San Francisco glows with spectacular Christmas light displays throughout the City by the Bay. From Union Square's giant tree and ice skating rink to Pier 39's waterfront lights and the Embarcadero Center holiday decorations, the city offers iconic holiday attractions. Explore neighborhood displays, festive cable car rides, and twinkling lights across San Francisco's hills and waterfront.
Last Updated: December 2, 2025
San Carlos Night of Holiday Lights
Location: San Carlos
Dates: December 5, 2025
Cost: FREE
Join the 15th annual Night of Holiday Lights in Downtown San Carlos, where the streets are closed to traffic for a vibrant evening filled with festive lights. Enjoy live musical performances, caroling, and a variety of engaging family-friendly activities. Witness the enchanting snowfall as you stroll along Laurel Street, beautifully illuminated for the occasion.
Highlights:
- Experience the 15th annual Night of Holiday Lights, a beloved community tradition.
- Enjoy live musical performances and caroling that fill the air with festive cheer.
- Explore the vibrant street scene along Laurel Street, closed to traffic for the event.
Holidays at The Park
Location: Menlo Park
Dates: Select Saturdays in December
Cost: $$
At The Stanford Park Hotel, visitors can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus on select Saturdays in December, while enjoying festive decorations and seasonal treats. The hotel lobby features a towering Christmas tree, and guests can indulge in signature cocktails and warm coffee enhancements at Menlo Tavern. Participate in a unique 'Wrap up the Holidays' package that includes wine and an Uber gift card for holiday shopping convenience.
Highlights:
- Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus on select Saturdays in December for festive cheer and photos.
- Experience sweet enhancements to lobby coffee service and seasonal signature cocktails at Menlo Tavern.
- Take advantage of the 'Wrap up the Holidays' package, including wine and an Uber gift card, to facilitate holiday shopping.
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Fairmont San Francisco Gingerbread House
Location: San Francisco
Dates: November through New Year's Day
Cost: $$
The Fairmont San Francisco presents its annual life-sized Gingerbread House display, crafted from real gingerbread and adorned with colorful candy. Guests can dine inside this unique structure for a memorable experience, and enjoy seasonal offerings like Holiday Tea in the hotel lobby. The stunning Gingerbread House serves as a festive centerpiece, bringing holiday cheer to all who visit.
Highlights:
- Witness the annual display of a life-sized Gingerbread House, a beloved holiday tradition made with real gingerbread and adorned with candy.
- Dine inside a private Gingerbread House for a unique and memorable holiday experience.
- Enjoy seasonal offerings like Holiday Tea and festive dining options during the holiday season.
It's a Wonderful Night Holiday Celebration
Location: San Leandro
Dates: December 5th, 2025, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: FREE
Join the annual holiday celebration in Downtown San Leandro featuring a tree lighting ceremony, festive performances, and a holiday market. Visitors can take photos with Santa Claus and browse unique gifts from local vendors. The beautifully decorated holiday tree at Estudillo Plaza serves as the focal point of this joyful event, bringing the community together for a night of celebration.
Highlights:
- Annual holiday tree lighting ceremony.
- Photos with Santa Claus.
- Holiday market with festive vendors.
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Christmas at Temple Hill
Location: Oakland
Dates: November 28 – December 31, Daily: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Lights on at dusk)
Cost: FREE
Experience the tranquil ambiance of Christmas at Temple Hill, featuring breathtaking light displays and a schedule of free, family-friendly performances. Visitors can explore the stunning grounds adorned with Christmas lights and participate in guided tours, including a Nativity tour at the Visitors' Center. The serene atmosphere enhances the holiday spirit, making it an ideal destination for reflection and celebration.
Highlights:
- Immerse yourself in the peaceful and beautiful spirit of Christmas at Temple Hill.
- Enjoy a diverse schedule of free, family-friendly performances and activities throughout the holiday season.
- Witness the breathtaking Christmas lights display that transforms the grounds into a winter wonderland.
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Marin Art and Garden Center Winter Wonderland
Location: Ross
Dates: December 5–6–7 & 13–14, 2025
Cost: $$
The Marin Art and Garden Center transforms into a Winter Wonderland, featuring an enchanting outdoor ice skating rink illuminated by bistro lights. Visitors can enjoy campus-wide activities, including music events and hands-on activities for children. The beautifully decorated gardens create a festive atmosphere, offering a delightful experience for all ages.
Highlights:
- An enchanting outdoor ice skating rink set under bistro lights.
- A magical transformation of the Garden into a festive Winter Wonderland.
- Campus-wide activities and entertainment for both children and adults.
Holidays at Filoli
Location: Woodside
Dates: Tickets go on sale for the 2025 season in September!
Cost: $$
Visit Filoli Historic House & Garden, beautifully transformed for the holidays with immersive light displays and festive decor. Guests can explore the historic estate and its enchanting winter garden, capturing memorable photos in a stunning setting. The event showcases the beauty of the Georgian revival-style mansion and its meticulously maintained gardens.
Highlights:
- Experience the magic of the House and Garden transformed by holiday lights and decor.
- Enjoy a dazzling evening spectacle of immersive light displays.
- Create lasting holiday memories in a truly enchanting setting.
Oakland Glowfari Lantern Festival
Location: Oakland
Dates: November 7 - January 25 (Closed Nov 10, 11, 17, 18, & 27; Dec 24 & 25; Jan 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, & 20)
Cost: $$
The Oakland Zoo hosts the Glowfari Lantern Festival, transforming the zoo into a vibrant display of illuminated animal lanterns across themed zones. Visitors can enjoy a train ride through the 'Reptile World' and meet Santa Claus on select nights for festive photos. The event showcases hundreds of larger-than-life animal lanterns, celebrating wildlife and conservation efforts.
Highlights:
- Wander through the zoo transformed into a 'Wildly Illuminating Lantern Festival' with hundreds of new, larger-than-life animal lanterns.
- Experience themed areas like the 'Reptile World' train ride and immersive underwater reef and African savanna displays.
- Meet Santa Claus on select nights for a magical holiday photo opportunity.
Garden of D'Lights
Location: Walnut Creek
Dates: November 21 - January 10
Cost: $$
The Ruth Bancroft Garden presents the Garden of D'Lights, featuring a spectacular holiday light experience with illuminated cacti and succulents. Visitors can wander through three acres of dazzling displays, including art installations and laser lights that create a magical atmosphere. This unique event showcases the beauty of desert flora in a festive setting.
Highlights:
- A spectacular holiday light experience at The Ruth Bancroft Garden.
- Illuminated cacti, succulents, and art installations create a magical winter wonderland.
- Wander through three acres of illuminated cacti, succulents, and other unique plants.
Light Up the Night
Location: Pleasant Hill
Dates: November 22
Cost: FREE
Light Up the Night is an annual Christmas festival held on Crescent Drive, featuring a ceremonial tree lighting and visits from Santa Claus. The event includes festive crafts and live performances that engage visitors of all ages. The beautifully decorated area transforms into a winter wonderland, enhancing the holiday spirit.
Highlights:
- The annual winter holiday festival marks the start of the festive season.
- Features a Christmas tree lighting ceremony and visits with Santa Claus.
- Enjoy festive crafts and engaging activities for all ages.
San Pablo Holiday Tree Lighting & Winter Wonderland
Location: San Pablo
Dates: December 4, 2025
Cost: FREE
The San Pablo Holiday Tree Lighting & Winter Wonderland takes place at the San Pablo Community Center, featuring a virtual holiday tree lighting ceremony. Attendees can meet Santa Claus, engage in festive arts and crafts, and enjoy hot chocolate while writing letters to Santa with their winter wishes.
Highlights:
- Meet and take photos with Santa Claus.
- Participate in a virtual holiday tree lighting ceremony.
- Engage in festive arts and crafts activities.
San Francisco City Hall Holiday Lighting
Location: San Francisco
Dates: Every evening at sunset
Cost: FREE
San Francisco City Hall is illuminated nightly with over 220 LED lights, showcasing a stunning transformation of the building at sunset. The advanced LED technology not only enhances the architectural beauty of the facade and dome but also highlights special lighting displays for significant events and holidays throughout the year.
Address: 1 Dr Carlton B Goodlett Pl, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: 415.554.6079
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- See City Hall's exterior dramatically lit up each evening at sunset with advanced LED technology.
- Appreciate the energy-efficient and long-lasting LED lighting system that enhances the building's beauty.
- Discover how special lighting displays are used to mark significant events, seasons, and holidays throughout the year.
Pier 39 Holiday Lights
Location: San Francisco
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
Celebrate the holiday season at Pier 39 in San Francisco with a spectacular 60-foot live Christmas tree that lights up the waterfront every half hour from 5 to 10 p.m. between December 5, 2025, and January 11, 2026. This dazzling tree features over 13,000 LED lights and hundreds of ornaments synchronized to festive music, creating a mesmerizing light and sound show against the stunning backdrop of the Bay. Visitors can enjoy a vibrant mix of live entertainment, seasonal decorations, and panoramic views of iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
Highlights:
- Waterfront lights
- Bay views
- Sea lions
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Ghirardelli Square Holiday Lights
Location: San Francisco
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
Ghirardelli Square transforms into a sparkling holiday wonderland each December, where the scent of rich chocolate mingles with the glow of thousands of festive lights. The annual lighting ceremony features live carols by the San Francisco Boys Chorus, appearances by Santa, and the iconic Ghirardelli sign illuminating the night. Visitors enjoy complimentary hot cocoa, surprise performances, and a lively atmosphere that blends tradition, community, and sweet indulgence in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf.
Highlights:
- Chocolate shopping
- Fisherman's Wharf
- Historic square
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Golden Gate Bridge Holiday Views
Location: San Francisco
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
Experience the iconic Golden Gate Bridge transformed into a stunning holiday backdrop as the San Francisco skyline sparkles with festive illumination. This natural vantage point offers unobstructed views of the bridge's distinctive International Orange towers framed against the city's twinkling lights, creating an enchanting winter atmosphere. Perfect for capturing memorable holiday photographs or simply soaking in the serene beauty of San Francisco's most recognizable landmark during the Christmas season.
Address: Golden Gate Bridge, SF, CA
Highlights:
- Iconic bridge
- City lights
- Photo opportunities
Palace of Fine Arts Holiday Illumination
Location: San Francisco
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
The Palace of Fine Arts Holiday Illumination transforms San Francisco’s iconic Greco-Roman rotunda and colonnades into a luminous winter wonderland, blending classical elegance with festive light artistry. Visitors stroll beneath shimmering arches and across a reflecting lagoon aglow with seasonal colors, creating a serene yet magical atmosphere unique to this historic landmark. The illumination offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s bustle, perfect for quiet contemplation or romantic evening walks.
Address: 3601 Lyon Street, SF, CA 94123
Highlights:
- Classical architecture
- Elegant lighting
- Lagoon views
Ferry Building Holiday Lights
Location: San Francisco
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
Experience the Ferry Building as a centerpiece of San Francisco's largest holiday projection arts festival, where animated light shows transform iconic downtown architecture into a winter wonderland. This free, family-friendly celebration features interactive art installations, festive marketplace activities, and seasonal entertainment including silent disco, holiday crafts, and performances by local artists, all set against the backdrop of the illuminated clock tower.
Highlights:
- Marketplace shopping
- Waterfront location
- Food vendors
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Embarcadero Holiday Lights
Location: San Francisco
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
Experience San Francisco's most iconic holiday spectacle as the Embarcadero Center transforms into a luminous winter wonderland with 17,000 twinkling lights illuminating eight downtown buildings including the Ferry Building and Transamerica Pyramid. This annual celebration combines the grandeur of architectural lighting with a vibrant holiday market featuring local vendors, live musical performances, seasonal refreshments, and festive entertainment that captures the magic of the season against the backdrop of the San Francisco Bay.
Address: The Embarcadero, SF, CA
Highlights:
- Waterfront lights
- Bay views
- Walking promenade
Castro District Holiday Lights
Location: San Francisco
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
Celebrate the festive season in San Francisco’s vibrant Castro District, where the iconic holiday tree lighting illuminates the neighborhood with dazzling rainbow and classic holiday lights. This cherished event blends community spirit with colorful displays that honor the district’s rich LGBTQ+ heritage, creating a joyful and inclusive atmosphere for all. Visitors can enjoy live performances, festive treats, and a warm gathering that marks the start of the holiday season in a uniquely Castro style.
Address: Castro Street, SF, CA 94114
Highlights:
- Rainbow decorations
- LGBTQ+ neighborhood
- Historic Castro
Haight-Ashbury Holiday Lights
Location: San Francisco
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
Transform your holiday season in San Francisco's iconic Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, where Victorian storefronts and historic buildings glow with creative, unconventional holiday decorations that blend the district's legendary counterculture spirit with festive cheer. This free December celebration showcases the neighborhood's artistic character through eclectic light displays, vintage-inspired holiday aesthetics, and community-driven decorations that reflect the area's bohemian heritage. Wander through the vibrant streets to discover unique holiday installations that honor both the Summer of Love legacy and modern seasonal traditions, creating a one-of-a-kind San Francisco holiday experience.
Address: Haight Street, SF, CA 94117
Highlights:
- Eclectic displays
- Historic neighborhood
- Unique character
North Beach Holiday Lights
Location: San Francisco
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
Experience the enchanting North Beach Holiday Lights in San Francisco’s historic Little Italy, where vibrant Italian-inspired illuminations transform the neighborhood into a festive wonderland throughout December 2025. This celebration uniquely blends cultural heritage with holiday cheer, showcasing colorful light displays that highlight iconic landmarks and the community’s rich Italian roots. Visitors can enjoy a warm, inviting atmosphere filled with seasonal charm and artistic flair.
Address: Columbus Avenue, SF, CA 94133
Highlights:
- Little Italy
- Italian restaurants
- Neighborhood charm
Chinatown Holiday Lanterns
Location: San Francisco
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
During Christmas 2025, San Francisco’s Chinatown transforms into a radiant celebration where traditional Asian lantern artistry meets festive holiday cheer. Streets are adorned with vibrant red and gold lanterns, creating a luminous canopy that blends cultural heritage with seasonal magic. This unique event invites visitors to experience a harmonious fusion of East and West through captivating light displays and community festivities.
Address: Grant Avenue, SF, CA 94108
Highlights:
- Asian-fusion decorations
- Historic Chinatown
- Unique blend
Mission District Holiday Murals
Location: San Francisco
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
Experience the Mission District Holiday Murals in San Francisco, where vibrant street art transforms into festive holiday celebrations. This unique event showcases colorful murals infused with seasonal themes, blending cultural heritage and community spirit. Visitors can explore illuminated alleys adorned with creative holiday imagery, making it a captivating fusion of art and festive cheer in an iconic urban setting.
Address: Mission Street, SF, CA 94110
Highlights:
- Street art
- Latino neighborhood
- Unique murals
Coit Tower Holiday Illumination
Location: San Francisco
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: $
Celebrate the holiday season at Coit Tower with a stunning illumination display that transforms this iconic San Francisco landmark into a radiant beacon atop Telegraph Hill. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the city and bay, enhanced by festive lights that create a magical winter atmosphere. This seasonal event uniquely blends historic architecture with vibrant holiday cheer, making it a must-see for locals and tourists alike.
Address: 1 Telegraph Hill Boulevard, SF, CA 94133
Highlights:
- Panoramic views
- Telegraph Hill
- Art Deco landmark
Presidio Holiday Lights
Location: San Francisco
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
Experience the Presidio Holiday Lights in San Francisco, where historic architecture and scenic trails are adorned with enchanting light displays that illuminate the park’s natural beauty. This festive event offers a serene and magical atmosphere perfect for evening strolls, featuring glowing lantern walks and cozy seasonal refreshments. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge framed by twinkling lights, creating a unique holiday celebration blending nature, history, and community spirit.
Highlights:
- Park trails
- Historic buildings
- Golden Gate views
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Union Square Christmas Tree & Ice Rink
Location: San Francisco
Dates: November 29, 2025 – Early January 2026
Cost: FREE
The city's official Christmas tree features over 33,000 twinkling lights and 1,100 ornaments. The tree lighting ceremony occurred on November 28, 2025. The display includes an outdoor ice skating rink (with separate admission fees), a holiday market, and animated Macy's window displays featuring rescue animals from the SF SPCA.
Address: Geary & Powell, San Francisco, CA 94108
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Over 33,000 twinkling lights and 1,100 ornaments
- Outdoor ice skating rink and holiday market
- Animated Macy's window displays featuring rescue animals
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Pier 39 Tree Lighting and Waterfront Lights
Location: San Francisco
Dates: November 2025 – Early January 2026
Cost: FREE
Experience the magic of San Francisco’s waterfront this Christmas at Pier 39, where a towering 60-foot live Christmas tree dazzles with nightly performances choreographed to holiday music. From December 4, 2025, the tree comes alive every half hour with a vibrant display of synchronized lights and colors, transforming the entrance plaza into a festive spectacle. Visitors enjoy not only the tree’s radiant glow but also the sparkling holiday lights adorning the pier, scenic views of the bay, and a lively atmosphere filled with music and holiday cheer.
Address: Beach Street & The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: 415-705-5500
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- 60-foot Christmas tree with nightly light shows synchronized to music
- Tree lighting ceremony on December 4 at 5:00 PM
- Waterfront location with festive restaurants and bay views
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Resources
Helpful information and links for planning your holiday season in San Francisco.