Home » **Annual Event**, *Top Pick*, Fairs & Festivals, In Person, Outdoors, Tree + Holiday Lightings

94th Annual Golden Gate Park Tree Lighting + Holiday Festival (2023)

Dang! This event has already taken place.
>> Want to see our Top Picks for this week instead?
Thursday, December 7, 2023 - 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm | Cost: FREE
JFK Promenade | 501 Stanyan Street San Francisco, CA

Free / Learn More

Mark your calendars! Rec and Park will host its 94th annual holiday tree lighting event along the JFK Promenade in Golden Gate Park on Thursday, December 7, 2023 from 4 to 8 p.m., featuring carnival rides, arts and crafts, live entertainment, cookie decorating and, of course, the ceremonial lighting of Uncle John’s tree, the historic 100-foot tall Monterey cypress outside McLaren Lodge (501 Stanyan Street).

Join us for the annual countdown to lighting of the iconic Monterey cypress tree in Golden Gate Park’s east end—a San Francisco holiday tradition that began in 1929.

Free bike valet provided by SF Bicycle Coalition!

Known as Uncle John’s Tree in honor of Golden Gate Park’s designer and first park superintendent John McLaren, the more than 135-year-old giant cypress was first illuminated with 800 bulbs on McLaren’s 84th birthday.


Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.


Cost: FREE
Categories: **Annual Event**, *Top Pick*, Fairs & Festivals, In Person, Outdoors, Tree + Holiday Lightings
Venue: JFK Promenade
Address: 501 Stanyan Street San Francisco, CA