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SF’s 2025 Macy’s Union Square Great Christmas Tree (Final Night)

Thursday, January 1, 2026 - 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm | Cost: FREE
Union Square Park | Geary and Powell, San Francisco, CA

Free / Learn More

SF’s 2025 Macy’s Union Square Great Christmas Tree (Nov. 11 – Jan. 1)

This iconic landmark, Macy’s Great Tree in Union Square, returns decorated in an abundance of festive ornaments and glimmering lights to light up Union Square throughout the holidays.

2025 update – The official lighting quietly took place on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

San Francisco’s most recognized Christmas tree typically 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 grand appearance in Union Square and will be lit throughout the holidays, there wasn’t a big, festive tree lighting ceremony in 2025. Sadly, there hasn’t been a big, official tree lighting ceremony with performances since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Check out Macy’s gift to the city of San Francisco, the Great Tree, which will shine brightly in Union Square Park, right across the street from their flagship location (which previously was set to close has thankfully recently announced that it will stay open and undergo a makeover. Read more).

36th Annual Macy’s Great Tree Lighting
Visible Tuesday, November 11 – Thursday, January 1, 2026* (we’re not entirely sure when the tree will come down, but typically New Year’s Day is the final day for lights).
Union Square Park | Geary and Powell, San Francisco, CA
FREE to watch

Related Story: SF’s Iconic Union Square Macy’s Will Stay Open & Get a Major Makeover11/6/2025

 

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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*, Downtown San Francisco, In Person, Kids & Families, New Year's Day, San Francisco, Tree + Holiday Lightings
Address: Geary and Powell, San Francisco, CA

Thursday, January 1, 2026

7:30 am   Free Admission Day at SF Botanical Garden for New Year’s Day 2026  FREE*
*Free on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and daily from 7:30-9 am
All Day   SF’s 12 ft. Tall “Sugar Castle” at the Westin St. Francis (Nov. 26-Jan. 2)  FREE
All Day   SF’s Holiday Ice Skating Session at Union Square (New Year’s Day)  $22
10:00 am   Free First Thursdays at SF’s Museum of Craft and Design  FREE*
*Free Admission every First Thursday
10:00 am   13th Annual “First Day” Hike at Jack London Stat Park (North Bay)  $15*
*$15 plus $10 per vehicle park entry fee
11:00 am   Cancelled: Free First Thursdays at Berkeley Art Museum  FREE*
*Free admission to galleries. Film programs are excluded. No advanced tickets required, but subject to capacity limits
11:00 am   San Jose’s New Year’s Day “Skate Under the Palms” Ice Skating  $21*
*$21 includes skate rentals
12:00 pm   SFMOMA’s “Free First Thursdays” Free Museum Day for Locals  FREE*
*Residents of the nine Bay Area counties are invited to spend a day at the museum on us
12:00 pm   New Year’s (& Final) Day at San Jose’s “Christmas in the Park”  FREE*
*Free, but donations are accepted
1:00 pm   Free New Year’s Day 2026 Huge Sand Art-Making at Ocean Beach (SF)  FREE*
*Open to all
3:00 pm   Free SF Chamber Orchestra Concert on New Year’s Day (Palo Alto)  FREE*
*Tickets/RSVPs NOT required but it helps us to know you're planning to come. Supporting Members may enter up to an hour before downbeat for first choice seating. General Admission begins at 2:45pm.
4:30 pm   New Year’s Day at Oakland Zoo’s “Glowfari” 2025 Lights Festival  $30.75*
*Adult admission tickets start at $30.75; The Zoo is using dynamic pricing, so ticket prices will vary based on date and time and purchase date. Buy early. Tickets do sell out in advance.
5:00 pm   SF’s Epic “Photosynthesis” Light Show | Conservatory of Flowers  FREE*
*Free to watch from outside the building.
5:00 pm   PIER 39’s Dazzling 60′ Tree Lighting Show (New Year’s Day)  FREE
5:00 pm   New Year’s Day at “Lightscape”: Immersive Holiday Light Trail  $32*
*Adult tix start at $32
6:00 pm   Lower Polk / TL Art Walk | Trendyloin  FREE
9:00 pm   16th & Mission Open Mic (w/out a mic)  FREE*
*Absolutely free for all!
9:00 pm   Every Thursday: “Inner Circle” Dance Party at White Rabbit (SF)  FREE*
*Inner Circle is always Free with RSVP
9:30 pm   Sadderday: An Emo/Pop-Punk/Screamo Dance Party | SF  FREE
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