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
31
March
2024
Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band at the Chase Center
31
March
2024
Bring Your Own Big Wheel Race
10
April
2024
Silent Film Festival San Francisco
18
April
2024
High Five Day
20
April
2024
Taylor Crawl
04
May
2024
May the Fourth Be With You – San Francisco Pub Crawl
05
May
2024
San Francisco Cinco De Mayo Bar Crawl
05
May
2024
Cinco De Mayo in San Francisco
16
May
2024
National Mimosa Day
01
June
2024
Union Street Festival
13
June
2024
Odesza at The Greek Theatre
14
June
2024
Odesza Bay Area
19
June
2024
National Martini Day
04
July
2024
San Francisco Fourth Of July Pub Crawl & Hot Dog Eating Contest
04
July
2024
Fourth of July in the San Francisco Bay Area
12
July
2024
National French Fry Day
27
July
2024
Crawlympics Pub Crawl
24
August
2024
Festicrawl – The San Francisco Music Festival Pub Crawl
06
September
2024
National Chianti Day
29
September
2024
Folsom Street Fair
08
October
2024
National Pierogi Day
31
October
2024
San Francisco Halloween
03
November
2024
National Sandwich Day
17
November
2024
National Zinfandel Day
20
December
2024
National Ugly Sweater Day
San Francisco Events
No Upcoming Events Avaialble
Holiday Insights