Dec 3, 2025 - News

Downtown holiday light spectacle "Let's Glow" returns this week

Nadia Lopez

Light display in San Francisco — One upside of the early darkness? All those dazzling lights. Photo: Courtesy of Downtown SF Partnership

Downtown San Francisco will again transform into a glowing nighttime light gallery this Friday as part of the city's holiday festivities.

Why it matters: The winter spectacle draws thousands of visitors and millions in revenue — a boost for a downtown still grappling with slow office recovery and sluggish foot traffic.

What to expect: Eight buildings across downtown, including Transamerica Redwood Park, the Ferry Building and Salesforce Tower, will be illuminated with artworks from 19 artists.

Highlights include an interactive trail of iceberg-shaped light installations and towering, LED-lit dandelion sculptures.

Catch up quick: The exhibition debuted four years ago and has since grown into one of the largest light projection festivals nationwide.

By the numbers: Last year's event drew more than 87,000 visitors and generated $13.2 million in economic revenue for the city, per organizers.

Stop by: The 10-day event kicks off with a lighting ceremony at Harry Bridges Plaza on Friday from 5-8pm, featuring a silent disco, drag performers and a pop-up festive cocktail bar.

If you go: Projections run nightly from Dec. 5-14 from 5:30–10pm.

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Downtown holiday light spectacle "Let's Glow" returns this week

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