San Francisco Annual Events

Union Square Tree Lighting

Union Square Christmas Tree Lighting

Nothing starts off the Holiday Season better than with a tree lighting ceremony. most cities around the nation have some sort of tree lighting event, from small towns to large cities, like New York City, where the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has become a massive spectacle, attracting tourist from around the world. 

In San Francisco, the event takes place at Union Square Plaza, right in the heart of the busiest shopping area in the city. Every year, the beautiful 83-foot tree (a gift from Macy’s) is placed in the center of the park and decorated with over 700 ornaments, 43,000 twinkling lights and, of course, a huge lighted star for the top. 

To make the tree lighting even more special, there are several live performances every year along with a Santa appearance for the kids. 

The dates and time change every year, so make sure to check out the official website for up to date information. 

Union Square Christmas Tree Lighting

 

Neighborhood

Union Square

 

Address

Geary and Powell St
San Francisco, CA 94104

Category

Best Annual Events in San Francisco

Best Holiday Events in San Francisco

EXPLORE EVENTS

Upcoming San Francisco Events

09

November

2026

Sharks vs Islanders

SAP Center San Jose

See Details

09

November

2026

Quadeca

The Fillmore

See Details

10

November

2026

Live Music Lunch Series

Thrive City 1 Warriors Way San Francisco, CA 94158

See Details

10

November

2026

Teddy Swims

Chase Center

See Details

10

November

2026

Jamie Kaler

Punchline SF

See Details

10

November

2026

Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin Performs the Live Score to Tenebre

Castro Theater

See Details

10

November

2026

The Tallest Man on Earth

Palace of Fine Arts

See Details

10

November

2026

Yuki Chiba

The Regency Ballroom

See Details

10

November

2026

Celebrating 50 Years of Buzzcocks

The Chapel

See Details

10

November

2026

Weston Estate

The Independent

See Details

10

November

2026

Louie TheSinger

August Hall

See Details

11

November

2026

Military Appreciation Sharks vs Penguins

SAP Center San Jose

See Details

11

November

2026

SF Comedy Kings: An Old School Blowout

Punchline SF

See Details

11

November

2026

THE DAMNED – FINAL DAMNATION 50

The Fillmore

See Details

11

November

2026

Soft Cell

The Regency Ballroom

See Details

11

November

2026

Celebrating 50 Years of Buzzcocks

The Chapel

See Details

11

November

2026

Jake Xerxes Fussell

Great American Music Hall

See Details

11

November

2026

Stop Light Observations

The Independent

See Details

11

November

2026

Brand New

Bill Graham Civic Auditorium

See Details

11

November

2026

Ólafur Arnalds

Castro Theater

See Details

11

November

2026

SPARTA

Rickshaw Stop

See Details

12

November

2026

National Park After Dark: Your Neck of the Woods Tour

Cobb's Comedy Club

See Details

12

November

2026

Ricky Velez

Punchline SF

See Details

12

November

2026

Gene

The Fillmore

See Details

12

November

2026

They Are Gutting a Body of Water

August Hall

See Details

12

November

2026

An Evening With Band of Horses

The Regency Ballroom

See Details

12

November

2026

Marc Broussard

The Chapel

See Details

12

November

2026

Russian Circles

Great American Music Hall

See Details

12

November

2026

Stephen Day

The Independent

See Details

12

November

2026

Wyatt Waddell

Cafe Du Nord

See Details

SF News

What’s Happening in San Francisco