There’s no better telltale sign that the holiday season has arrived in San Francisco than the annual tree lighting in Union Square. This time-honored tradition gathers the community for the illumination of Macy’s Great tree with more than 1500 ornaments and a dazzling display of more than 30,000 lights.

One of the best ways to celebrate the holidays in the city, the 29th annual tree lighting will take place on Friday, November 23. Enjoy local performers and artists as they ring in the official start of the season with exciting performances—all before the lighting ceremony! Every year, Macy’s bestows the tree as a gift to the city, and this year, the reusable tree is 83 feet tall and will be lit each night through the end of the year. We may be a little bias, but there’s something so magical about spending the holidays in San Francisco—let the merry season commence!