Nights are getting longer, the scent of winter is in the air and as the holidays get into full swing, lights are set to twinkle. Enjoy the impressive seasonal glow of artistic installations around local shopping corridors such as Fourth Street in West Berkeley,Santana Row in San Jose, San Francisco’s fun and festive Pier 39 and Union Square with its tremendous Christmas tree, giant menorah and bustling ice skating rink.
Fancy hotels also get in the spirit with special offerings of all things merry and bright: Visit the massive gingerbread house display and sip holiday tea at the Fairmont San Francisco or make a reservation for the popular Teddy Bear and Santa teas at the city’s Ritz-Carlton and Palace hotels.
Check out the Chronicle’s region-by-region guide to the best holiday light experiences, events and totally lit holiday-themed attractions around the Bay Area through December.
San Francisco
Santa Lights Ghirardelli Square
The S.F. Boys Chorus will perform carols and holiday music before Santa arrives to switch on the square’s holiday lights display. Visit with Santa for photos and a treat. There are holiday concerts scheduled with the Cathedral School for Boys Band (Dec. 10), Russian Hill Carolers (Dec. 17), a live set from Audiopharmacy (Dec. 19) and a German Band pop-up with Deutscher Musikverein (Dec. 21). Santa will be visiting the square on Peppermint Bark Day (Dec. 5), during a Winter Market (Dec. 12) for a surprise event on Dec. 20 and during the concerts. Additionally, there will be a glowing menorah pop-up event from 3-6 p.m. on Dec. 14.
4:30-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28. Free. Ghirardelli Square, 900 North Point St., S.F. 415-775-5500. www.ghirardellisq.com/upcoming-events
Winter Wonderland Tree Lighting
Thrive City’s annual tree lighting ceremony will feature live music from Louis Cato, seasonal treats, holiday photo ops, a visit from the Valkyries mascot and a “Warriors Legend,” a Sponge Bob & Patrick character meet and greet, “The Polar Express” film screening, hot cocoa and more.
3:30-5:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30. Free. Thrive City, 1 Warriors Way, S.F. 888-479-4667. www.chasecenter.com/events
‘Glow: Discover the Art of Light’
Luminous sculptures turn up the radiance as part of the Exploratorium’s seasonal expansion of its light-focused exhibition space. Explore the galleries for wildly-creative, new interactive light art from Robin Baumgarten,Tristan Duke,Jacqueline Hen,Akiko Nakayama,Maja Petrić,Martens & Visser,Squidsoup, and Angela Yuen…