[To be updated for 2008. Check back soon!]
For a list of tree lightings and other holiday illuminations taking place around the city, please read on. As you can see, San Francisco will not be want for festive displays this holiday season:
November 16
Lighting of the Embarcadero Center Buildings
Time: 4-6:30 p.m.
Traditionally kicking off the holiday season in San Francisco is this lighting ceremony, which will also include a Winter Carnival, full of carnival games, craft booths, and other fun activities for the family. At 6 p.m., the ceremony will begin with an ice show at the Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero Center, and at 6:30 p.m., the culmination of the evening's events will take place: the lighting of the Embarcadero Center's office buildings with 17,000 lights.
November 16
Holiday Lighting Ceremony
Time: 7-8 p.m.
Did you know the Hyatt Regency San Francisco's lobby holds the record of "largest atrium lobby" according to the Guinness Book of World Records? It's true, and on Nov. 16, it will light its own holiday display: a 45-foot tree surrounded by a cascade of some 300,000 lights. Make a visit and check out the record-setting "atrium lobby" and its tribute to the season.
November 18
Holiday Harmony at Pier 39
Time: 1-6 p.m.
A multi-cultural event that brings together Christmas, Chanukah, and Kwanzaa celebrations. Enjoy live music and the lighting of Pier 39's tree at 5:30 p.m.; the tree will feature some 400 ornaments, 500 multi-colored bows, and 2,000 lights.
November 23
Ghirardelli Square 43rd Annual Tree Lighting
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Ghirardelli Square will herald the lighting of its own holiday tree with an evening of holiday performances and a visit from St. Nick. Those who attend can warm up from the biting San Francisco air, what else but Ghirardelli hot chocolate.
November 23
Macy's 18th Annual Union Square Tree Lighting
Time: 6 p.m.
The day after Thanksgiving is always a busy day for retailers, and for Macy's, it punctuates it with a tree-lighting ceremony. Musical entertainment will keep spirits lively. At 6 p.m., the 85-foot tall California White Fir will light up, simultaneously with the well-known wreath on Macy's Geary Street facade.
November 26
Tree Lighting in the Castro
Time: 6:30 p.m.
The ceremony will feature live music, plus some special guests, and end with the lighting of the 26-foot tall tree located in the neighborhood Bank of America. The colors for this season are red and white. Look for the candy-striped parking meter poles on Castro Street.
November 29
Lighting of "Uncle John's Tree"
Time: sundown
The traditional tree dedicated to John McLaren will be lit at sundown on Nov. 29. A tradition of 77 years.
November 29
Lighting of the Civic Center Plaza Tree
Time: sundown
Simultaneous with the lighting of Uncle John's Tree in Golden Gate Park, the 38-foot-tall tree at Civic Center Plaza will also be lit. At sundown.
November 29
Ritz-Carlton: Tree Lighting Ceremony
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
A wish will be granted with this ceremony as the hotel's 40-foot holiday tree will be illuminated by a child from The Make-A-Wish Foundation, with the help of Santa Clause himself. Attendees can enjoy seasonal favorites: hot apple cider and roasted chestnuts.
More: December.
