It is now Holiday showtime: lights by the thousand, animated projections, and Christmas tree illuminations. Once again this year, the San Francisco Bay Area is decked out in a thousand and one colors. Whether it’s the City, the South Bay, or the East Bay, each region has made imaginative and creative efforts to immerse us in the magical atmosphere of Christmas.
MerciSF.com shares its favorites with you.
Entwined golden gate park
The arrangement in the installation creates twisting paths through large flowering clusters, trees to sit under, and shifting lights and colors. New to this year’s installation will be twice-a-week performances and other engaging art activations.
From December 1st, 5-10 p.m.
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Let’s Glow SF
America’s largest holiday projection mapping festival returns to downtown San Francisco this December, celebrating the season with 10 nights of light, animation, and music crafted by artists from the Bay Area and across the globe. Be among the first to see this year’s enthralling shows.
From December 2nd to 11 5-10 p.m.
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Pier39
Enjoy the Holidays all season long with The PIER’s nightly Tree Lighting Musical Moments on their Christmas tree. Synchronized to Holiday music, the tree transforms into a kaleidoscope of swirling colors, adorned with thousands of specialty lights and ornaments.
The Christmas Tree will come to life every half hour from 5 pm – 10 pm, November 22, 2022, through January 8, 2023.
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The fantasy of Lights Los Gatos
The fantasy of Lights is a spectacular 1.5-mile drive-through extravaganza of holiday lights and displays for the entire family. Enjoy a magical evening in the warmth of your vehicle as you drive through large animated displays while listening to holiday music on your car radio.
From December 6 to 30.
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Holiday Tree Lighting Oakland
Come discover live entertainment, including a tree-lighting and laser light show with snow, Santa and friends visits, performances by Tony Lindsay and the Oaktown Jazz Workshop, and more.
At Jack London Square on Saturday, December 3rd, from 5:45 pm to 8 pm.
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Enchant San Jose
Let Enchant light up your holiday season. Bring your friends and family for a magical evening with over 4 million sparkling lights, our story-themed walk-thru light maze, ice skating, and so much more!
All December 4:30-10:30 p.m
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Holiday at Filoli
Holidays at Filoli is the season to make special memories, bask in the vibrant landscape, and spend time together. Step into the magic of the House adorned in holiday cheer and 
explore the winter Garden, where inspiration glows.
From November 19 to January 8.
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Oakland Zoo Glowfari: A Wildly Illuminating Lantern Festival
This year’s experience features new displays including a walkabout through the land down under with kangaroos and koalas, icons of the California coastline including whales, otters, and jellies, exotic animals of the tropical rainforest, and a trip to the past with a towering t-rex and a megalodon shark tunnel!
From November 30 to January 29.
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Enjoy!
