Macy's Great Tree Lighting & Holiday Ice Rink at Union Square

About this adventure

Nothing signals the arrival of the San Francisco holiday season quite like the lighting of Macy's Great Tree in Union Square! Taking place on the Friday evening directly following Thanksgiving, the ceremony illuminates a soaring 83-foot reusable fir adorned with over 33,000 sparkling LED lights and 1,100 shimmering ornaments, accompanied by live musical choirs, San Francisco youth performers, and Santa Claus. Nestled directly beneath the Great Tree, the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink welcomes families for open-air ice skating in 90-minute timed sessions daily through January. Little beginners can rent adorable penguin-shaped skate helpers that keep toddlers upright and smiling on the ice. The plaza features ADA stroller ramps, easy access via Muni Powell Street Station, and magical views of the decorated holiday windows along Geary and Stockton Streets.