The Civic Center Plaza Holiday Tree Lighting — a free, family-friendly event — returns Wednesday, December 6, 2023, 4-7pm!

The annual Civic Center Plaza Tree Lighting event returns December 6, 4-7pm! Add this fun, free, family-friendly event to your holiday calendar; featuring festive performances led by Boxcar Theatre’s Artistic Director Nick A. Olivero, the night’s lineup includes The Tap Dancing Christmas Trees, The Topman All Stars, magician Josh Farenbaugh, singer Doris Bumpus, and appearances by Christmas VIPs and the man-of-the-hour: Santa! Also expect “snow” flurries! 

Another Planet Entertainment and the San Francisco Police Foundation, along with the Civic Center Community Benefit District, will lead a toy giveaway at the event for the first 400 children under 12. While in the Makers Village, SF Etsy will lead be holiday-themed activities (Santa letter writing station! Dreidel making! Paper chains! More!) and the San Francisco Public Library will host a book giveaway. Festive bites from Off the Grid food truck Melina’s Kitchen will be available for purchase, along with a full bar featuring seasonal favorites from Best Beverage Catering!

The event takes place across from an illuminated City Hall in Civic Center Plaza, a wonderful backdrop for a photo. Event begins promptly at 4pm, with the lighting of Civic Center’s 50-foot noble fir by Mayor London Breed at 5:30pm. RSVP via Eventbrite or Facebook.

This event is sponsored by Another Planet Entertainment, City and County of San Francisco, Civic Center Community Benefit District, Redwood Credit Union, San Francisco Police Foundation and San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department.