San Francisco Christmas Guide › San Francisco Christmas Lights 2026
When Nov 20, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027
Where San Francisco Botanical Garden, 1199 9th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94122
Lightscape takes over the San Francisco Botanical Garden after dark, with a one-mile trail lit by one million lights. The Gardens of Golden Gate Park bring all-new art, color, and sound to the route this season.
Stroll past illuminated sculptures, water features, and dramatic colors, and take personal photos along the way (tripods, monopods, drones, and props stay home). Plan on at least 45 minutes for the walk. The paths are paved with gentle slopes, strollers are welcome, and the Garden lends a limited number of wheelchairs, first come, first served.
Outside food and drinks aren't allowed, but vendors sell both on site all evening, and the Inner Sunset neighborhood is just outside the Garden. Adult tickets start at $32 and youth tickets at $20, kids 4 and under are free, and same-day purchases cost $5 more. Walking, biking, transit, or rideshare is the easy way in, with free street parking on nearby Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
Questions
How long does it take to walk the trail?
The trail is about a mile long. Plan on at least 45 minutes, depending on your pace.
Can you bring your own food and drinks?
No. Vendors sell food and drinks on site all evening, and the Inner Sunset neighborhood just outside the Garden has plenty of places to eat before or after.
Is the trail stroller and wheelchair friendly?
Yes. The route has paved paths and gentle slopes, and strollers are welcome. The Garden lends a limited number of wheelchairs, first come, first served.
Where do you park?
Walking, biking, transit, taxi, or rideshare is recommended. There's free street parking on nearby Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Nancy Pelosi Drive, and Bowling Green Drive, with overnight restrictions enforced after 10pm.