Your Insider Guide to Holiday Magic in Downtown San Francisco
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
This holiday season, downtown San Francisco is pulling out all the stops, and we’ve got the ultimate guide to make sure you don’t miss a single twinkling light or festive cocktail. Whether you’re clinking glasses with coworkers after work, strolling together under glowing projections, or ringing in the New Year with your favorite people (and pets!), downtown SF is where the magic happens
Brace Yourself for Brilliance at Let’s Glow SF 2025
Let's Glow SF, the nation's largest FREE holiday projection arts festival, is making a triumphant return to downtown San Francisco for its fifth and grandest year yet. This all-ages, family-friendly event runs for 10 nights from December 5–14, 2025. Experience breathtaking animated projections illuminating eight iconic buildings across the city's core, transforming them into colossal, colorful canvases featuring work by 19 artists from around the globe.
🗓️ December 5–14
⏰ December 5 | 7-10PM (post countdown)
⏰ December 6-14 | 5:30-10PM
📍 Downtown San Francisco
For more information on show locations, participating artists, artwork, guided audio tours, and special business promotions during Let's Glow SF, click below!
Be Front & Center for Countdown to Glow
Kick off Let's Glow SF at Countdown to Glow on Friday, December 5th, from 6-7pm, in front of the Ferry Building with your loved ones! Enjoy a special performance by Glide Ensemble presented by Gap Inc & free hot chocolate (while supplies last), then grab your prime viewing spot before city officials "flip the switch" at 7pm!
🗓️ December 5 | 6–7PM
📍 Harry Bridges Plaza
Keep the Glow Alive at After Glow
Enjoy a free, one-night celebration with your friends and family at the Ferry Building South Plaza on December 5, from 5-8 pm. Stroll through the marketplace for cookie decorating and ornament crafting with SF Etsy, and don’t miss Afrika America as the iconic Mrs. Claus. Sip hot cider, snag free holiday cookies (while they last!), and make it a night to remember before wandering out to explore all eight illuminated buildings across downtown!
🗓️ December 5 | 5–8PM
📍 Ferry Building Marketplace
Let’s Glow with the Corg’s
Bundle up, leash up, and join Everyone Loves a Corgi for a magical evening stroll through Let’s Glow SF. This is a pet-friendly walk, so bring your corgis in their holiday best — sweaters, scarves, twinkly collars, you name it. It will be a corg-tastic night of glowing lights and adorable fluffy butts!
🗓️ December 6 | 6-8PM
📍 Ferry Building, 1 Ferry Building
Catch the 555 California Tree Lighting
Nothing says festive like a giant Christmas tree lighting! Celebrate the magic of the holidays with the annual 555 California Street Holiday Tree Lighting on December 2 from 3–7 PM, with the lighting at 6:15 PM. This festive, family-friendly event features joyful carolers, sweet seasonal treats, and plenty of holiday cheer. It’s the perfect way to start your holiday celebrations with friends and loved ones. And it doesn’t stop there! Take the festivities across the street to Blitzen’s Holiday Pop Up bar for a holiday drink!
🗓️ December 2 | 3-7PM, Lighting at 6:15PM
📍 500 California Street
Grab a Holiday Drink at Blitzen’s
This holiday season, the Omni is decking the halls with ornaments, twinkling lights, tinsel, and cocktails that sleigh. Blitzen’s holiday bar at the Omni Hotel serves seasonal cheer with a spirited drink menu curated by Netflix’s Drink Masters winner Julie Reiner. It’s the perfect spot to get your reindeer games on (responsibly, of course).
️🗓️ November 28 - January 2
⏰ Monday – Saturday | 4-11PM
⏰ Sunday | 4-10PM
📍 500 California Street
Winter Wonderland at The Vault Garden
The viral Winter Wonderland holiday returns to The Vault Garden (555 California Street) through December 30th! Bask in the glow of their iconic, elevated patio, featuring glittering lights, festive décor, comfy heated seating, and an expansive view of the 555 California Christmas Tree. Enjoy delicious bites and their signature holly jolly cocktail menu. Reservations are encouraged!
🗓️ November 28 - January 2
⏰ Monday - Saturday | 11:30AM - 9PM
⏰ Sunday | Closed
📍 555 California Street
Discover Gems at the Black Holiday Market
Shop local for your holiday gift list! On December 13 from 10AM–2 PM, the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market transforms into a vibrant holiday marketplace featuring 15 Black-owned Bay Area businesses, in partnership with the Fillmore-based, Black-led marketplace In the Black. Think baked goods, skincare, apparel, and more, perfect for stocking stuffers. Free entry and open to everyone because nothing beats supporting local this holiday season.
🗓️ December 13 | 10AM-2 PM
📍 Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
SantaCon Takes Over San Francisco
Get ready to unleash your inner Claus! SantaCon hits the streets of San Francisco on Saturday, December 13th. Join thousands of festive folks in red and white for a thrilling day of holiday cheer. Remember the rules of the season: plan your trip (public transit!), be kind to your fellow attendees, and sip responsibly. Want to stay on the nice list? Bring a new, unwrapped toy for the annual drive and spread some holiday joy!
🗓️ December 13 | 12PM - Whenever!
📍 Union Square