Macy's Great Tree Lighting

November 9-December 31, 2022, 6 p.m.-12 a.m.

This year Macy's will not be holding an actual Tree Lighting Ceremony 

Holiday Tree Lighting
170 O'Farrell Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
macys.com | visitunionsquaresf.com | unionsquareshop.com

Past info from official tree lighting night:

Macy's Union Square Annual Great Tree Lighting ceremony with special performances by American Conservatory Theater's renowned Young Conservatory, the Grammy award-winning San Francisco Boys Chorus, Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, the cast of San Francisco Playhouse's Mary Poppins, and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and music legend, Darlene Love. Join  Santa for the countdown to light the tree! Enjoy live music and dance shows, then visit the San Francisco Holiday Windows. The annual illumination of Macy's Great Tree includes more than 1,500 ornaments

Bill Graham Menorah Lighting in Union Square

December 18-25, 2022

Union Square
San Francisco, CA
billgrahammenorah.org

A tradition that dates back many decades, the giant menorah in Union Square will be lit each evening as part of Hanukkah

• December 18, 2022 is Bill Graham Menorah Day, 2-6 p.m. includes First Lighting Ceremony at 5 p.m., Dreidel House Kids Crafts, Children's Program
• December 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 & 25, 2022, 4:30 p.m. Gathering & Music with Lighting Ceremony at 5 p.m.
• Friday, December 23, 2022, 2:30 p.m. Lighting Ceremony is early due to Shabbat
  Saturday, December 24, 2022, 8 p.m. Lighting Ceremony is late due to Shabbat

PIER 39 Tree Lighting

November 22, 2022-January 8, 2023, 5-10 p.m. (every half hour show nightly)

Beach Street & The Embarcadero
San Francisco, CA 94133
pier39.com

Enjoy the holidays all season long with The PIER's nightly tree lighting musical moments on the Christmas tree which will come to life every half hour. This year's live tree is a 60 ft. tall white fir that was harvested by Carlton Christmas Trees in Siskiyou County in Northern California. Synchronized to holiday music, the tree transforms into a kaleidoscope of swirling colors, adorned with thousands of specialty lights and ornaments. These dazzling tree lighting musical moments take center stage all season long.

SAN FRANCISCO Tree Lightings, Snowflakes and Menorah Lightings prove that San Francisco, Calif. is the epi-center of holiday celebrations. If you pick one city to encapsulate all the best of the holidays, San Francisco would be the first choice of countless Californians and visitors who seek more than a sandy beach (though SF has that).

The Ritz-Carlton Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

November 29, 2022,  5:30-7:30 p.m.

The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
600 Stockton Street
San Francisco, California 94108
ritzcarlton.com

The holiday season begins at twilight when The Ritz-Carlton's 40-foot holiday tree is illuminated by Santa Claus and his little helper from the Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area. This annual tree lighting ceremony begins with Dickens-era costumed carolers performing holiday favorites throughout the hotel while guests enjoy cider, hot chocolate and cookies. After the ceremony, children may take photos and visit with Santa in the Terrace Room. Complimentary and open to the public.

Embarcadero Center Building Lighting & Carnival

November 18, 2022, 4 p.m.

One, Two, Three and Four Embarcadero Center
San Francisco, CA 94111
embarcaderocenter.com

17,000 lights! Each year, the weekend before Thanksgiving, marks the annual Building Lighting Ceremony. Once the sun sets, the countdown to the official lighting leads up to the illumination of One, Two, Three and Four Embarcadero Center, followed by a grand fireworks display. On the same evening each year Winter Carnival festivities include children's activities, entertainment, visits with Santa, and a very special appearance by Mickey Mouse, including a live sneak peek Disney on Ice performance! So gather your friends and family, and come take in a San Francisco holiday tradition at Embarcadero Center! Free Holiday Parking

Ghirardelli Square Tree Lighting Ceremony

November 25, 2022, 12-6 p.m.  (to be confirmed)
Square-wide Holiday Lighting 5 p.m.

BACK TO ALL EVENTS HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE & CHRISTMAS TREE STROLL

Ghirardelli Square
900 North Point Street
San Francisco, CA, 94109
ghirardellisq.com

Holiday Market presented by Artists & Fleas and a self-guided Christmas Tree Stroll with trees decorated by the students at the Academy of Art. Linger in the square until sundown to catch holiday lights for the first time this season! 

Self-guided Christmas Tree Stroll Stroll through the square and enjoy holiday trees designed by students at the Academy of Art. Trees will be on display throughout the holiday season! Get your cameras ready as we turn on all our holiday lights with a special winter surprise.

5:30-8pm Photos with Santa in the Upper Plaza

Castro Merchants Holiday Tree Lighting

not posted as of Halloween 2022

November 28, 2022, 6-7 p.m. to be confirmed

501 Castro St.
San Francisco, CA
castromerchants.com

Held the Monday after Thanksgiving, 28' Holiday Tree with Santa and his Elf as emcee. Please join us for the official lighting of the famous Castro Holiday Tree, featuring Mayor London Breed, the incomparable Donna Sachet, the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band, State Senator Scott Weiner, Supervisor Rafael Mandelman and many more surprises! (and yes, a lot of singing!)

Union Square Light the Night Tree Lighting

December 1, 2021, 6-10 p.m.

Westfield San Francisco Centre
865 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
$75, westfield.com/sanfrancisco/
visitunionsquaresf.com

Westfield San Francisco Level 4, Under the Dome kickoff the Holidays with the Tree Lighting Celebration of the season. WESTFIELD SAN FRANCISCO CENTRE HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING & MODERN LUXURY WINE COUNTRY AWARDS Westfield San Francisco Centre and San Francisco magazine present the annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Wine Country Awards!  Guests are also invited to cocktail bars, spirit tastings, bites from the City's best chefs, live holiday entertainment, and more! Best of Wine Country Awards will be featuring exclusive tastings from the esteemed wineries. You don't want to miss this premier holiday event! Participating Partners Include:

In addition to the holiday lights, boat parades, and spectacular tree lighting ceremonies, there are several holiday ice skating rinks, lots of great themed entertainment and a real shopping area fashioned after the traditional downtown districts.

555 California Holiday Tree Lighting

In 2018: "Back in 2019"

November 29, 2017, 6-9 p.m.
555 California St. This Holiday Tree Lighting has become a premier event in San Francisco and continues to grow, bringing a fresh holiday spirit to the entire Bay Area. www.555treelighting.com

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.