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Civic Center Plaza Holiday Tree Lighting 2024

December 4, 4-7pm

The annual Civic Center Plaza Tree Lighting event returns December 4, 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 story of Boswick the Clown finding joy in the holiday season unfolds through performances by  the San Francisco Boys Choir, singer Doris Bumpus, magician Josh Farenbaugh, and actors Shaneen Black, Katie Baritell  and Gregg Geoffrey. Also expect appearances from Christmas VIPs and the man-of-the-hour: Santa!

The event also features “snow” flurries, where kids (and kids at heart) can twirl and dance through the falling snow, and a toy giveaway for the first 500 children 12 and under, led by Another Planet Entertainment with the San Francisco Police Department, along with the Civic Center Community Benefit District.

In the Makers Village, SF Etsy will lead holiday-themed activities (Santa letter writing station! Ornament making! More!) and the San Francisco Public Library will host a book giveaway. Festive bites from an Off the Grid food truck will be available for purchase, along with kettle corn and a full bar featuring seasonal favorites from Rye on the Road.

The event takes place across from an illuminated City Hall in Civic Center Plaza. Event begins promptly at 4pm, with the lighting of Civic Center’s 50-foot noble fir at 5:30pm.

RSVP for an event reminder via Eventbrite, no ticket required to attend.

This event has been led by the Civic Center Community Benefit District since 2016. This year’s lead sponsors include Cordia and The Redwood Credit Union.