San Francisco's holiday tree-lighting season starts the weekend after Thanksgiving. Here are the dates organizers have posted so far. They're all free.
Yerba Buena Gardens: Saturday, Nov. 28, 4 to 6 p.m.
The Yerba Buena Gardens Conservancy is holding its second annual Holiday Tree Lighting at the gardens, 750 Howard St. RSVPs aren't required but are appreciated. The conservancy says it will announce surprises on its Eventbrite page as the date gets closer.
Huntington Park, Nob Hill: Monday, Nov. 30, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
SF Tourism Tips lists the Nob Hill lighting at Huntington Park with snacks and live music.
Civic Center Plaza: Wednesday, Dec. 2, 4 to 7 p.m.
The Civic Center Community Benefit District's event starts promptly at 4 p.m. The plaza's 50-foot noble fir lights up at 5:30 p.m., across from City Hall. The lineup includes the Tap Dancing Christmas Trees and Santa, plus “snow” flurries for kids. Another Planet Entertainment and the SFPD will give toys to the first 500 children 12 and under. In the Makers Village, SF Etsy is running holiday activities and the San Francisco Public Library is giving away books. Food and a full bar will be for sale. No ticket is needed, though you can RSVP for a reminder. It happens rain or shine. SF Tourism Tips reports that Mayor Daniel Lurie is expected to light the tree.
Pier 39: Thursday, Dec. 3, 5 to 9 p.m.
According to SF Tourism Tips, the tree at Pier 39 will first light around 6 p.m. The evening includes the Death & Taxes Swing Band, carolers, roaming entertainment and Santa. After that, the tree “comes to life” every half hour from 5 to 10 p.m. nightly into early January.
Still to be announced
Dates for lightings at McLaren Lodge in Golden Gate Park, Noe Valley Town Square and Grace Cathedral's Rainbow World Tree of Hope hadn't been posted when we checked. We'll update this list as organizers confirm them.