It's lights, camera and holiday action all over the Bay Area.
Pier 39
Sing the carols of the season and ooh and aah as a 60-foot tree with ornaments, bows and twinkling lights is illuminated on the waterfront.
Pier 39, Beach St and Embarcadero (pier39.com). Nov 19 at 5:30pm; free.
Union Square
Behold Macy’s annual gift to the city of San Francisco, an 83-foot tree decorated with more than 33,000 energy-efficient LED lights and 1,100 shining ornaments. Battle the crowds to see peformances by the San Francisco Boys Chorus, Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir and singer-songwriter Aloe Blacc.
Union Square Park, between Sutter and Post Sts (unionsquareshop.com). Nov 24 at 6pm; free.
Ghirardelli Square
The annual tree-lighting ceremony at Ghirardelli Square comes with Santa, snow (!) and lots of Irish coffee.
Ghirardelli Square, 900 N Point St (ghirardellisq.com). Nov 24 at 4pm; free.
555 California
This year, the folks at 555 California Street are partnering with dozens of celebrity chefs and vintners for the inaugural All Star Holiday Culinary Kickoff, a benefit for families affected by the Northern California fires. And yes, there will be a tree lighting ceremony as well.
555 California St. Nov 29 at 6pm; $249.
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
The Ritz-Carlton kicks off the holiday season with Santa, elves and a 40-foot tree. The festive ceremony boasts Dickens-era costumed carolers, photo-ops with Santa and snacks like cider, hot chocolate and cookies.
The Ritz-Carlton, 600 Stockton St (ritzcarlton.com). Nov 30 at 5:30pm; free.
Westfield Mall
This year's holiday tree lighting at Westfield Mall includes live music, holiday treats and beverages and the unveiling of new holiday decor. Afterwards, you're in the perfect place to start your holiday shopping!
Westfield Mall, 865 Market St (westfield.com/sanfrancisco). Nov 30 at 6pm; free.
Jack London Square
A 55-foot tree covered in more than 5,000 sparkling lights is just the start of the holiday festivities in Oakland. Bring the whole family for holiday music, live reindeer, Santa Claus, hot chocolate, treats and more.
Jack London Square, Broadway and Embarcadero Sts, Oakland (jacklondonsquare.com). Dec 2 at 5pm; free.
San Francisco City Hall
This year's Rainbow World Tree of Hope will once again be inside the gorgeous rotunda at SF City Hall. The tree-lighting ceremony includes a performance from the SF Boys Choir.
San Francisco City Hall, 1 Dr Carlton B Goodlett Pl (worldtreeofhope.org/tree-lighting). Dec 4 at 5:30pm; free.
Presidio of San Francisco
Head over to the Presidio for their annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony including free holiday craft activities for kids, caroling from the Golden Gate Carolers and light refreshments. The ceremony will be followed by a guided lantern walk through the forests (don't forget your flashlight!) at 6:30pm.
Presidio of San Francisco Main Post, 103 Montgomery St (nps.gov/prsf/learn/historyculture/main-post). Dec 8 at 5pm; free.