San Francisco Christmas Lights 2026

Visitors can enjoy festive entertainment including live music, appearances by The Tap Dancing Christmas Trees, and a visit from Santa across from an illuminated City Hall. Guests can dance through artificial snow flurries or head to the Makers Village for...

Visitors can browse a marketplace featuring local retailers, enjoy live music, and take part in family-friendly activities. Seasonal bites and festive drinks are available throughout the market. The evening culminates in a grand finale as Embarcadero Center lights up with...

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...

Visitors can explore downtown to see architectural icons transformed into colorful, colossal canvases with animated light projections. Featured landmarks include the Ferry Building, Salesforce Tower, 101 California St, and the Hobart Building. The visual displays showcase creative digital works by...

Visitors can experience a seasonal expansion of the museum's iconic exhibits with light. The exhibition features illuminated spaces and luminous light sculptures created by invited artists.

Visitors explore 14 illuminated zones featuring glowing 3D animal installations, interactive light-up playgrounds, and a dramatically lit Dinos Rule! exhibition. Families can pose for photos in an immersive frozen zone and enjoy open zoo rides throughout the evening. Seasonal food...

Visitors stroll along a one-mile trail through an after-dark wonderland featuring one million lights, art, and music. The outdoor path showcases dramatic colors, illuminated sculptures, and water features throughout the garden grounds. Festive food and drinks are also available for...

Downtown San Leandro rings in the holiday season with its annual community tree lighting ceremony. Attendees can take photos with Santa, ride the holiday train, and watch live entertainment on the community stage. The celebration also features a kids zone...

Guests walk through the zoo to view hundreds of illuminated, hand-painted animal lanterns arranged in regional habitat themes such as California forests, the San Francisco Bay, and Florida Everglades. Visitors can ride a festively lit Gondola up to the California...

Visitors can stroll along three blocks of sparkling holiday lights while enjoying complimentary cookies and warm drinks like cider and hot chocolate. The celebration features live music by The 3 Elements, magic shows by Brian Scott, and an art project...

Step into a winter wonderland at the Fairmont San Francisco, where their iconic life-sized Gingerbread House takes center stage. This colossal creation, built with real gingerbread and adorned with pounds of candy, is a must-see holiday spectacle. For an extra...

Discover the magic of the 23rd Annual South San Francisco Parol Lantern Festival on December 13, 2025. This vibrant event celebrates the Filipino symbol of hope, the parol, with stunning lantern displays, community workshops, and a festive 'Taste of Christmas'....

Experience a magical winter evening at the California Academy of Sciences' Welcome Winter Night. This family-friendly event features live reindeer, festive cookie decorating, enchanting magic shows, and late-night access to the museum's captivating exhibits. It's the perfect opportunity to create...

Experience a magical Winter Wonderland at the Marin Art and Garden Center. This enchanting holiday event transforms the gardens into a festive spectacle, featuring an outdoor ice skating rink, cozy fire pits, and delightful activities for all ages. Enjoy seasonal...

Step into a world of wonder at IlluminOdyssey, an immersive and interactive light experience. This captivating exhibit transforms CuriOdyssey's Redwood Hall into a glowing forest, inviting visitors to explore the science of light through playful, hands-on installations. Discover the magic...