[To be updated for 2008. Check back soon!]
December 1
Union Street Festival Fantasy of Lights
Time: 6-8 p.m.
The start of a month-long celebration on Union Street. On Dec. 1, be there for the special lighting ceremony benefiting the San Francisco Firefighters' Toy Program. A mini-parade, carolers, and millions of tiny white lights will kick off the holiday season on this historic street of San Francisco. See the Victorians illuminate.
December 2-27
Deck the Hall with the San Francisco Symphony
Time: 5:15 p.m. (Dec. 2)
The holiday trees in the lobby of Davies Symphony Hall have been decorated with the help of local schools and children's service groups. On Dec. 2, they'll be illuminated to signal the holiday season and the Symphony's annual Deck the Hall concerts. Once lit, the trees will remain so through Dec. 27. Viewable from the street.
December 3
Huntington Park Tree Lighting
Time: 5:30 p.m.
The annual tree-lighting ceremony will feature holiday favorites sung by the San Francisco Girls Chorus, as well as an invocation by Dean Alan Jones of Grace Cathedral. If it rains, the ceremony will take place in Grace Cathedral.
December 4-12
Menorah Lighting
Time: every evening
Union Square will light a menorah in honor of Chanukah, beginning Dec. 4.
December 5
The Tree of Hope Tree Lighting Ceremony
Time: 5:30 p.m.
The Tree of Hope in the rotunda of San Francisco's City Hall will be lit at 5:30 p.m., Dec. 5., and will feature thousands of origami cranes representing wishes for the world's future. You too can send in a wish if you'd like. The tree will remain on display at City Hall through December. At the ceremony, the San Francisco Boys Chorus will perform a mini-concert.
December 7
Presidio Tree Lighting Ceremony
Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
A decades-old tradition, the tree-lighting ceremony will features carols and holiday treats. No reservations are necessary and light refreshments will follow at the Presidio Fire Station.
December 7-26
The Giving Tree
Time: 10 a.m.
A unique, symbolic tree made of Del Monte canned goods will be unveiled on Dec. 7.; the tree will subsequently be donated o the San Francisco Food Bank. Guests are invited to make their own contributions to any one of the Cannery's donation barrels.
December 8
Fifth Annual Parol Festival and Parade
Time: 5-8 p.m.
Hundreds of hand-crafted parol lanterns will illuminate the night in this traditional celebration by the Bay Area's Filipino community. The parade of lanterns is to signify holiday spirit, hope, unity, and pride.
December 14
Holiday Lights and Sights Parade
Time: 6 p.m.
Featuring more than 100 boats adorned with bright lights, the parade will illuminate San Francisco's northern waterfront. After the parade, the boats will remain docked and lit through Jan. 6, 2008. View them from Jefferson Street, between Jones and Taylor Streets in Fisherman's Wharf.
Previous: November.
