The Civic Center Plaza Holiday Tree Lighting — a free, family-friendly event — returns Wednesday, December 1, 4-7pm!

This festive event features holiday entertainment, “snow” flurries, festive bites and drinks, free holiday crafts from community organizations, and a toy giveaway for 400+ children!

The night of festive entertainment includes performances by the Tap Dancing Christmas Trees, the Dickens Fair Carolers, The Topman All Stars, the acapella group Business Casual, America Scores, and Christmas VIPs the Grinch, elves and the man-of-the-hour: Santa! The full night’s line up is all led by Boxcar Theatre‘s Artistic Director Nick A. Olivero with emcee Mz. K!

Another Planet Entertainment will lead a toy giveaway for the first 400 children under 12, and there will also be holiday-themed DIY crafts, activities and candy canes with SF Etsy in the Makers Village. Festive bites will be available for purchase from an Off the Grid food truck and Annie’s Hot Dog Cart, along with a full bar from Best Beverage Catering, offering seasonal favorites like Irish coffee and mulled wine.

The event will begin at 4 p.m. The lighting of Civic Center Plaza’s 50-foot noble fir by Mayor London Breed will take place at 5:15 p.m. Also don’t miss the Shine On installation adjacent to the tree, a perfect backdrop for a photo!