San Francisco Tree Lighting & Holiday Events 2024

Kick off your holiday celebrations at one of these colorful events in San Francisco.

This year's activities include tree lighting ceremonies as well as holiday winter wonderland festivals.

You can also participate in one of several Menorah Lighting celebrations.

The list includes events both in San Francisco and other popular festivals throughout the Bay Area.

Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

Presidio Holiday Tree Lighting

Head over to the Presidio for their Holiday Tree Lighting on Friday, December 6. There is no celebration again this year, they will just light their 55-foot-tall Norfolk Island Pine this night for the first time for the holidays.

This is always the first Friday in December.

They will light the tree every night through the month of December.

>> Additional things to do in the Presidio

Civic Center Tree Lighting Ceremony

Head over to the Civic Center for this year's tree lighting event on December 4. Activities run from 4 pm to 7 pm and include performances, and a visit from Santa.

This year, you can enjoy a few "snow" flurries and a toy giveaway for the kids. 

The official tree lighting is at 5:30 pm by Mayor London Breed. 

Stay warm with some some tasty seasonal drinks or check out their full bar. All of these drinks are available for purchase. Other festive bites will also be for sale throughout the event.

>> Find out more on their official site

Popular Holiday Events for 2024

• 11/26 - 12/24: A Whynot Christmas Carol at the Toni Rembe Theatre
  
• 12/2: A John Waters Christmas at The Great American Music Hall
• 12/6 - 12/29: San Francisco Ballet, The Nutcracker at the War Memorial Opera House
  
• 12/6 & 12/7: SF Symphony, Handel's Messiah at Davies Symphony Hall
• 12/7: A Charlie Brown Holiday, Adam Shulman at the SFJAZZ Center
• 12/8: SF Symphony, Deck the Hall at Davies Symphony Hall
• 12/10: A Drag Queen Christmas at the Golden Gate Theatre
• 12/12 & 12/14: SF Symphony, The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert at Davies Symphony Hall
• 12/13 - 12/15: Cirque Dreams: Holidaze at the Golden Gate Theatre
• 12/13 - 12/24: Smuin Ballet: The Christmas Ballet at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
• 12/13: SF Symphony, Holiday Gaiety at Davies Symphony Hall
• 12/19 & 12/20: SF Symphony, John Debney - Elf in Concert at Davies Symphony Hall

'Tis the Season for Science' at the California Academy of Sciences

It might not snow in San Francisco, but the city's popular science museum in Golden Gate Park makes sure that guests get to experience a polar wonderland during the holiday season.

From November 22 to January 5, you can learn about ice and the animals that live in cold climates, enjoy indoor snow flurries, and observe snowflakes under microscopes, among other scientific explorations.

The baby animals are one of the biggest draws to this event every year. This year's schedule includes:

• Baby Reindeer: November 23 - December 5
• Baby Camels: December 6 - 19
• Baby Yaks: December 20 - January 5

There are also special nighttime events, including the Welcome Winter Night for all ages on Friday, November 22 at 6:30 pm, offering cookie decorating, winter crafts, and much more.

A few programs that will run several times throughout these dates include the Children's Puppet Theatre: P is for Penguin and Piazza Performances.

>> Visit their site to learn more

Gingerbread Lane in Fisherman's Wharf

Do you love gingerbread houses? This 650-piece gingerbread display showcases the beauty of San Francisco.

Discover our amazing city in this gingerbread village. It includes 2,200 pounds of icing, 18,000 jellybeans and other edible ingredients. 

It's at 145 Jefferson Street in Fisherman's Wharf. It will be open from December 5 - January 12.

Admission is free. It's sponsored by Big Bus Tours.

Let's Glow Holiday Projection Arts Festival

Spend some time in downtown San Francisco this holiday season for the annual Let's Glow event. 

From December 6 - 15, eight locations downtown feature creative project artwork. 

Here is where you can see these this year:

• Annie Alley at 665 Market Street
• One Bush Plaza at 1 Bush Street
• PG&E Substation at 425 Folsom Street
• The Crossing at East Cut at 650 Main Street
• The Ferry Building at 1 Ferry Building
• 101 California Street
• Pacific Coast Stock Exchange at 301 Pine Street
• Salesforce Tower at 415 Mission Street

You can pick up a map with more details at all eight locations. The artwork is live from 5:30 pm to 10 pm each night. 

Some locations have chairs so you can sit and watch for as long as you want. 

Rainbow World Tree of Hope Lighting at Grace Cathedral

This year's Rainbow World Tree of Hope will once again be at Grace Cathedral. The lighting of this tree will take place on Monday, December 9.

Events will kick off at 6:30 pm with performances by the San Francisco Boys Chorus, Leberta Loral, and others.

The tree lighting is around 7:15 pm. All activities will wrap up at 8 pm.

Admission is free. The tree will continue to be on display throughout the holiday season. 

>> Visit their official site for more details and to register for this free event

Dollie + Me Tea Event at the Westin St. Francis Hotels

The Westin St. Francis Hotel and kit & sis^TM are partnering to host a Dollie + Me Tea event on December 14 & 15. It's a great time for children, families, mother/daughter duos, and other loved ones to celebrate the holiday season.

The kids will enjoy hot chocolate, Dollie + Me sweet treats, and assorted tea sandwiches while they create fun holiday crafts with kit & sis. Champagne will be served for the adults too! 

>> Visit Eventbrite to learn more and to book your spot

Union Square

Even though Union Square doesn't have a big event to kick off the lighting of their tree anymore, I have it on this page because it's the most famous Christmas tree in San Francisco every year. 

They will light it for the first time on November 15 and it will be stay lit through the holidays.

Even though there isn't an official kick off event or ceremony, you can visit the tree any night between these days to enjoy it's beauty! 

>> Find additional fun things to do in Union Square

Winter Craft Day at the Randall Museum

The Randall Museum is one of San Francisco's hidden gems for families with children, as its hands-on activities promote creativity and curiosity about science, nature, and art, with no entry fee.

The annual Winter Craft Day is no exception: this is a free event for children of all ages to get into the holiday spirit, crafting one-of-a-kind gifts and decorations for the season. This includes building toy trains, rolling beeswax candles, soap-making, candy house creation, and much more.

The event will take place on Saturday, December 14, from 10 am to 2 pm. All activities are free or low cost.

>> Visit their website for more details

Pier 39

Pier 39's annual tree will be lit for the first time of the season on November 26. They will not host a large ceremony, but instead light the tree for all to see for the first time on this night.

They will light the tree for the first time at 5 pm. It will then offer a light show every half hour from 5 pm to 10 pm nightly.

For the rest of the season the tree light up for all to enjoy with the last night of the season on January 5.

In addition to the tree lighting, they also have a number of other fun activities lined up this year:

• 12/2 - 12/27: Live music on the smartwater Stage
• 12/2 - 12/23: Visits with Santa on Mondays and Saturdays from 4 pm to 6 pm
• 12/5 - 12/20: Pet Adoptions every Thursday from 1 pm to 4 pm
• 12/4 - 12/18: Dog Adoptions every Wednesday from 11 am to 2 pm
• 12/3 - 12/20: Arts and Crafts every Tuesday and Friday from 11 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 6 pm
• 12/3 - 12/20: Letters to Santa every Tuesday and Friday from 11 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 6 pm

>> More things to do at Pier 39

Fun SF Tours & Activities

More Holiday Lighting Events Around San Francisco

Nob Hill Tree Lighting (12/2): The annual lighting of the tree at Huntington Park in Nob Hill starts at 5:30 pm and runs until 7:30 pm. This two-hour event will include the tree lighting, light snacks, and live music. 

Holiday Tree Lighting at McLaren Lodge (12/5): This event runs from 4 pm to 8 pm at John McLaren Lodge in Golden Gate Park. The tree lighting countdown starts at 6 pm. Will include kids activities such as carnival rides, arts & crafts, and other holiday fun!

National AIDS Memorial Lighting Ceremony (11/30): This is the first time the National AIDS Memorial Grove will be lit up for the holidays. The ceremony is on World AIDS Day and the event runs from 6 pm to 9 pm. Find tickets.

Winter Wonderland Lighting Ceremony (11/30): Winter Wonderland at Thrive City (1 Warriors Way) including their annual tree lighting, live music with Montell Jordan, and a special appearance by former Warriors player Festus Ezeli. Grab a season treat and drink as you enjoy the entertainment. The event runs from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Pick up your free tickets today.

Yerba Buena Gardens Tree Lighting Ceremony (11/30): Enjoy some holiday cheer at the Yerba Buena Gardens at 750 Howard Street in the South of Market District. It runs from 6 pm to 7:30 pm.

Noe Valley Holiday Tree Lighting (12/1): This fun annual event includes live music, hot cocoa and a visit from Santa, it runs from 5 pm to 7 pm at 3861 24th Street in the Noe Valley neighborhood

Santa Lights the Square (11/29): Join Santa as he lights Ghirardelli Square. This event runs from 4:30 pm to 8 pm and includes a visit from Santa, peppermint hot cocoa, and a chance to watch Ghirardelli square and its famous sign light up for the holidays.

Bill Graham Menorah Project

Stop by Union Square on Wednesday, December 25 at 5 pm for the 1st lighting. The live ceremony runs from 3:30 pm to 6 pm. 

Here are additional dates and times for this annual lighting ceremony:

• Thursday, December 26th: Second lighting at 5 pm
• Friday, December 27th: Third lighting at 2:30 pm
• Saturday, December 28th: Fourth lighting at 8:30 pm
• Sunday, December 29th (Bill Graham Minorah Day): Celebration runs from 2 pm to 6 pm with the Fifth Lighting at 5 pm
• Monday, December 30th: Sixth lighting at 5 pm
• Tuesday, December 31st: Seventh lighting at 5 pm
• Wednesday, January 1st: Gather at 4 pm, for live music, eighth lighting and ceremony is at 5 pm

>> Visit their site to learn more

Additional Events Around SF this Season

• 11/27 - 1/5: Hamilton at the Orpheum Theatre
• 11/6 - 12/1: Kimberly Akimbo at the Curran Theatre
• 11/12 - 1/18: Waitress at the San Francisco Playhouse
• 12/3 - 12/29: Peter Pan (Panto) at the Presidio Theatre

Upcoming Events by Month

Are you looking for additional fun things to do in San Francisco? Click the links below to visit the calendar of events for that month.

Great Dickens Christmas Fair

The annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair is a fun Victorian London holiday party with hundreds of costumed players, food, holiday shops, music halls, dance pubs, and so much more.

You can stop by and take some pictures with Father Christmas as well. He's there a few times throughout the day visiting with kids at the Father Christmas stage.

This fun annual event takes place at the Cow Palace just south of SF in Daly City. 

It runs for five weekends starting on November 23. You can catch the action every Saturday and Sunday through December 22. They are also open the day after Thanksgiving. 

>> Visit their official site for ticketing information

Embarcadero Center Holiday Market and Building Lighting

This November, Embarcadero Center kicks off their holiday season with a Holiday Market and Building Lighting celebration.

You can warm up with some seasonal drinks provided by Bar Car while you do your holiday shopping with Embarcadero Center retailers and Creative Communal. 

Throughout the season, you can see more than 17,000 lights on display at night at this shopping center.

The market is on Thursday, November 21 from 4 pm to 6 pm. They will light their display as the market comes to a close.

Gingerbread House at the Fairmont Nob Hill

Admire one of the best Gingerbread House displays in the entire Bay Area at the Fairmont in Nob Hill. This 2-story, 25 foot tall adobe house features more than 1,500 pounds of candy! It's an amazing site to see.

The display will open on November 23 and will stay open through the end of the year.  

>> More about the Fairmont on Nob Hill

North Beach Vintage Market

This year's North Beach Vintage Market is on Friday, December 6 from 4 pm to 10 pm.

It's a great time to grab a drink, do a little shopping and support local vintage vendors. It's free to attend. 

Here is what to expect when you arrive:

• Wine & Cocktail Bar with holiday cocktails you can sip on as you browse
• Small bites that you can enjoy from local restaurants
• Unique vintage vendors with a variety of clothing, accessories, home décor and more
• Holiday music and lights to get you in the holiday spirit

The event takes place at Yesterday's Collective at 524 Union Street and is for those 21+ only.

Visit Eventbrite to pick up your free admission tickets.

More San Francisco Holiday Events

• Ferry Building Open House: December 11 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, local shopping, live jazz, festive crafts and a wine-tasting passport, the building will also be lit up outside for Let's Glow SF

• Fall Holiday Chocolate Salon and Festival: November 24 from 11 am to 4:30 pm at the San Francisco Fair Building/Hall of Flowers
• The Guardsmen Tree Lot Party: December 14 from at 8 pm to 1:30 pm at the Festival Pavilion at the Fort Mason Center, including dancing a hosted bar and more fun holiday activities, find tickets
• St. Mark's Square Interfaith Holiday Kick Off: December 1 from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm at St. Market's at 1111 O'Farrell Street includes photo opportunity with Santa, cookie decorating, holiday card making, live music, and more
• Dogpatch Winter Market: December 7 from 11 am to 6 pm at 610 22nd Street, features dozens of local vendors with handmade crafts, gourmet food and other holiday gifts, for a small donation you can pick up an event cup and enjoy a beverage as you shop
• Cole Valley Night Market: Holiday Edition: Thursday, December 5 from 5 pm to 9 pm along Cole Street in Cole Valley, includes local vendors, tasty treats and live entertainment
• Holiday Event at Unity Plaza: Saturday, December 21 from 3 pm to 6 pm at Unity Plaza, 1002 - 1040 Ocean Avenue with fresh baked pizza, coffee, a live choir performances and a chance for your kids to take their picture with Santa
• Holidays on the Hill: Sunday, December 8 along Cortland Avenue in Bernal Heights, this annual arts and crafts fair runs from 11 am to 4 pm and features local artists and small businesses
• Fort Mason Holiday Night Market: Friday, December 13 from 4 pm to 9 pm at the Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture, work shops, holiday lights, live music, family activities and more
• Winter Walk in Union Square: Runs for 10 days between December 13 and December 22, along Stockton Street in Union Square between O'Farrell and Post, includes food trucks, bars, themed decor, live performances, and several visits from Santa, Monday - Wednesday from 12 pm to 7 pm and and Thursday - Sunday from 10 am to 9 pm
• 1890 Bryant Street Studios Holiday Extravaganza: December 14 & 15, 40 artists will be showing their unique pieces including prints, fine art, ceramics, jewelry and more, this event runs from 12 pm to 5 pm both days

2024 Holiday Events Around the Bay Area

Monterey Cannery Row Tree Lighting

The beautiful waterfront town of Monterey will celebrate the holidays on Friday, November 29.

This year's event runs from Noon to around 6 pm with the tree lighting set for 5:45 pm.

Other fun things to do include checking out the holiday lights, checking out the local shops, and grabbing a bite to eat. 

All events will be in Steinbeck Plaza and the area in front of Bubba Gumps.

Santa will be around Monterey on Saturdays and Sundays through December 22 from 12 pm to 3 pm. Bring your own camera for free pictures!

Click here for additional holiday events around Monterey.

Half Moon Bay Nights of Lights

The 2024 Night of Lights Christmas Tree Lighting in Half Moon Bay is on Saturday, December 7.

It includes their annual Lighted Parade down Main Street. From 6 pm to 8 pm, enjoy the parade of lights down Main Street, live music, roasted chestnuts and activities for the kids.

Many of the stores will stay open late, so you can also get in a little holiday shopping during your visit.

>> Learn more here

Jack London Square in Oakland

On December 7, Oakland's Jack London Square will light up for the holidays.

Join them for this annual celebration from 5:45 pm to 8 pm on the plaza near Plank.

In addition to the tree lighting ceremony, you can also see musical performances, holiday surprises, and more. Santa will also make an appearance.

>> Learn more here

On a Search for Santa?

In addition to the places mentioned above, Santa will make dozens of additional stops all around San Francisco. He will be taking pictures at the Japantown Center Malls, Stonestown Galleria, and the Westfield Shopping Center. He will also stop by to celebrate the season at the Hyatt Regency and the SF Zoo.

Learn More: Full List of Places to See Santa

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