Santa Lights the Square featuring SF Boys Chorus
Visitors gather to watch the grand lighting of a 46-foot Christmas tree alongside Santa and Elf. The celebration features a musical performance by the San Francisco Boys Chorus followed by a festive sing-a-long. Guests can also take part in Santa visits, write letters to Santa, and receive candy giveaways.
Fri, Nov 27, 2026 All ages
See more Christmas lights near San Francisco
Plan Your Visit
Hours
4:45 PM.
Neighborhood
Fisherman's Wharf
Parking
The Ghirardelli Square garage has entrances on Larkin Street between North Point and Beach, or on Beach Street between Larkin and Polk. Guaranteed parking can be reserved in advance through SpotHero.
Location
Tips & Advice
- Arrive before the 4:45 p.m. ceremony to find a viewing spot for the tree lighting and musical performance.
- Choose one of the Dec. 4, 11 or 18 Santa and Elf visits if you want another chance to see them; each runs 4–7 p.m.
- Use the garage entrance on Larkin Street between North Point and Beach, or on Beach Street between Larkin and Polk, to park.
- Reserve a garage space through SpotHero ahead of time; the square says advance bookings can offer rates up to 50% below drive-up.
- Bring a warm layer for the evening tree-lighting gathering in case temperatures feel cool.
Special Events & Promotions
- Santa and Elf appear at the tree lighting on November 27, with a San Francisco Boys Chorus performance.
- Santa and Elf visits are also scheduled on December 4, 11 and 18.
- The tree-lighting celebration includes a sing-along, Santa visits, letters to Santa and candy giveaways.
Links & Contact
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during the tree-lighting celebration?
Santa and Elf join the ceremony, followed by a sing-along, Santa visits, letters to Santa, and candy giveaways.
Who performs at the ceremony?
The San Francisco Boys Chorus gives a special musical performance.
Can children take part in activities?
Children can join the sing-along, visit Santa, write letters to Santa, and receive candy giveaways.
Are there other Santa and Elf visits?
Yes. Santa and Elf visits are also scheduled on three December dates, separate from the tree-lighting ceremony.
Where can visitors park?
Ghirardelli Square has a parking garage with entrances on Larkin Street between North Point and Beach, or on Beach Street between Larkin and Polk.
Browse Christmas in San Francisco
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.