It's the most wonderful time of year—the time when San Francisco transforms into an even more festive version of itself for the holidays. Whether you're a die-hard native or a recent transplant, you know that when it comes to the holidays, Union Square knows how to bring it. From fluffy kittens (and a cat celebrity) to walking through a winter paradise while eating bacon, these cheery events at SF's retail mecca will have you decking the halls and fa la la-ing your way straight through New Year's.
If you like your holiday shopping with a side of food trucks, carolers, glowing seating, and jolly-meets-psychedelic lights, you won’t want to miss Winter Walk SF. Starting on November 28th, Stockton Street between Geary and Ellis will transform into a picturesque winter wonderland, complete with a dazzling light show projected onto building facades created by local artists Immersive SF. Off the Grid will also roll up on several lunch hours and evenings to feed hungry shoppers, so you can munch on some Bacon Bacon while you take in the view.
Daily. Friday, November 28 to Thursday, January 1.
Get your Dickens on with high tea at the St. Francis on Francisco. Raise a cup to start the ritual, then chow down (daintily, of course) on English tea sandwiches, fresh black currant scones with berries and cream, and petit fours. If you want to dial things up a notch, go for the Royal Tea, which tops the afternoon off with a glass of sparkling wine. Reservations required; opera gloves optional. (415) 774-0264 for reservations.
Saturdays and Sundays. November 29 to December 21: 2 to 4 pm.
Macy’s 25th Annual Great Tree Lighting
Even the greenest Grinch won’t be able to resist Macy’s annual tree lighting celebration in Union Square. The grand, 83-foot tree is decorated with over 33,000 lights and over 1,000 ornaments. The tree is reusable and the lights energy-efficient, making it SF’s jolliest and greenest tree around. For the 25th anniversary of the ceremony, you’ll be treated to the dulcet tones of Quintavious Johnson (of America’s Got Talent), the SF’s Boys Chorus, Beach Blanket Babylon, and tap dancing Christmas trees. We kid you not.
Friday, November 28: 6 PM.
The SF SPCA + Macy's Holiday Windows
Cute puppies, fluffy kittens, holiday cheer, and Grumpy Cat. What could be better? The SF SPCA/Macy's holiday windows partnership always sends a ripple of cuteness across Union Square, but they're taking things to the next level this year by bringing America's favorite Grinch, Grumpy Cat himself, to kick off the festivities and pose for curmudgeonly photos. The window displays help adoptable animals find homes while raising funds for the SF SPCA. It's pretty much guaranteed to make you feel warm and fuzzy.
Friday, November 21 - Sunday, January 4. Grumpy Cat Appearance: Friday, November 21st at 5 PM.
What do you get when you cross Willy Wonka with Jack Frost? A 12-foot-tall tree made from over 1,000 pieces of glistening sugar, sugar, and more sugar. Along with classic pulled candy pieces, the tree is full to bursting with holiday cheer in the form of handmade sugar snowmen, sugar ribbons, gift boxes, Christmas trees, candy canes, elves, stars, and ornaments. Oh, and it rotates. See the glory for yourself (and score free coffee and cookies) in the Landmark Lobby at the St. Francis. And remember—cavities can't happen during the holidays.
Wednesday, November 26 – Saturday, January 3.
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