Where to See Holiday Lights in San Francisco

When the holiday season comes around, San Francisco turns into a city full of lights and festive displays that brighten up the winter nights. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there’s something about holiday lights that makes the season feel complete. From classic Christmas trees to creative art projections, here’s a guide to some of the best spots around the city to enjoy holiday cheer.

Where to See Holiday Lights in San Francisco

Union Square: The Center of the Holidays

Union Square is the heart of San Francisco’s holiday scene. Its massive holiday tree, decorated with thousands of LED lights, is a must-see centerpiece. Macy’s adds to the atmosphere with its famous holiday window displays, often featuring adoptable animals from the SPCA. For something more active, lace up your skates and hit the outdoor ice rink under the glow of the surrounding lights.

• Location: Union Square, San Francisco
• Details:
  • The tree is lit starting late November and stays up through early January.
  • The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink is open from mid-November through January.
  • The Bill Graham Menorah is lit nightly during Hanukkah.
• More Info: https://visitunionsquaresf.com/

Pier 39: Lights by the Bay

Pier 39 brings holiday spirit with its 60-foot Christmas tree and a nightly tree light show. The light show runs every half hour, combining music and lights to create a festive atmosphere for visitors. Shops and restaurants in the area also add to the holiday vibe, offering themed treats and seasonal decor.

• Location: Pier 39, The Embarcadero
• Details:
  • The tree lighting show is held from late November to early January, starting at 5 PM and running every half hour.
  • Best viewing spots include the central plaza of the pier.
• More Info: https://pier39.com/

San Francisco Love Tours: Holiday Edition

See San Francisco’s holiday lights in a retro VW bus. San Francisco Love Tours offers a unique evening trip through the city, passing some of the best-decorated spots. The VW buses, painted with colorful murals, make for a fun and quirky way to take in the sights.

• Location: Tours start near Fisherman’s Wharf
• Details:
  • Holiday tours include stops at popular light displays and landmarks.
  • Evening tours are ideal for taking in the city’s lit-up skyline.
• More Info: https://sanfranciscolovetours.com/

Ferry Building: A Seasonal Marketplace

The Ferry Building is a great spot during the holidays, with its clock tower lit up in festive colors and the building itself hosting seasonal events. There are also special holiday markets, featuring local artisans and unique gift options, along with plenty of food and drink offerings.

• Location: The Embarcadero at Market Street
• Details:
  • Holiday Open House: Mid-December
  • SFMade Holiday Market features local makers for one day only.
  • Pop-up events often feature Black-owned businesses and small local vendors.
• More Info: https://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/

Let’s Glow SF: Light Projections Downtown

Let’s Glow SF is an annual outdoor projection event that transforms buildings in downtown San Francisco into animated works of art. The large-scale light shows feature work from both local and international artists, with themes that change every year.

• Location: Various buildings in the Financial District, including the Ferry Building and Salesforce Tower
• Details:
  • Runs nightly for about two weeks in early to mid-December.
  • Free to attend, making it a great option for families or groups.
• More Info: https://downtownsf.org/

Castro Street House: A Neighborhood Tradition

For something a little more personal, visit 68 Castro Street. This private home is known for its elaborate holiday decorations, which include life-sized figures and animated displays. It’s a favorite among locals and has been a neighborhood tradition for years.

• Location: 68 Castro Street, San Francisco
• Details:
  • Lights are usually up by early December.
  • Best visited in the evening to take in the full effect of the lights.

City Hall: Holiday Lighting in Civic Center

San Francisco’s City Hall gets into the holiday spirit with festive red and green lighting that shines brightly during December. Civic Center Plaza, right in front of City Hall, also hosts a holiday tree and seasonal decorations, making this area worth a stop.

• Location: Civic Center Plaza, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
• Details:
  • The tree lighting ceremony typically happens in early December.
  • Great spot for holiday photos, especially at night.
• More Info: https://sfciviccenter.org/

Lighted Boat Parade: Holiday Spirit on the Water

This waterfront event is a favorite for its parade of boats decked out in colorful lights. The Lighted Boat Parade takes place along the Embarcadero, with boats cruising through the Bay for all to see.

• Location: San Francisco Bay, starting near Pier 39
• Details:
  • Usually scheduled for mid-December.
  • Best viewing spots: Aquatic Park, Marina Green, and Crissy Field.

Embarcadero Center: Tower Lights by the Bay

The Embarcadero Center features over 17,000 lights decorating its four office towers. The lighting ceremony in mid-November kicks off the season, but the lights remain on every night through the holidays.

• Location: Embarcadero Center, San Francisco
• Details:
  • The lighting ceremony includes live performances and family activities.
  • The lights can be seen from various points along the waterfront.
• More Info: https://embarcaderocenter.com/

World Tree of Hope at Grace Cathedral

The World Tree of Hope is unlike any other holiday tree in the city. Covered in thousands of origami cranes, each one carries a message of hope. The tree is part of the Rainbow World Fund and is displayed inside Grace Cathedral.

• Location: Grace Cathedral, 1100 California Street
• Details:
  • On display from early December to early January.
  • Visitors are encouraged to add their own wishes to the tree.
• More Info: https://www.worldtreeofhope.org/

San Francisco’s holiday displays offer something for everyone, whether you prefer large-scale events or quieter neighborhood traditions. Take your pick or plan a few nights out to enjoy as many as you can. From the waterfront to downtown, the city shines bright this season.

More…

• https://www.sfpuc.gov/about-us/news/tis-season-7-places-see-holiday-lights-sf
• https://www.timeout.com/san-francisco/things-to-do/christmas-events-in-san-francisco#:~:text=Let’s%20Glow%20SF%20is%20a%20free%2010%2Dnight,Bay%20Area%2C%20gleaming%20across%20the%20bay%20waters.
• https://www.overheresf.com/best-things-to-do-in-san-francisco-this-december/