From late November through early January, San Francisco puts on one of the best light shows in the country. Projection art covers historic buildings, giant trees glow in neighborhood squares, and a mile-long trail of lights winds through Golden Gate Park.

At Golden Gate Sign Company, making things glow is our everyday job. We've been designing, building and installing illuminated signs for Bay Area businesses since 1969, so the holidays are our favorite season to look up and enjoy someone else's work for a change.

Here's our family-friendly guide to the best holiday lights in San Francisco this year, with dates, neighborhoods and a few tips for making the night out easy with kids.

Let's Glow SF: Free Projection Art Downtown (Dec 4–13)

If you see one thing this season, make it Let's Glow SF. Now in its sixth year, this free festival turns downtown landmarks into giant canvases for animated light art. The shows run nightly from 5:30 to 10 pm, starting with a kickoff at the Ferry Building on December 4.

This year's projection sites:

  • Ferry Building, 1 Ferry Building (Embarcadero)
  • 101 California St (Financial District)
  • Pacific Exchange, 301 Pine St (Financial District)
  • Hobart Building, 582 Market St (near Union Square)
  • Yerba Buena Lane at Market St
  • Salesforce Tower, 415 Mission St (SoMa)

Family tip: The sites are close enough to walk between. Start at the Ferry Building, then work your way up toward Union Square for hot chocolate and the big tree.

Lightscape at the SF Botanical Garden (Nov 20–Jan 3)

Over a million lights line a mile-long trail through the San Francisco Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park, with music timed to the displays. It's a great pick for families who want a walk that feels like an adventure.

Family tip: Book tickets ahead on the garden's website, since popular nights sell out. Dress warm, because Golden Gate Park gets chilly after dark.

Tree Lightings by Neighborhood

Nearly every corner of the city has its own tree lighting, and most are free. Here's where to catch one near you.

Date
Event
Neighborhood
Time
Sat, Nov 28
Yerba Buena Gardens Tree Lighting
SoMa
4–6 pm
Mon, Nov 30
Huntington Park Tree Lighting
Nob Hill
5:30–7:30 pm
Late November
Union Square Tree (lit nightly)
Union Square
Evenings
Wed, Dec 2
Civic Center Tree Lighting
Civic Center
4–7 pm
Thu, Dec 3
Pier 39 Tree Lighting
Fisherman's Wharf
5–9 pm
TBA
Noe Valley Tree Lighting
Noe Valley Town Square
5–7 pm
TBA
Santa Lights the Square
Ghirardelli Square
4:30–8 pm

Family tip: Can't make the Pier 39 ceremony? Its tree lights up every half hour from 5 to 10 pm through early January, so kids get their own mini show any night.

Shop Local at Neighborhood Holiday Markets

Some of the best holiday glow comes from the small businesses that light up their storefronts every season. Pair your lights tour with a stop at one of these neighborhood markets:

  • Dogpatch Winter Market, 610 22nd St: Sunday, Dec 6, 11 am–5 pm
  • Holidays on the Hill, Cortland Ave, Bernal Heights: date TBA, 11 am–4 pm
  • Fort Mason Holiday Night Market: date TBA, 5–10 pm

Family tip: Markets are a great way to cross off gifts for teachers and grandparents, and lots of them have treats and activities for kids.

Tips for a Lights Night Out With Kids

  1. Go early. Lights come on around 5 pm, and weeknights are less crowded than weekends.
  2. Take transit. Muni and BART get you close to most downtown sites without the parking hunt.
  3. Layer up. San Francisco nights in December are cold, especially near the water and in the park.
  4. Pick one area per night. Downtown projections one night and a neighborhood tree another keeps little legs happy.
  5. Make it a game. Have kids count the glowing signs and storefronts on your route. You'll be surprised how many there are.

Behind the Glow: How Illuminated Signs Light Up the City

The holiday lights only stay up for a few weeks, but the glowing signs you pass on the way are built to shine year-round. Most modern business signs use LED lighting. It's bright, energy-efficient and lasts for years with little maintenance.

A few common types you'll spot on your lights tour:

  • Channel letters: individual 3D letters lit from inside, common on storefronts and restaurants
  • Halo-lit (reverse) letters: letters lit from behind so they glow against the wall
  • Lightbox signs: a lit cabinet with a printed face, easy to update as a brand changes
  • Digital displays: screens that can change messages for seasonal promotions

Want your business to shine this season and beyond?

Golden Gate Sign Company has designed, built and installed custom signs for Bay Area businesses since 1969. We handle everything from design and fabrication to permits and installation. Get a  design estimate or call us today!

Happy holidays from all of us at Golden Gate Sign!