🎄 2025 San Francisco Christmas Light Shows｜Top Holiday Illuminations in the Bay Area

Every December, the San Francisco Bay Area transforms into a glowing winter wonderland. From waterfront light displays under the Golden Gate Bridge to immersive forest light walks in Golden Gate Park, and high-tech, interactive installations downtown, the 2025 Christmas light season is shaping up to be brighter, more artistic, and more immersive than ever before.

Whether you're planning a family night out, a romantic date, or just a cozy stroll with friends, this guide to the top Christmas light shows in and around San Francisco will help you create your own perfectly lit holiday night.

2025 San Francisco Christmas Light Shows

1. Golden Gate Park – Entwined Light Forest (San Francisco)

📍 Peacock Meadow, Golden Gate Park (near Nancy Pelosi Dr)

🗓️ December 2025 – February 2026 (seasonal, recurring event)

🎟️ FREE

Entwined has become a beloved local favorite—transforming a meadow in Golden Gate Park into a surreal "magical light forest." Dozens of LED tree sculptures change color in rhythm with music, creating a dreamy visual experience perfect for families and romantic strolls.

Why go:

• Interactive light trees perfect for photos

• Free, open to the public

• Spacious outdoor setting great for groups

• Enchanting at night, with a calm, magical vibe

• 💡Insider tip: Bundle up—Golden Gate Park can get quite chilly and windy at night. Aim for dusk to catch the golden hour and avoid heavy crowds.

2. Lightscape – Immersive Light & Sound Experience (SF Botanical Garden)

📍 Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

🗓️ Nov 21, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026

🎟️ Approx. $32–$35 per adult (online reservation required)

One of the most anticipated ticketed light experiences of the year, Lightscape is a globally curated nighttime trail filled with illuminated tunnels, flame gardens, light bridges, and music-activated sculptures. It’s a one-mile walk through a glowing landscape, perfect for all ages.

What to expect:

• 1-hour immersive trail experience

• Stunning light tunnels, laser fields, and forest projections

• Musical light sequences

• Ideal for couples, families, and Instagram moments

• 🎟️ Tickets sell out fast—reserve early. Best times are weekday evenings after 7pm for fewer crowds.

3. Filoli Gardens – Historic Holiday Lights (Woodside)

📍 Filoli Historic House & Garden, Woodside

🗓️ Nov 22 – Dec 30, 2025

🎟️ $35–$49 (tiered by day/time slot)

Filoli turns its grand estate and formal gardens into a glowing European-style winter estate, complete with romantic pathways, historic architecture, and twinkling lights.

Why it's worth the trip:

• Elegant atmosphere, perfect for dates or holiday evenings

• 16 acres of lit walkways, greenhouses, and mansion decor

• Seasonal drinks & snacks available onsite

• One of the most “storybook romantic” spots in the Bay Area

4. Garden of D’Lights – Succulent Desert Lightscape (Walnut Creek)

📍 Ruth Bancroft Garden, Walnut Creek

🗓️ Nov 29 – Dec 29, 2025

🎟️ $20–$27 depending on date

This is a smaller, boutique-style light show that combines sculptural lighting with the unique desert plants of the Ruth Bancroft Garden—ideal for art lovers and light seekers wanting a quieter night out.

Highlights:

• Cacti and succulents lit with colorful LEDs

• Music + motion-sensitive light installations

• Artistic and futuristic light vibes

• Less crowded than major attractions

• 📸 Perfect for photos. Go during “blue hour” (5–6pm) for the best light balance.

5. Union Square & Downtown San Francisco

📍 Union Square + Market Street + Westfield Dome

🗓️ Starts Nov 29, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026

🎟️ FREE

The centerpiece of downtown holiday cheer: an 83-ft tree, an outdoor ice rink, glittering department store windows, and classic holiday decor. It’s the city’s most iconic holiday photo zone.

Why go:

• Classic SF holiday atmosphere

• Free public displays

• Close to shops, bars, and restaurants

• Easy access via BART and Muni

6. Pier 39 & Fisherman’s Wharf – Coastal Holiday Lights

📍 San Francisco Waterfront

🗓️ Late November – January

🎟️ FREE

Coastal charm meets festive sparkle. Pier 39 and the surrounding waterfront light up with marine-themed decorations, holiday music, and tree lighting synced with music every 30 minutes.

What makes it unique:

• Christmas tree reflecting on the bay

• Light shows synced to music

• Sea lions + salty air = classic SF experience

• Less crowded than downtown

7. Zoo Lights – SF Zoo

📍 Sloat Blvd, San Francisco

🗓️ Dec 5 – Dec 30, 2025

🎟️ $12–$25

The San Francisco Zoo transforms into a festive jungle of glowing animal sculptures, light tunnels, and seasonal music—ideal for families with young kids.

Great for:

• Families with kids (stroller-friendly!)

• Seeing animals by day + lights by night

• Hot cocoa, snacks, Santa photo ops

• 🦁 Plan a 3–8pm visit to enjoy both daylight and lighted zoo attractions.

8. Christmas in the Park – Downtown San Jose

📍 Plaza de Cesar Chavez, San Jose

🗓️ Nov 29 – Jan 1, 2026

🎟️ FREE

One of the largest free outdoor light parks in the Bay Area. Hundreds of uniquely decorated Christmas trees, rides, vendors, and photo ops.

Don’t miss:

• Lit-up forest trails

• Carnival games, carousels, and an ice rink

• Food stalls + festive drinks

• Kid-friendly and full-day fun

🎯 Tips for Planning the Perfect Light Tour

• Book ticketed shows early: Lightscape, Filoli, and Garden of D’Lights sell out quickly.

• Weekdays = fewer crowds: Tuesdays–Thursdays offer better parking, shorter lines, and less chaos.

• Dress for winter nights: Even SF gets chilly—bring a coat and gloves.

• Create your own “light route”: Mix indoor and outdoor stops for variety.