San Francisco has Christmas trees, lights and decorations that embrace both the historical and the charitable. A prominent example is the Macy's holiday display. Proceeds from the Macy's Christmas Tree lighting in Union Square benefit UCSF Children's Hospital. And Macy's Holiday Windows feature adoptable animals from the San Francisco SPCA.
Details of 2008 tree lightings (below) are subject to change. Please check with venues ahead of time to confirm dates and times.
See also:
11. Union Street - Fantasy of Lights
Photo © Hugh Grew
Union Street merchants light up their windows, facades, and awnings for the annual Fantasy of Lights celebration. The festivities begin with a December parade, and merge into a street wide holiday presentation, with special days designated as holiday parties -- with late shopping, merchant open houses, and entertainment.
The 2008 Fantasy of Lights opens on December 6 with visits from Santa and meetings with the Snow Queen.
12. Holiday Lights Boat Parade
Photo © Ingrid Taylar
At Fisherman's Wharf, Fort Mason & Crissy Field Waterfront
On December 19, 2008 (6p to 9p), Fisherman's Wharf and the St Francis Yacht Club present the lighted boat parade that stretches from east of Pier 39 to Fort Mason and the St. Francis Yacht Club, turning off of Crissy Field and returning along the waterfront.
Fisherman's Wharf Fishing Fleet boats stay lit until January and can be seen along Jefferson Street (between Taylor and Jones).
Homes along Marina Boulevard are also decorated as part of the holiday lights display.
13. San Francisco Cable Car Lights
Photo © Ingrid Taylar
Various local venues support the cable car decorations you'll see on the cars throughout the holiday season. The cable car pictured here was decorated by an employee of the Buena Vista Cafe (at the waterfront end of the Powell-Hyde line).
14. Huntington Park Tree Lighting
Near California and Taylor on Nob Hill
The 2008 tree lighting happens on December 1, beginning at 5p. Santa will be there along with the San Francisco Girls Chorus. The Annual Dorothy Fritz Cope ceremony at Huntington Park has, in the past, included holiday carols and a serving of hot chocolate at the Big 4 Restaurant.
15. San Francisco Hotel Lights
A number of San Francisco hotels have elaborate or simple and elegant holiday lighting displays. See the gallery link below for images from the 2008 Hyatt indoor display, and the outdoor lights at Nob Hill's Mark Hopkins and Fairmont Hotel.
The Fairmont in 2008 also promises a life-size winter wonderland in the lobby -- complete with Christmas tree and a two-story gingerbread house at the entrance to the Laurel Court Restaurant and Bar.
16. Reindeer Romp at San Francisco Zoo
At the San Francisco Zoo
2008 marks the 4th annual Reindeer Romp at San Francisco Zoo. Activities for the kids include meeting Santa's Reindeer, ice skating, and Story Time with Santa (special dates) along with some holiday treats.
Reindeer Romp happens from November 22 to New Year's Day (2008), and is closed on Christmas Day. Ice skating is available daily from 11am to 5pm. The rink can also be rented for birthday parties.