Dazzling holiday light displays steps from BART
The holiday lights display at the Fairmont San Francisco is one of the best in the Bay Area. Photo courtesy of Fairmont San Francisco.
The Bay Area is a magical place to visit any time of year, but it sparkles a little brighter in December. From Christmas trees and menorahs to the largest holiday lights projection event in the country, there are simply so many bright and merry attractions to enjoy. Here is our list of BARTable holiday light displays in the Bay Area. Bundle up, hop on BART and prepare to be impressed. We’ll see you there!
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Holiday Light Displays in San Francisco
Union Square | Powell St
Union Square is home to the iconic 83-foot-tall Macy’s Christmas tree and the 25-foot-tall Bill Graham Menorah. Twinkly lights and holiday music from the Safeway ice skating rink add to the festive décor, while the city’s storefront windows also offer something special. While here, take time to explore the neighboring streets, especially Winter Walk, which runs from Dec. 13-22 on Stockton St. Another notable stop near Union Square includes the Westin St. Francis, which has a 12-foot-high French chateau that rotates and is crafted from sugar by the hotel's pastry chef. Take BART to Powell St . It's only 0.2 miles to Union Square and has so much to offer this holiday season!
The gingerbread house at the Fairmont San Francisco is simply stunning. Photo courtesy of Fairmont San Francisco
The Fairmont San Francisco | Powell St
The Fairmont San Francisco sits atop Nob Hill and has the ultimate whimsical winter décor. Check out the beautifully decorated floor-to-ceiling Christmas tree, the life-sized gingerbread house and the pop-up Lobby Champagne Bar. Sip libations while soaking up the holiday magic at one of the best holiday displays in the Bay Area. Take BART to Powell St for the ultimate festive experience 0.6 miles away at 950 Mason St.
The holiday decor at the Palace Hotel is gorgeous. Photo courtesy of Yelp, Joanna T.
The Palace Hotel | Montgomery St
Don’t miss the Palace Hotel’s jaw-dropping Christmas tree inside its gorgeous glass-domed Garden Court. Enjoy afternoon tea, lunch or even a cocktail while relaxing in the beautifully decorated space. The Palace Hotel is the perfect escape from holiday shopping and the busy streets of San Francisco. Take BART to Montgomery St to relax and admire the holiday lights just a few steps away at 2 New Montgomery St.
Check out the impressive holiday lights display in San Francisco, right in the heart of the Financial District. Photo courtesy of Downtown San Francisco.
555 California St. | Montgomery St
The official tree lighting ceremony took place on Dec. 3 with carolers, hot cocoa and holiday music, but the tree is worth a visit anytime. The iconic setting amongst the city buildings in the heart of downtown has a unique urban vibe. The towering tree is adorned with thousands of lights and ornaments. The nearby Vault Garden’s Winter Wonderland is decked out in playful holiday décor, and their festive cocktails, like "Parson Brown" and "Sleigh Bells Ring," are fun and tasty. Take BART to Montgomery St for holiday lights and a festive cocktail 0.3 miles away at 555 California St.
"Let's Glow SF" | Embarcadero
"Let's Glow," the largest holiday projection mapping show in the U.S., is back this year to entertain and mesmerize us from Dec. 6-15. It’s bigger and brighter than last year and it's also free. Animated light shows will take place on iconic San Francisco buildings, including the Ferry Building and Salesforce Tower. Check out artwork from all thirteen local and internationally renowned artists during this immersive holiday experience. Take BART to Embarcadero to explore "Let's Glow SF," 0.3 miles away at the Ferry Building.
Holiday Lights Displays in the East Bay
This waterfront light display in Oakland is quite a sight. Photo courtesy of Port of Oakland.
Jack London Square | 12th St/Oakland City Center
The holiday tree lighting ceremony was on Dec. 7, but the bright lights of Jack London's festive tree can be enjoyed throughout the month. Head to the waterfront destination to see the tree decorated with thousands of lights and beautiful ornaments. Enjoy dinner, a movie or even a game of bowling before or after admiring one of the best holiday lights displays in the East Bay. Take BART to 12th St/Oakland City Center for holiday magic 0.6 miles away in Jack London Square.
Fairy Winterland is the ultimate holiday fun for little ones. Photo courtesy of Children's Fairyland.
Children’s Fairyland "Fairy Winterland" | 19th St/Oakland
Head to Children’s Fairyland on Dec. 14-15, 18-23, and 26-30 for a charming, cozy winter extravaganza. There will be plenty of holiday lights and décor in addition to puppet shows, performers, a visit from the Snow Queen, candle-making, storytellers and more. They’ll even have complimentary hot cocoa and cider. Take BART to 19th St/Oakland to explore Fairy Winterland 0.4 miles away at 699 Bellevue Ave.
Christmas Tree Lane in Alameda | Fruitvale
Feel the holiday spirit at Christmas Tree Lane in Alameda. Every night from 5:30 to 10 p.m., the 3200 block of Thomson Ave. between High Street and Fernside Blvd. will be lively and lit. An annual tradition since 1938, the holiday lights display is completed in joint effort by over 50 households. While visiting, you can drop off a letter to Santa in a special mailbox with direct delivery to the North Pole. Take BART to Fruitvale for elaborate holiday lights in the East Bay. This lively block of beautiful festive lights is worth the 1.5-mile walk or bike to the 3200 block of Thomson Ave.
Where do you see Holiday Lights Display?
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by Nicole Findlay
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