San Francisco Christmas Guide › San Francisco Christmas Lights 2026
In the Castro, the holiday season officially starts when the neighborhood's iconic holiday tree lights up at Bank of America Plaza. The Castro Merchants Association hosts the ceremony, and community members gather in the plaza to watch the lighting together.
The ceremony lasts about half an hour, so it's an easy one to fit into your day. It's open to all ages, and organizers invite everyone to bring family and friends to share this Castro tradition.
Supporting local merchants is part of what the ceremony is about. Once the tree is lit, take a stroll and do some holiday shopping at Castro businesses, and keep coming back to them through the season.
Questions
How long does the ceremony last?
About half an hour, so you can watch the lighting and still have time to shop in the neighborhood.
Can you bring family and friends?
Yes. Organizers invite everyone to bring family and friends to this Castro holiday tradition, and it's open to all ages.
How can you support the neighborhood?
Shop at Castro businesses over the holidays. Supporting local merchants is part of what the ceremony is about.