SF fire stations, including the new floating fire station #35 and their fire boats, compete in the annual holiday decorating contest for charity

San Francisco fire stations are lighting up once again for the holidays, bringing festive cheer with creative decorations and even snow machines! The city’s beloved Fire Station Community Holiday Decorations Competition is back for its fifth year, spreading joy and raising funds for local charities.

What to Expect in 2024

While official details from the San Francisco Fire Department are still pending, past years give us a good idea of what to anticipate. Typically, more than 20 fire stations participate, showcasing their creativity and community spirit. One of the most unique entries is Floating Fire Station #35 on the Embarcadero, which features two lighted fireboats adding extra sparkle to the bay.

According to a recent SF Chronicle article, last year’s contest featured dazzling displays such as:

• Station 39 (Mount Davidson): A forest of lighted trees, snow machines, and a fireman mascot with an animated face, reminiscent of Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion technology.
• Station 12 (Haight-Ashbury): A towering 15-foot live Christmas tree adorned with lights and a Grateful Dead-themed logo projection.

How the Contest Works

The competition encourages fire stations to decorate creatively, with prizes sponsored by the SF Fire Credit Union in the past totaling $4,000. Winning stations donate their prizes to local charities of their choice.

Block Parties & Judging on December 23rd

Traditionally, block parties at participating stations happen on December 23, 2024, with winners announced on December 24. The decorations typically stay up through the end of December, offering plenty of time to visit.

Typically the fire departments will light up around sundown with block parties at a few of the fire stations typically around 7-10p. More details to come.

Stay Tuned for Official Announcements

While we haven’t received formal word from the San Francisco Fire Department yet, we expect details to be released closer to the event. The best way to get updates is typically to follow @SFFDPIO on X. If you’re looking for some festive fun, keep an eye out for announcements and plan your holiday station tour!

For more information please visit the links below:

https://sf.funcheap.com/city-guide/fire-stations-san-francisco-lights-holidays/

https://www.sfchronicle.com/totalsf/article/fire-stations-sf-holiday-lights-19978665.php

Winter Walk returns to Union Square from December 13 – 22, located on Stockton Street to O’Farrell to Post! This 10-day event will turn two blocks into a pedestrian plaza with lush turf, diverse food truck offerings, enticing bars, and Instagram-worthy arctic-themed décor. Enjoy live performances and entertainment throughout this festive event! Plus discover the Ornament Trail on Powell Street.

Pick up an Ornament Trail Guide at Winter Walk and explore the larger-than-life ornaments created by talented local artists, displayed along Powell Street. In addition to the stunning holiday decor, you’ll find blue turf, festive ornaments on poles, and other seasonal touches. Stay tuned for details on weekly holiday performances at the Cable Car Turnaround, bringing extra cheer to your winter stroll. Find all 8 ornaments by completing the Ornament Trail Guide during Winter Walk (December 13-22)!

Mon-Wed, 12:00 – 7:00 p.m. | Thurs-Sun 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Santa Comes to Winter Walk!
All the way from the North Pole to Union Square, Santa is making his way to Winter Walk, bringing joy and cheer to our festivities. Capture photos with family and friends and tell Santa your holiday wishes!

Santa visits Union Square on:

Saturday, December 14 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday, December 15 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday, December 21 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday, December 22 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Food Trucks
Winter Walk will offer a vibrant culinary experience, showcasing an enticing selection of food trucks with diverse flavors and cuisines featured on themed days. Alongside these delightful offerings, Winter Wak will also feature multiple bars serving a wide range of festive specialty cocktails and beverages.

If you are interested in participating as a food truck in one or more days of the Union Square Winter Walk, please fill out the Winter Walk 2024 Food Truck Application. Please note that there 4 food truck spots available per shift and are first come first served.

Local Merchants
Union Square is the perfect destination for holiday shopping, and this season’s Winter Walk hopes to feature a holiday marketplace, offering a diverse array of local vendors where visitors can discover unique gifts and support small businesses. If you’re interested in being considered as a vendor, email info@unionsquarealliance.com.

For more information please visit the links below

https://visitunionsquaresf.com/winter-walk

https://sf.funcheap.com/union-squares-2024-winter-walk-dec-13-22/

The annual festivities begin on the night of Friday, December 6th from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. featuring free crafts, live music from Pop Rocks, and dancing. Attendees are invited to come early to enjoy live music starting at 4:30pm at the park’s Main Plaza with 5:15pm as the speaking program start time before lights are illuminated throughout the park at 5:30 pm. This year’s early lighting celebration precedes the neighboring Let’s Glow SF event at the Ferry Building, which Winterfest attendees can check out shortly after our illumination. All events are free!

Friday, December 6, 2024: Holiday Lighting Celebration
4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the Main Plaza

Enjoy dancing and live music from Pop Rocks, holiday crafts, holiday beverages for purchase from Barebottle Brewing Company, and a countdown to the park’s holiday illumination at 5:15 pm.

Saturday, December 7, 2024: Kids Day
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Main Plaza

Saturday is Kid’s Day! Free holiday activities include a special Winter Storytime with the San Francisco Public Library, face painting and a visit from winter fairies with Happily Ever Laughter, a kid’s Holiday Sing-a-long with Music Together of San Francisco, Ornament Making with the Children’s Creativity Museum, and more!

Saturday, December 7, 2024: Ugly Sweater Silent Disco
5 – 7 p.m. at the Main Plaza

On the second day of Winterfest my true love gave to me, a Silent Disco Parrrty! Grab your best ugly sweater and warm up the dance floor in style with music from 3 DJs from HUSHconcerts. Headphones available first-come, first-served (I.D. required).

Sunday, December 8, 2024: Wreath Making Party
9 – 11 a.m. / 12 – 2 p.m. / 3 – 5 p.m. at the Main Plaza

Three two-hour sessions beginning at 9am, 12pm, and 3pm on Sunday, December 8, Main Plaza

Make your own festive wreath with fresh greens, ribbons, and more! A free ticket to attend a session is required, as all supplies are provided but limited. Ticket reservations are available at bit.ly/wreathmaking2024 and will close when tickets are sold out. Walk-ins to the event will be accepted 40 minutes after the start of each session or at the staff’s discretion, depending on capacity and ticket-holder no-show rate. Capacity is 200 wreath-makers per session.

For more information please visit the links below:

https://sf.funcheap.com/sfs-2024-rooftop-ugly-sweater-silent-disco-at-salesforce-park-dec-6-8/

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winterfest-2024-wreath-making-party-at-tjpas-salesforce-park-tickets-1083320393459?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl