San Francisco is stepping in to fund a real Christmas tree in Union Square after Macy's ended its long sponsorship of the plaza's holiday tree.
NBC Bay Area reported that the city will put up a live tree for the first time in more than 20 years, replacing the artificial tree Macy's had sponsored. The tree is expected to be lit by Black Friday. A Macy's spokesperson told NBC the retailer will still offer holiday experiences, including the SF SPCA pet windows. Union Square Alliance CEO Marisa Rodriguez said she was "thrilled to welcome a live tree for the first time in over 20 years."
Why it matters: The tree is a downtown draw for shoppers and tourists. Hoodline, citing KRON4, said Macy's had underwritten the tradition for more than three decades and that a holiday market and other activities are still planned. The city said it remains committed to holiday programming that supports downtown businesses.