San Francisco has so many gorgeous holiday trees in December, it’s hard to keep track. We decided to round up the best ones so you can catch them all before the season ends! Whether you’re totally feeling the Christmas spirit or you could just use some holiday cheer, these displays around the city are worth seeking out. Scroll to the bottom for a map to point you in the right direction.
1. Macy’s Tree at Union Square
On display through January 1, 2023
Of course, Union Square’s Macy’s Christmas tree is one of the most recognizable ones in the entire Bay Area. The red and gold decorations and glowing red star are iconic, and it’s impossible to miss at 83 feet tall. While you’re there, be sure to check out the ice rink, which is still hosting plenty of fun skating events.
Location: 333 Post Street
2. Neiman Marcus
Closing date TBA
The Neiman Marcus department store at Union Square is quite well-known for its beautiful windows and luminous rotunda. They capitalize on the impressive entrance hall with this huge “tree,” which is really a cone-shaped light display, suspended from the ceiling. Check it out for some unconventional holiday cheer.
Location: 150 Stockton St
3. Fairmont Hotel
On display through January 2, 2023
The Fairmont Hotel is best-known for their amazing 2-story gingerbread house adorning the lobby. But don’t forget to enjoy their absolutely beautiful 23-foot Christmas tree, decorated with blue, gold, and white baubles and thousands of glittering lights! There’s also a holiday train, smaller “trees” made from stacks of champagne bottles, and more.
Location: Fairmont Hotel, 950 Mason St
4. Palace Hotel
On display through January 3, 2023
The Palace Hotel has one of the most beautiful lobbies in the city, made even more impressive with its three colorful and ornate Christmas trees. See them among the hotel’s gorgeous golden chandeliers, captivating skylight, and marble columns for a truly luxurious photo op.
Location: Palace Hotel, 2 New Montgomery St
5. 555 California
On display through January 7, 2023
This 80-foot tree is one of San Francisco’s tallest ones, standing proud alongside the skyscraper at 555 California. You can see it while enjoying a cocktail at The Vault Garden, which will soon transform into a dazzling winter wonderland.
Location: 555 California St
6. City Hall
Closing date TBA
This beautiful golden tree is lighting the top of an impressive grand staircase inside of San Francisco City Hall. If you’ve never been inside this extraordinary building, now is the time to see it! Doors are open to the public Monday-Friday from 8am-8pm.
Location: City Hall, 1 Dr Carlton B Goodlett Place
7. Thrive City tree at Chase Center
On display through January 11, 2023
This blue and gold tree dedicated to the Golden State Warriors is the tallest in the Bay Area at a towering 90 feet. It’s accompanied by nightly “snowfall” at 6pm, music, and great ocean views.
Location: Thrive City at Chase Center, 1 Warriors Way
8. Uncle John’s Tree at Golden Gate Park
Closing date TBA
This Monterey Cypress at McLaren Lodge is known affectionately as “Uncle John’s Tree’ in honor of Golden Gate Park’s famous superintendent, John McLaren. It dates back all the way to 1880! See it adorned with hundreds of colorful lights, as it has been every Christmas since 1929 as the city’s official Christmas tree. It’s great for photo ops with the toy train alongside it.
Location: In front of McLaren Lodge, 501 Stanyan St, Golden Gate Park
9. World Tree of Hope at Grace Cathedral
On display through January 7, 2023
Grace Cathedral is home to the largest origami Christmas tree in the world. They partner with Rainbow World Fund to decorate it with over 17,000 handmade origami cranes and stars, each of which is inscribed with wishes and hopes for the future. You can send your wish to be inscribed on a crane for free and added to the tree.
Location: Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St
10. Civic Center
Closing date TBA
This 50-foot tree is the temporary centerpiece in Civic Center Plaza, where you’ll find City Hall decked out in red and green lights to complete the picture. Keep an eye on the Civic Center Facebook page for future holiday pop-ups.
Location: Civic Center Plaza, 1 Dr Carlton B Goodlett Place
11. *Canceled for 2022* Pier 39
Closed early for 2022 after drying out too quickly.
Pier 39 is home to a 60-foot live tree, which glimmers with shifting colors in a light display repeating every 30 minutes. Enjoy these tree lighting moments nightly from 5-10pm.
Location: Pier 39, Embarcadero
12. *Canceled for 2022* Upside-down tree at Westfield SF Centre
Installation canceled for 2022
This mind-blowing 50-foot inverted crystal tree is always a stunner at Westfield SF Centre. The unconventional tree is essentially an enormous cone-shaped chandelier, and it’s especially jaw-dropping beneath the famous building’s historic glass dome and 100-foot-high ceilings.
Location: Westfield SF Centre, 865 Market St
Featured image: @415urbanadventures via Instagram