Mission District Christmas Lights 2026

Prepare to be enchanted by Lightscape, returning to the San Francisco Botanical Garden for the 2026 winter season. This immersive, one-mile trail transforms the garden into an after-dark wonderland with a million lights, all-new art installations, vibrant colors, and captivating...

Glow, the Exploratorium's winter exhibition at Pier 15, displays light sculptures by artists.

Oakland Zoo's Glowfari features hundreds of new, large animal lanterns illuminating the zoo. The event showcases wildlife and conservation through artistic displays.

Get ready for the enchanting Winter Wonderland Lighting Ceremony, a beloved event that officially kicks off the holiday season. This magical occasion transforms the area into a festive spectacle, perfect for families and individuals looking to embrace the spirit of...

Let's Glow SF returns to downtown San Francisco as the nation's largest holiday projection event. This free festival transforms 8 locations with large-scale animated light installations by 16 international artists. Experience nightly shows from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM, including...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Fourth Street's Dazzling Holiday Lights event. Stroll through three blocks of sparkling lights, enjoy complimentary hot beverages and cookies, and be entertained by live music and captivating magic shows. Encounter whimsical costumed...

Experience the enchantment of Downtown San Leandro's 28th Annual 'It's a Wonderful Night' holiday celebration. This beloved family-friendly event features a magical tree lighting ceremony, delightful holiday performances, opportunities to meet Santa Claus, and charming holiday train rides. Explore a...

Step into a world of enchantment at Oakland Zoo's Glowfari, a spectacular lantern festival. This family-friendly event features hundreds of new, larger-than-life animal lanterns that illuminate the zoo with stories of wildlife and conservation. Explore themed zones, including a captivating...

Discover Entwined: Elder Mother, an enchanting art installation in Golden Gate Park's Peacock Meadow. This monumental, wind-animated tree sculpture offers a captivating display of light and color, inviting visitors to interact with its ever-changing illumination. Explore a unique blend of...

Experience a magical winter evening at the California Academy of Sciences' Welcome Winter Night. This family-friendly event features live reindeer, festive cookie decorating, enchanting magic shows, and late-night access to the museum's captivating exhibits. It's the perfect opportunity to create...

Step into a magical holiday wonderland at the Solano Christmas Village. This festive event features a spectacular Christmas Lantern Parade, bringing a dazzling display of light and color to the community. The opening and lighting ceremony officially kicks off the...

San Francisco City Hall transforms into a dazzling spectacle each evening at sunset, illuminated by over 220 advanced LED lights. This breathtaking display highlights the building's grand architecture with a warm, white glow, often enhanced with special schemes for holidays...

Celebrate the official start of the holiday season at the 36th Annual Building Lighting Ceremony & Carnival. This family-friendly event features a carnival with games, face painting, and a special appearance by Santa and his elves. The night culminates with...

San Leandro businesses are invited to illuminate the holiday season in the 'Light Up San Leandro' decorating contest. Participants will showcase their creativity with festive lights and themes, vying for a $1,000 prize. The community can vote for their favorite...

Step into a winter wonderland at the Fairmont San Francisco, where their iconic life-sized Gingerbread House takes center stage. This colossal creation, built with real gingerbread and adorned with pounds of candy, is a must-see holiday spectacle. For an extra...

Join the enchanting Santa Lights the Square event at Ghirardelli Square for the annual holiday lighting ceremony. Be captivated by a special performance from the San Francisco Boys Chorus as Santa himself illuminates the square, officially kicking off the festive...

Discover the magic of the 23rd Annual South San Francisco Parol Lantern Festival on December 13, 2025. This vibrant event celebrates the Filipino symbol of hope, the parol, with stunning lantern displays, community workshops, and a festive 'Taste of Christmas'....

Step into a world of wonder at IlluminOdyssey, an immersive and interactive light experience. This captivating exhibit transforms CuriOdyssey's Redwood Hall into a glowing forest, inviting visitors to explore the science of light through playful, hands-on installations. Discover the magic...