City Lights
December 14th, 2022
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The Bay Area certainly knows how to light things up when it comes to the Holiday Season, with an abundance of activities available that are centered around festive Holiday lighting. We’ve created a list of luminous events for kids from 1 to 92 that are in the mood for some cheer this year. There’s even an interactive Google map with dozens of RentSFNow buildings with holiday lights up, so you can try a new route home to see City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in holiday style.
HapPier Holidays @ Pier 39: HapPIER Holidays (fishermanswharf.org)
From 5-9 PM Daily, the Christmas Tree at Pier 39 is all a-glow with beautifully hung strands of light and iridescent ornaments set to a backdrop of traditional Holiday music
Dates: Nov 22nd – Jan 8th
Price: free
Neighborhood: Russian Hill
RentSFNow Buildings nearby: 25 Capra, 2677 Larkin, 267-273 Green, 2200 Leavenworth, 2222 Leavenworth
Giant Menorah Lighting @ Union Square: Schedule — Bill Graham Menora
To partake in a tradition in San Francisco since 1975, head to Union Square for the first night of the Menorah lighting on December 18th and stay for fun family activities, food, and live music from 2-6 PM. The Menorah lighting will continue through the 25th, but the big celebration is primarily on the first night.
Dates: Dec 18th – 25th
Price: Free
Neighborhood: Union Square
RentSFNow Buildings nearby: 735 Taylor, 645 Stockton, 798 Post, 795 Pine, 845 Pine
Union Square Ice Rink: Ice Skating San Francisco
Grab a cup of hot cocoa and head down to Union Square with a friend to light up the ice. This makes a super-cute date night or fun family activity for the kids, and will be the perfect ending of a perfect day.
Dates: Nov 2nd – Jan 16th
Price: $20/adult, children under 8 are $15
Neighborhood: Union Square
RentSFNow Buildings nearby: 735 Taylor, 645 Stockton, 798 Post, 795 Pine, 845 Pine
World Tree of Hope Grace Cathedral
The Rainbow World Foundation’s Tree of Hope has stood as a symbolic representation of peace and hope in San Francisco for 17 years, spending its first 11 years at City Hall, and the past six years at Grace Cathedral during the holiday season. The 23-foot tall tree is adorned with over 17,000 origami cranes that are made of wishes from people all over the world.
Dates: Dec 5th – Jan 7th
Price: free
Neighborhood: Nob Hill
RentSFNow Buildings nearby: 1369 Hyde, 1340 Taylor, 645 Stockton, 845 Pine
Oakland: Fairy Winterland @ Children’s Playground: Fairy Winterland at Children’s Fairyland | Oakland, CA (visitoakland.com)
Head to Fairyland this month for visions of sugar plums and a unique night-time experience. Families get to explore the Lake Merritt children’s park with a cup of complimentary hot cocoa or cider in hand, say hello to Santa, enjoy special performances and drop a letter to the North Pole at the Chapel of Peace. Every night at 6:30 PM there is a small Festival of Lights Parade within the park
Dates: Now – Dec 30th
Price: $18/person
Neighborhood: Lake Merritt
RSFN Buildings nearby: 77 Glen, 640 Brooklyn
