SF’s 103-ft Tall Cross Lit up for Easter Atop Mt. Davidson (2023)

San Francisco’s grandest Easter morning tradition gets under way at 7:00 am on Sunday, March 31, 2024 for the annual Sunrise Service at Mount Davidson Cross.

In keeping with tradition, Mt. Davidson Cross will be illuminated on Saturday, March 30, 2024 from sunset to sunrise.

Learn more: mountdavidsoncross.org | mtdavidson.org

With the sun rising over the East Bay hills, Mt. Davidson Park’s beautiful forest setting serves as a spectacular backdrop for this cherished Easter event. Adding to the visual appeal of the panoramic view of San Francisco Bay and the downtown skyline at dawn is the dazzling springtime array of wildflowers currently in bloom.

2024 Event Updates

San Francisco’s grandest Easter morning tradition will be held on Sunday, March 31, at 7:00 AM. Admission is free. This year’s citywide celebration atop the City’s highest peak will mark the 101st anniversary of the event. Featured at the Service will be speakers offering an Easter message, prayers and greetings, including Pastor David Ainsworth of Citizens Church.  The program will also feature musicians such as Lynne Miller of The House of Bagpipes and the Salvation Army Brass Band. Local clergy presiding at the non-denominational service include Rev. Mesrob Ash of St. John Armenian Apostolic Church, Father Aris P. Metrakos of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Rev. Ruthie Kim of RealitySF, Rev. Ben Day of FirstSF Church, and Rev. Jeff Mammen of New Life Church.

Situated at the summit of Mt. Davidson (elevation 938 ft.), the historic 103-foot-tall cross will once again be illuminated by spotlights throughout Saturday evening March 30th, shining as a beacon for Easter morning. (Note: great location shot at the corner of Robinhood Way and Lansdale Avenue on Saturday night).

Sponsored by local churches and broadcast nationally in years past, the Easter Sunrise Service attendance record was set during World War II, with an estimated 50,000 worshippers in attendance.

Originally dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in a transcontinental ceremony in 1934, the 103-foot-tall Mt. Davidson Cross has been restored and lit by the Council of Armenian-American Organizations of Northern California, owners of the monument.

With the sun rising over the East Bay hills, Mt. Davidson Park’s beautiful forest setting serves as a spectacular backdrop for this cherished Easter event. Adding to the visual appeal of the panoramic view of San Francisco Bay and the downtown skyline at dawn is the dazzling springtime array of wildflowers currently in bloom.

Getting There: Special bus service on Muni’s 36 line will begin at 6:30 a.m. and run every 15 minutes from Forest Hill Station to the park gate located at the intersection of Lansdale Avenue, Myra Drive and Dalewood Way – two blocks south of Portola Drive. Call (415) 673-MUNI for further transit information. Those planning to attend Easter Sunrise 2022 are advised to dress warmly and wear comfortable walking shoes for the walk to the summit. The park entrance across from 39 Dalewood Way affords the easiest route to the top. For more details, call (415) 564-7535.