10 free holiday listings for 2026: tree lightings, Santa, lights and library holiday crafts. Each one links to the organizer’s own page. We add more as cities and libraries publish their December calendars.
Nov 18 · 4:00–6:00 pm
Three Embarcadero Center, Street Level · Three Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA 94111
Watch the four Embarcadero Center towers light up in their holiday outlines, with a small holiday market before the switch-on.
Good to know: Organizer asks guests to RSVP on Eventbrite and lists no price. Market vendors sell goods.
Source: Embarcadero Center · checked Oct 26
DirectionsDec 3
PIER 39 Entrance Plaza · Beach St & The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133
PIER 39 lights its 60-foot live Christmas tree with a swing band, ugly-sweater fun and a visit from the North Pole crew.
Good to know: No admission listed; the pier is open to the public. Shops, food and attractions cost extra.
Source: PIER 39 · checked Oct 26
Directions5 free holiday events so far. Libraries post December programs about four weeks ahead, so this list grows through November.
1:30–2:15 pm
Free1Main Library
Source: San Francisco Public Library · checked today
10:30–11 am
Free2Visitacion Valley Branch Library
Source: San Francisco Public Library · checked today
11–11:15 am
Free3Richmond/Senator Milton Marks Branch Library
Source: San Francisco Public Library · checked today
1:30–2:30 pm
Free4Sunset Branch Library
Source: San Francisco Public Library · checked today
11–11:30 am
Free5Bayview/Linda Brooks-Burton Branch Library
Source: San Francisco Public Library · checked today
These happen every year. We’ll add the 2026 dates as soon as the organizer posts them.
2026 dates not announced yet
McLaren Lodge & JFK Promenade, Golden Gate Park · 501 Stanyan St, San Francisco, CA 94117
SF Rec & Park's evening tree lighting in Golden Gate Park, with carnival rides, cookie decorating and live entertainment along JFK Promenade.
Good to know: Free to attend; food is for sale.
Last year: 2026 not announced yet. 2025: Thu Dec 4, 4–8 pm, with carnival rides, cookie decorating, rock wall and live performers.
Source: San Francisco Recreation & Parks · checked Oct 26
Directions2026 dates not announced yet
Union Square · Union Square (Geary & Powell Sts), San Francisco, CA 94108
Chabad's giant Union Square menorah is lit each night of Hanukkah, with a family afternoon of crafts, a show and music on the first night.
Good to know: Public lightings list no price; a few side parties need an RSVP or tickets.
Last year: 2026 schedule not posted. 2025: nightly lightings Dec 14–22, starting with a kids' crafts-and-music afternoon (2–6:30 pm) on the first night. Hanukkah 2026 falls Dec 4–12.
Source: Chabad of San Francisco · checked Oct 26
Directions2026 dates not announced yet
Ghirardelli Square · 900 North Point St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Santa switches on Ghirardelli Square's holiday lights and the famous sign, usually with a children's chorus performing in the square.
Good to know: Organizer lists no admission; shops and treats cost extra.
Last year: 2026 not announced yet. 2025: Fri Nov 28 (day after Thanksgiving), 4:30–8 pm, with the SF Boys Chorus.
Source: Ghirardelli Square · checked Oct 26
Directions