Light Up Your Holiday Season

San Francisco in the wintertime is a dazzling sight… quite literally with holiday lights lining the streets, twinkling Christmas trees standing tall, and special light installations captivating residents and tourists alike. The SFPUC is proud to light up much of San Francisco for the holidays with clean energy thanks to our Hetch Hetchy Power and CleanPowerSF programs. Check out some of our favorite light displays illuminating the city this year.

Entwined: Elder Mother @ Golden Gate Park

Large, glowing, artificial trees with colorful, illuminated branches stand on a grassy field at dusk, while a person looks up at them; the sky is dark, and real trees are silhouetted in the background. — ***Photo courtesy of SF Recreation and Parks.***

Since 2020, Golden Gate Park has been bringing Entwined, an illuminated forest, to life in Peacock Meadow. The installation is returning with a new twist, featuring a large, shade-bearing tree that moves with the wind. Viewers can even control the colors of the leaves from their phones. The installation will be open for viewing until the end of April.

HapPIER Holidays at Pier 39

A large Christmas tree with red and green lights stands in a lively, decorated outdoor plaza at night. People walk around, and Pier 39 signs and festive lights are visible throughout the scene. — ***Photo courtesy of Pier 39.***

Head over to Pier 39 and check out a 60 foot-tall glowing Christmas Tree. Not only is this tree of monumental proportions, but it also comes to life and performs for spectators every 30 minutes between 5-10 p.m. through January 7th. There’s also the carousel, restaurants, and shops to explore at Pier 39, which is served by clean Hetch Hetchy Power.

Holiday Decorations in the Castro

A house is decorated with colorful Christmas lights, wreaths, garlands, red bows, and a Santa Claus figure on the balcony, creating a festive holiday display at night. — ***Photo of the Castro Street House courtesy of Do The Bay.***

The Castro neighborhood is known for having plenty of holiday cheer. Businesses and residents alike go all out with decorations. In fact, one house, known as the Castro Street House is a favorite amongst San Franciscans. Each December, the house is decked out with ornate decorations and shimmering lights.

Holiday Lights Along Third Street and Market Street

City street at dusk with tall buildings, decorated with illuminated snowflake lights. Streetlights glow, cars create light trails, and a blurred pedestrian stands in the foreground. A red pedestrian signal is visible. — ***Festive lighting displayed along Third Street and Market Street.***

Take a stroll along Third Street in the Bayview from Evans to Paul Avenue and along Market Street from the Ferry Building to the Castro to take in the beauty of bell and snowflake lights that are powered by Hetch Hetchy Power’s greenhouse gas-free electricity.

Cable Cars

A decorated cable car at night, featuring wreaths and garlands for the holidays. People are boarding and walking nearby, while city lights and buildings illuminate the festive street scene. — ***Photo courtesy of SFMTA.***

Make your way through the city in sustainable style in San Francisco’s beloved cable cars. Not only are they powered by Hetch Hetchy Power’s clean energy, the cable cars are adorned with lights, garland, and all things festive.

City Hall

Energized by Hetch Hetchy Power, San Francisco City Hall, is regularly lit up in eye-catching colors for a variety of holidays. Be sure to stop by the Civic Center area to see City Hall shining bright for the holidays. Even better yet, catch the San Francisco Conservatory of Music performing in Civic Center several days throughout December.

The SFPUC wishes you and yours a very bright and happy holiday season!

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