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Union Square’s 2026 Chanukah Festival: 25-Foot-Tall Menorah (Dec 4-11)

Friday, December 4, 2026 - 2:30 pm | Cost: FREE
Union Square Park | Geary and Powell, San Francisco, CA
San Francisco

Free / Learn More

Union Square’s 2026 Chanukah Festival: 25-Foot-Tall Menorah (Dec. 4-11)

Bill Graham Menorah

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 and traditions across the Jewish community.

The festival is capped off with a festive menorah car parade rolling out from Union Square (date TBA).

Union Square Menorah Lighting Schedule 2026

December 4-11, 2026

Friday, December 4

  • 2:30 pm – 1st Lighting Ceremony

Saturday, December 5

  • 8:00 pm – 2nd Lighting Ceremony

Ceremony lasts approximately 20 minutes, followed by music and dancing.

Sunday, December 6

“Bill Graham Menorah Day“

  • 2:00-6:30 pm – Family Celebration and 3rd Lighting Ceremony
  • 2:30-4:30 pm – Dreidel House Children’s Crafts
  • 2:00 pm – Children’s Chanukah Show
  • 3:00 pm – Live Music (Band TBA)
  • 4:00-6:30 pm – Bill Graham All Stars featuring Jordan Feinstein (keys/vocals, Jordan and the Ritual), Aaron Kaplan (guitar), Ben Bernstein (bass), and Greg Errico (drums, original Sly and the Family Stone)
  • 5:00 pm – Menorah Lighting Ceremony honoring Friends of Bill, dignitaries and special guests

Monday, December 7

  • 4:30 pm – Live Music
  • 5:00 pm – 4th Lighting Ceremony

Ceremony lasts approximately 20 minutes, followed by music and dancing.

Tuesday, December 8

  • 4:30 pm – Live Music
  • 5:00 pm – 5th Lighting Ceremony

Ceremony lasts approximately 20 minutes, followed by music and dancing.

Wednesday, December 9

  • 4:30 pm – Live Music
  • 5:00 pm – 6th Lighting Ceremony honoring [honorees TBA]

Ceremony lasts approximately 20 minutes, followed by music and dancing.

Thursday, December 10

  • 4:30 pm – Live Music
  • 5:00 pm – 7th Lighting Ceremony

Ceremony lasts approximately 20 minutes, followed by music and dancing.

Friday, December 11

  • 2:30 pm – 8th Lighting Ceremony (Grand Finale)

Upcoming Union Square’s 2026 Chanukah Festival: 25-Foot-Tall Menorah (Dec. 4-11) Events

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, Hanukkah, In Person, San Francisco, Tree + Holiday Lightings
Address: Geary and Powell, San Francisco, CA

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Friday, December 4, 2026

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5:00 pm   “Oakland First Fridays” Street Festival  FREE
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5:00 pm   South First Fridays Art Walk (San Jose)  FREE
5:00 pm   North Beach First Fridays Art Crawl (SF)  FREE
6:00 pm   Oakland Art Murmur (First Fridays Art Walk)  FREE
6:00 pm   “Let’s Glow SF” 2026: SF’s Huge Holiday Projection Arts Fest (Opening Night Celebration)  FREE
6:30 pm   SF State’s Free Public Rooftop Stargazing Nights w/ Huge Telescope (Final Night of 2026)  FREE*
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7:00 pm   “HellaSecret” Speakeasy Comedy Show & Cocktail Night (Oakland)  FREE*
*Limited free tickets with code FUNCHEAP (donations appreciated). Otherwise use code FUNCHEAP5 for $5 off early bird and general admission tickets
7:00 pm   “Golden Gate Comedy Night” SF’s Most Intimate Comedy Club  FREE*
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7:00 pm   SF’s HellaSecret “Crazy Funny Asians” Friday Night Comedy Showcase (7p + 9p)  FREE*
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*RSVP Required
7:00 pm   2026 Twisted Holiday Festival: 24 New Theater Performances in SF (Dec 4-20)  FREE*
*Tickets are free with donation encouraged, both online and in person. $10 or more donation required to reserve in person tickets before the day of the performance.
8:00 pm   Oakland Critical Mass | First Friday  FREE
8:00 pm   “The Stoner Comedy Jam” Friday Nights (SF)  FREE*
*Free with RSVP (21+ with Valid ID) - One item minimum purchase per person required
8:00 pm   San Francisco Bike Party (First Fridays)  FREE
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