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PIER 39 Holiday Tree & Holiday Festivities
Seasonal Attraction at PIER 39
A Giant Waterfront Christmas Tree + Two Fun Ways to See San Francisco’s Holiday Lights
PIER 39 Holiday Tree & Christmas Festivities in San Francisco
PIER 39 has been welcoming the holiday season with a giant Christmas tree for decades, turning the Entrance Plaza into one of Fisherman’s Wharf’s most recognizable seasonal photo stops.
For the 2026–2027 holiday season, PIER 39 is celebrating from November 23, 2026 through January 10, 2027, with festive décor, waterfront photo opportunities, shopping, dining and its centerpiece: a live 60-foot Christmas tree.
PIER 39 Holiday Season: November 23, 2026–January 10, 2027
Annual Tree Lighting Event: Thursday, December 3, 2026
Private Holiday Lights Tours: December 11–24, 2026
The 60-Foot PIER 39 Christmas Tree
The centerpiece of the celebration is a live 60-foot Christmas tree in Entrance Plaza. PIER 39 describes it as one of the largest live Christmas trees in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The old ETC page documented how elaborate these trees have traditionally been: earlier versions used thousands of energy-efficient LED lights, hundreds of ornaments and large bows, with crews spending weeks securing decorations against San Francisco’s waterfront weather.
The exact decorative design can change from season to season, which is part of the fun. The constant is scale: this is a very large tree in one of San Francisco’s busiest waterfront plazas.
2026 Tree Lighting
PIER 39 currently lists the Annual Tree Lighting Event for Thursday, December 3, 2026. The event kicks off the holiday season around the Entrance Plaza with live entertainment, holiday specials and a visit from the North Pole.
A Fisherman’s Wharf Holiday Tradition
The original ETC page noted that a giant holiday tree has welcomed visitors to PIER 39 since 1983. Over the decades, the tree has become part of the winter identity of Fisherman’s Wharf.
The setting is a big part of the appeal. Instead of a tree surrounded by downtown office towers, the PIER 39 version sits beside San Francisco Bay with sea lions, fishing boats, restaurants, shops and views toward Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.
PIER 39 itself opened in 1978 and quickly grew into one of San Francisco’s major visitor destinations. The holiday celebration adds a seasonal layer to attractions that operate year-round.
What to Do at PIER 39 During the Holidays
Take Your Holiday Tree Photos
The tree is the obvious first stop. After dark, the lights are much more dramatic, but daytime visits can be easier for families and anyone who also wants clear Bay views.
Visit the Sea Lions
The famous California sea lions remain a must-see part of PIER 39. Their numbers fluctuate naturally, but winter visitors can still head to the K-Dock viewing area.
Shop for Gifts
PIER 39’s specialty shops make this one of the easier San Francisco attractions to combine with holiday shopping.
Eat on the Waterfront
Restaurants around the pier range from casual snacks to sit-down meals, with many leaning into classic San Francisco seafood and Bay views.
Enjoy Live Entertainment
PIER 39 programs live performances throughout the year, with additional seasonal activity during the holidays.
Walk Fisherman’s Wharf After Dark
Continue west from PIER 39 to see the Wharf’s illuminated signs, decorated restaurants, historic fishing fleet and waterfront atmosphere.
See PIER 39 on a Private San Francisco Holiday Lights Tour
You can absolutely visit the PIER 39 tree on your own. But if your goal is to see several of San Francisco’s best holiday displays in one evening, the easier option is a private Holiday Lights & Sites tour.
Both sister companies featured by Electric Tour Company include the PIER 39 holiday tree as part of a larger festive city route.
Electric Holiday Fun
Lucky Tuk Tuk Holiday Lights & Sites Tour
1.5 hours · Private group · December 11–24, 2026
Celebrate in a colorful electric Tuk Tuk with hot chocolate, candy canes, fuzzy Santa hats, holiday music and an entertaining local guide.
- 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM departures
- Private Tuk Tuk for your group
- PIER 39 holiday tree
- Union Square holiday tree & ice rink
- Fairmont Hotel gingerbread house
- Embarcadero holiday lights
- North Beach & Chinatown
- Hot chocolate, candy canes & Santa hats
Open-Top Holiday Sightseeing
San Francisco Jeep Holiday Lights Tour
1.5 hours · Private Jeep · December 11–24, 2026
See the city’s holiday displays from a private open-top Jeep with warm blankets, hot chocolate, fuzzy Santa hats, holiday music and your own local guide.
- 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM departures
- Private Jeep for up to 6 guests
- PIER 39 holiday tree
- Union Square tree & ice skating
- Fairmont Hotel gingerbread house
- Ferry Building & Embarcadero lights
- North Beach & Washington Square
- Hot chocolate, blankets & Santa hats
Holiday Tuk Tuk or Holiday Jeep: Which One Fits Your Group?
| Feature | Lucky Tuk Tuk | Open-Top Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Tour Length | 1.5 hours | 1.5 hours |
| Private | Yes | Yes |
| 2026 Dates | Dec. 11–24 | Dec. 11–24 |
| Departures | 5 PM & 7 PM | 5 PM & 7 PM |
| Style | Electric three-wheel Tuk Tuk | Open-top convertible Jeep |
| Holiday Extras | Hot cocoa, candy canes, Santa hats, music | Hot cocoa, Santa hats, blankets, music |
| PIER 39 Tree | Included | Included |
Best answer: choose the vehicle experience you like most. Both are private, both are designed around the same short holiday season, and both connect PIER 39 with several major San Francisco holiday displays.
Plan Your PIER 39 Holiday Visit
2026 Season
Nov. 23, 2026–Jan. 10, 2027.
Tree Lighting
Thursday, Dec. 3, 2026.
Admission
Free to enter PIER 39 and view the tree.
Best Time
After dark for the holiday lights.
Time Needed
45–90 minutes for tree, sea lions, shops and photos.
Weather
Bring warm layers; waterfront evenings can be chilly and breezy.
Parking & Transportation
PIER 39 has a nearby parking garage, but holiday evenings can be busy. Public transit, rideshare or combining the stop with a private holiday tour can avoid repeated parking during a multi-stop evening.
More to See Near the PIER 39 Holiday Tree
- PIER 39 & Sea Lions — the year-round guide to the pier.
- Fisherman’s Wharf — continue through the historic waterfront district.
- Historic Fishing Fleet — decorated boats and classic Wharf atmosphere.
- Dungeness Crab Stands — winter is a natural time for classic Wharf seafood.
- Musée Mécanique — indoor vintage arcade fun nearby.
- Ghirardelli Square — another festive waterfront stop.
- Ferry Building & Embarcadero — city lights farther east along the waterfront.
- North Beach & Little Italy — restaurants and neighborhood nightlife nearby.
- Washington Square Park — another stop featured on the Jeep holiday route.
- Union Square — one of the city’s major holiday destinations.
Holiday Tours Run for Only Two Weeks
Turn One Holiday Tree Into a Full San Francisco Lights Night
PIER 39 is festive on its own. But in 1.5 hours, a private holiday tour can connect it with Union Square, the Fairmont gingerbread house, Embarcadero lights, North Beach, Chinatown and decorated Fisherman’s Wharf.
Book / View Lucky Tuk Tuk Holiday Lights →
Book / View Jeep Holiday Lights →
2026 dates: December 11–24 · 5:00 PM & 7:00 PM departures.
Frequently Asked Questions About the PIER 39 Holiday Tree & Holiday Lights Tours
When is the PIER 39 holiday season in 2026?
PIER 39 currently lists its holiday season from November 23, 2026 through January 10, 2027.
How tall is the PIER 39 Christmas tree?
PIER 39 features a live 60-foot Christmas tree in Entrance Plaza, making it one of the largest live Christmas trees in the San Francisco Bay Area.
When is the 2026 PIER 39 tree lighting event?
PIER 39 currently lists its annual Tree Lighting Event for Thursday, December 3, 2026.
Where is the PIER 39 holiday tree?
The tree is located in Entrance Plaza at PIER 39 on San Francisco’s northern waterfront.
Is there an admission fee to see the PIER 39 holiday tree?
No. PIER 39 is free to enter, and visitors can see the holiday tree and seasonal decorations without buying an admission ticket.
What else is there to do at PIER 39 during the holidays?
Visitors can enjoy holiday decorations, photo opportunities, shopping, dining, live entertainment, Bay views and the famous California sea lions.
Are the sea lions still at PIER 39 during the holidays?
Yes. The sea lions remain one of PIER 39’s signature attractions, although their numbers naturally fluctuate throughout the year.
What are the best times to see the holiday lights?
After dark is best for the illuminated tree and waterfront decorations. Early evening also lets you combine the lights with dinner, shopping or a holiday tour.
How long should I spend at PIER 39 during the holidays?
Allow 45 to 90 minutes for the tree, decorations, sea lions, shopping and photos. Stay longer if you plan to eat or explore more of Fisherman’s Wharf.
Can I see the PIER 39 holiday tree on a guided holiday lights tour?
Yes. Both Lucky Tuk Tuk and San Francisco Jeep Tours feature the PIER 39 holiday tree on their private Holiday Lights & Sites tours.
When does the Lucky Tuk Tuk Holiday Lights tour operate in 2026?
The Lucky Tuk Tuk Holiday Lights & Sites tour operates December 11 through December 24, 2026 with 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM departures.
How long is the Lucky Tuk Tuk holiday tour?
The private Lucky Tuk Tuk Holiday Lights & Sites tour is approximately 1.5 hours.
What is included on the Lucky Tuk Tuk holiday tour?
The tour includes a private Tuk Tuk, local guide, hot chocolate, candy canes, fuzzy Santa hats, holiday music and festive sightseeing stops.
When does the San Francisco Jeep Holiday Lights tour operate in 2026?
The private Jeep Holiday Lights tour operates December 11 through December 24, 2026 with departures at 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
How long is the Jeep Holiday Lights tour?
The private open-top Jeep holiday tour is approximately 1.5 hours.
What is included on the Jeep Holiday Lights tour?
The Jeep tour includes a private open-top Jeep, entertaining local guide, hot chocolate, fuzzy Santa hats, blankets and holiday music.
What other holiday sights do the tours visit?
Typical highlights include Union Square’s holiday tree and ice rink, the Fairmont Hotel gingerbread house, Embarcadero lights, North Beach, Chinatown and decorated Fisherman’s Wharf.
Where do the holiday lights tours start?
Both holiday tours start in Fisherman’s Wharf at Umbrella Alley, 366 Jefferson Street, San Francisco.
Are the holiday lights tours private?
Yes. Both the Lucky Tuk Tuk and San Francisco Jeep holiday tours are private experiences for your group.
Should I book the holiday tours early?
Yes. The tours operate for a short December season and popular evening departures can sell out, especially closer to Christmas.
Keep Planning Your Holiday Visit
More PIER 39 Holiday Info: pier39.com/holidays-at-pier-39
Information and images provided by Pier 39.
