civic Center Plaza Tree Lighting 2024

Wednesday, December 4, 2024 | 4-7pm
Civic Center Community Benefit District, 901 Market Street, Suite 490, San Francisco, CA
FREE

This festive event features holiday entertainment, “snow” flurries, festive bites and drinks, a Makers Village with free holiday crafts, and a toy giveaway for 500+ children.


CANCELLED: 2024 Presidio’s 55-Foot Holiday Tree Lights Up

CANCELLED for 2024 | Dusk (typically the first Friday in December, but the event has been cancelled for 2024 due to construction)
Presidio Main Post, San Francisco
FREE

The Presidio’s 55-foot holiday tree lights up for the first time. Sadly, The Presidio no longer hosts a tree lighting ceremony, but they typically light up their tree the first Friday in December and remains lit through the end of the year.


Presidio Tunnel Tops Tree Lighting

December 1, Ongoing
Presidio Visitor Center, San Francisco
FREE

The Presidio’s 55-foot Norfolk Pine is taking a break this holiday due to construction. But the trees at the Presidio Tunnel Tops are decked out! Come for an evening stroll along the site, enjoy holiday lights and glowing low lights under the sculptural benches, with a view on the Golden Gate Bridge.


Grace Cathedral’s World Tree of Hope Celebration 2024

Monday, December 9, 2024 | 6:30-8:30pm
Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St, San Francisco
FREE

See 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, 2024 | 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.


Tuesday, December 24

Free Peet’s Coffee Day (Christmas Eve 2024)
Tuesday, December 24 – 5:30 am - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*One free complimentary brewed coffee or tea per person. Donations are encouraged. Participating Peet's only
| Peet's (Bay Area)
Free Peet's Coffee Day (Christmas Eve 2024)
For 2024 again Peet’s is treating Peetnicks to a free small drip coffee or brewed tea on Christmas Eve, December 24 at participating locations. Free Peet’s Coffee on Christmas Eve Tuesday, December 24, 2024 | All day (call your local Peet’s for hours) Participating Bay Area Peet’s Coffee ...
SF’s “Winter Wonderland”: Free Ice Skating & Santa on Xmas Eve
SF's "Winter Wonderland": Free Ice Skating & Santa on Xmas Eve

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 Eve at San Jose’s 2024 “Christmas in the Park”
Tuesday, December 24 – 12:00 pm - Ends at 10:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free, but donations are accepted
| Plaza de Cesar Chavez
Christmas Eve at San Jose's 2024 "Christmas in the Park"

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 ...

“Enchant” 2024: Christmas Eve at the World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze
Tuesday, December 24 – 4:30 pm - Ends at 10:30 pm | Cost: $27*
*Tickets start at $27 + fees. Prices may fluctuate with demand. Ice Skating for additional $15.
| PayPal Park (San Jose)
"Enchant" 2024: Christmas Eve at the World's Largest Christmas Light Maze

Enchant Christmas, home to the world’s largest Christmas light maze, returns to PayPal Park with an all new theme, Reindeer Games. Experience a world of Christmas wonder as you journey into the heart of a magical holiday tale. Set against a dazzling backdrop, your adventure ...

2024 Pier 39 Christmas Eve Tree Lighting Show
Tuesday, December 24 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 10:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Pier 39
2024 Pier 39 Christmas Eve Tree Lighting Show

An awe-inspiring Christmas tree has welcomed millions of visitors at the Entrance Plaza of PIER 39 every holiday season since 1983 (except 2020), becoming a not-to-be-missed San Francisco holiday tradition. Synchronized and choreographed to festive Holiday music, the tree “performs” every half hour from 5-10pm, ...

SF’s Epic “Photosynthesis” Light Show (Conservatory of Flowers)
Tuesday, December 24 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 11:59 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free to watch from outside the building.
| San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers
SF's Epic "Photosynthesis" Light Show (Conservatory of Flowers)

Light up the season with Photosynthesis, This beautiful light art installation was developed in partnership with the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department and was designed by Lumigeek with music by Tim Digulla. The installation uses special projectors to transform the all-white glasshouse into a ...

SF City Hall Lights Up for Christmas Eve (2024)
Tuesday, December 24 – 5:30 pm - Ends at 7:00 am | Cost: FREE | San Francisco City Hall
SF City Hall Lights Up for Christmas Eve (2024)

Every evening at sunset, over 220 state-of-the-art LED lighting fixtures illuminate City Hall’s exterior. Normally, a soft white glow shows off the play of light and shadow on the full façade and dome. Frequently, special plaza façade lighting schemes honor or celebrate events, seasons, and ...

Wednesday, December 25

Christmas Day at San Jose’s 2024 “Christmas in the Park”
Wednesday, December 25 – 12:00 pm - Ends at 10:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free, but donations are accepted
| Plaza de Cesar Chavez
Christmas Day at San Jose's 2024 "Christmas in the Park"

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 ...

“Enchant” 2024: World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze in San Jose (Christmas Day)
Wednesday, December 25 – 4:30 pm - Ends at 10:30 pm | Cost: $27*
*Tickets start at $27 + fees. Prices may fluctuate with demand. Ice Skating for additional $15.
| PayPal Park (San Jose)
"Enchant" 2024: World's Largest Christmas Light Maze in San Jose (Christmas Day)

Enchant Christmas, home to the world’s largest Christmas light maze, returns to PayPal Park with an all new theme, Reindeer Games. Experience a world of Christmas wonder as you journey into the heart of a magical holiday tale. Set against a dazzling backdrop, your adventure ...

2024 Pier 39 Christmas Tree Lighting Show
Wednesday, December 25 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 10:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Pier 39
2024 Pier 39 Christmas Tree Lighting Show

An awe-inspiring Christmas tree has welcomed millions of visitors at the Entrance Plaza of PIER 39 every holiday season since 1983 (except 2020), becoming a not-to-be-missed San Francisco holiday tradition. Synchronized and choreographed to festive Holiday music, the tree “performs” every half hour from 5-10pm, ...

SF’s Epic “Photosynthesis” Light Show (Conservatory of Flowers)
Wednesday, December 25 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 11:59 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free to watch from outside the building.
| San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers
SF's Epic "Photosynthesis" Light Show (Conservatory of Flowers)

Light up the season with Photosynthesis, This beautiful light art installation was developed in partnership with the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department and was designed by Lumigeek with music by Tim Digulla. The installation uses special projectors to transform the all-white glasshouse into a ...

SF City Hall Lights Up for First Night of Hanukkah 2024
Wednesday, December 25 – 5:30 pm - Ends at 7:00 am | Cost: FREE | San Francisco City Hall
SF City Hall Lights Up for First Night of Hanukkah 2024

Every evening at sunset, over 220 state-of-the-art LED lighting fixtures illuminate City Hall’s exterior. Normally, a soft white glow shows off the play of light and shadow on the full façade and dome. Frequently, special plaza façade lighting schemes honor or celebrate events, seasons, and ...

Union Square’s 2024 Chanukah Festival: 25-Foot-Tall Menorah (Dec. 25-Jan 2)
Wednesday, December 25 – 3:30 am - Ends at 6:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Union Square Park
Union Square's 2024 Chanukah Festival: 25-Foot-Tall Menorah (Dec. 25-Jan 2)

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 25, 2024 – Jan 2, 2025 The 1st Lighting: Wednesday, Dec 25th Bill Graham ...

Thursday, December 26

SF’s “Winter Wonderland”: Free Ice Skating, Santa & DJ Skate Party 2024
SF’s “Winter Wonderland”: Free Ice Skating, Santa & DJ Skate Party 2024

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 ...

Union Square’s 2024 Chanukah Festival: 25-Foot-Tall Menorah: 2nd Night
Thursday, December 26 – 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Union Square Park
Union Square's 2024 Chanukah Festival: 25-Foot-Tall Menorah: 2nd Night

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 25, 2024 – Jan 2, 2025 The 1st Lighting: Wednesday, Dec 25th Bill Graham ...

SF City Hall Lights Up for First Night of Kwanzaa (2024)
Thursday, December 26 – 5:30 pm - Ends at 7:00 am | Cost: FREE | San Francisco City Hall
SF City Hall Lights Up for First Night of Kwanzaa (2024)

Every evening at sunset, over 220 state-of-the-art LED lighting fixtures illuminate City Hall’s exterior. Normally, a soft white glow shows off the play of light and shadow on the full façade and dome. Frequently, special plaza façade lighting schemes honor or celebrate events, seasons, and ...

Friday, December 27

SF’s “Winter Wonderland”: Free Ice Skating, Santa & DJ Skate Party 2024
SF’s “Winter Wonderland”: Free Ice Skating, Santa & DJ Skate Party 2024

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 ...

Union Square’s 2024 Chanukah Festival: 25-Foot-Tall Menorah: 3rd Night
Friday, December 27 – 2:30 pm | Cost: FREE | Union Square Park
Union Square's 2024 Chanukah Festival: 25-Foot-Tall Menorah: 3rd Night

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 25, 2024 – Jan 2, 2025 The 1st Lighting: Wednesday, Dec 25th Bill Graham ...

Saturday, December 28

Union Square’s 2024 Chanukah Festival: 25-Foot-Tall Menorah: 4th Night
Saturday, December 28 – 8:30 pm | Cost: FREE | Union Square Park
Union Square's 2024 Chanukah Festival: 25-Foot-Tall Menorah: 4th Night

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 25, 2024 – Jan 2, 2025 The 1st Lighting: Wednesday, Dec 25th Bill Graham ...

Sunday, December 29

Union Square’s 2024 Chanukah Festival: Bill Graham Menorah Day
Sunday, December 29 – 2:00 pm - Ends at 6:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Union Square Park
Union Square's 2024 Chanukah Festival: Bill Graham Menorah Day

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 25, 2024 – Jan 2, 2025 The 1st Lighting: Wednesday, Dec 25th Bill Graham ...

Monday, December 30

Union Square’s 2024 Chanukah Festival: 6th Night
Monday, December 30 – 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Union Square Park
Union Square's 2024 Chanukah Festival: 6th Night

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 25, 2024 – Jan 2, 2025 The 1st Lighting: Wednesday, Dec 25th Bill Graham ...

Tuesday, December 31

NYE “IlluminOdyssey” Dazzling Winter Lights
Tuesday, December 31 – 10:00 am - Ends at 3:00 pm | Cost: $27.95*
*$27.95 Adults; $23.95 Children, Students & Seniors
| CuriOdyssey
NYE "IlluminOdyssey" Dazzling Winter Lights

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 ...

New Year’s Eve at San Jose’s 2024 “Christmas in the Park”
Tuesday, December 31 – 12:00 pm - Ends at 10:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free, but donations are accepted
| Plaza de Cesar Chavez
New Year's Eve at San Jose's 2024 "Christmas in the Park"

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 ...

New Year’s Eve at Oakland Zoo’s “Glowfari” 2024 Lights Festival
New Year's Eve at Oakland Zoo's "Glowfari" 2024 Lights Festival

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 ...

SF’s NYE “Photosynthesis” Light Show (Conservatory of Flowers)
Tuesday, December 31 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 11:59 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free to watch from outside the building.
| San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers
SF's NYE "Photosynthesis" Light Show (Conservatory of Flowers)

Light up the season with Photosynthesis, This beautiful light art installation was developed in partnership with the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department and was designed by Lumigeek with music by Tim Digulla. The installation uses special projectors to transform the all-white glasshouse into a ...

2024 Pier 39 New Year’s Eve Christmas Tree Lighting Show
Tuesday, December 31 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 10:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Pier 39
2024 Pier 39 New Year's Eve Christmas Tree Lighting Show

An awe-inspiring Christmas tree has welcomed millions of visitors at the Entrance Plaza of PIER 39 every holiday season since 1983 (except 2020), becoming a not-to-be-missed San Francisco holiday tradition. Synchronized and choreographed to festive Holiday music, the tree “performs” every half hour from 5-10pm, ...

Union Square’s 2024 Chanukah Festival: 25-Foot-Tall Menorah: 7th Night
Tuesday, December 31 – 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Union Square Park
Union Square's 2024 Chanukah Festival: 25-Foot-Tall Menorah: 7th Night

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 25, 2024 – Jan 2, 2025 The 1st Lighting: Wednesday, Dec 25th Bill Graham ...

SF City Hall Lights Up for New Year’s Eve (2024)
Tuesday, December 31 – 5:30 pm - Ends at 7:00 am | Cost: FREE | San Francisco City Hall
SF City Hall Lights Up for New Year's Eve (2024)

Every evening at sunset, over 220 state-of-the-art LED lighting fixtures illuminate City Hall’s exterior. Normally, a soft white glow shows off the play of light and shadow on the full façade and dome. Frequently, special plaza façade lighting schemes honor or celebrate events, seasons, and ...

Wednesday, January 1

New Year’s (& Final) Day 2025 at San Jose’s “Christmas in the Park”
Wednesday, January 1 – 12:00 pm - Ends at 10:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free, but donations are accepted
| Plaza de Cesar Chavez
New Year's (& Final) Day 2025 at San Jose's "Christmas in the Park"

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 ...

Union Square’s 2024 Chanukah Festival: 25-Foot-Tall Menorah: Final Night
Wednesday, January 1 – 4:00 pm - Ends at 6:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Union Square Park
Union Square's 2024 Chanukah Festival: 25-Foot-Tall Menorah: Final Night

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 25, 2024 – Jan 2, 2025 The 1st Lighting: Wednesday, Dec 25th Bill Graham ...

New Year’s Day at Oakland Zoo’s “Glowfari” 2024 Lights Festival
New Year's Day at Oakland Zoo's "Glowfari" 2024 Lights Festival

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 ...

SF’s “Photosynthesis” Light Show (Conservatory of Flowers)
Wednesday, January 1 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 11:59 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free to watch from outside the building.
| San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers
SF's "Photosynthesis" Light Show (Conservatory of Flowers)

Light up the season with Photosynthesis, This beautiful light art installation was developed in partnership with the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department and was designed by Lumigeek with music by Tim Digulla. The installation uses special projectors to transform the all-white glasshouse into a ...

2024 Pier 39 New Year’s Day Christmas Tree Lighting Show
Wednesday, January 1 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 10:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Pier 39
2024 Pier 39 New Year's Day Christmas Tree Lighting Show

An awe-inspiring Christmas tree has welcomed millions of visitors at the Entrance Plaza of PIER 39 every holiday season since 1983 (except 2020), becoming a not-to-be-missed San Francisco holiday tradition. Synchronized and choreographed to festive Holiday music, the tree “performs” every half hour from 5-10pm, ...

SF City Hall Lights Up Gold for New Year’s Day (2025)
Wednesday, January 1 – 5:01 pm - Ends at 7:00 am | Cost: FREE | San Francisco City Hall
SF City Hall Lights Up Gold for New Year's Day (2025)

San Francisco’s City Hall and its 220+ state-of-the-art LED lighting fixtures get into the New Year’s spirit by illuminating in gold for New Year’s Day. City Hall Holiday Lighting Schedule Wednesday, January 1, 2025 – gold – Happy New Year!! 😊 The schedule is always tentative for ...

Saturday, January 4

2024 World’s Largest Origami Tree “Tree of Hope” Final Day (Grace Cathedral)
Saturday, January 4 – 9:00 am - Ends at 5:30 pm | Cost: FREE | Grace Cathedral
2024 World's Largest Origami Tree "Tree of Hope" Final Day (Grace Cathedral)

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 ...

Sunday, January 5

2024 Pier 39 Christmas Tree Lighting Show (Final Night)
Sunday, January 5 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 10:00 pm | Cost: FREE | Pier 39
2024 Pier 39 Christmas Tree Lighting Show (Final Night)

An awe-inspiring Christmas tree has welcomed millions of visitors at the Entrance Plaza of PIER 39 every holiday season since 1983 (except 2020), becoming a not-to-be-missed San Francisco holiday tradition. Synchronized and choreographed to festive Holiday music, the tree “performs” every half hour from 5-10pm, ...

Monday, January 20

“IlluminOdyssey” Dazzling Winter Lights
Monday, January 20 – 10:00 am - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: $27.95*
*$27.95 Adults; $23.95 Children, Students & Seniors
| CuriOdyssey
"IlluminOdyssey" Dazzling Winter Lights

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

2024 “IlluminOdyssey” Dazzling Winter Lights (Final Day)
Sunday, January 26 – 10:00 am - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: $27.95*
*$27.95 Adults; $23.95 Children, Students & Seniors
| CuriOdyssey
2024 "IlluminOdyssey" Dazzling Winter Lights (Final Day)

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” 2024 Lights Festival at Oakland Zoo (Final Day)
"Glowfari" 2024 Lights Festival at Oakland Zoo (Final 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 ...