San Francisco Brings Real Christmas Tree to Union Square
The city will install a live tree in Union Square, replacing the artificial tree Macy's has sponsored each year.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Seasonal Events
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San Francisco will place a real Christmas tree in Union Square, the first live tree there in more than 20 years. The tree replaces the artificial tree Macy's has sponsored annually.
Why it matters
The change restores a live holiday centerpiece to downtown San Francisco's most prominent public square. It also reflects the city's aim to support local businesses and drive downtown economic activity through holiday experiences.
The announcement is a city plan rather than a completed installation, so the tree's final size and species have not been confirmed. The first live tree in more than 20 years is set to be lit in time for Black Friday.
The players
Macy's
Macy's is a national department store chain that has sponsored the artificial Christmas tree in Union Square every year.
Union Square Alliance
The Union Square Alliance is a business and property-owner organization that manages public realm and holiday programming in the Union Square district.
The details
Macy's will continue to offer holiday gifts and special experiences in Union Square, including SPCA holiday windows. The Union Square Alliance has already welcomed a live tree this holiday season, and the city says it is committed to the Union Square holiday tradition through investment in holiday experiences.
Timeline
Black Friday (holiday season 2026): the Union Square tree is expected to be lit.
Seasonal Patterns
The move departs from the Macy's-sponsored artificial tree that has anchored Union Square's holiday display for years, returning a live tree after more than two decades. It shows how a single downtown holiday centerpiece can shift from corporate sponsorship back toward city-led programming.
Visitors to Union Square will be able to see a live Christmas tree in the downtown holiday display once it is lit. Holiday gifts and special experiences, including SPCA holiday windows, remain available at Macy's during the season.
The takeaway
The return of a live tree to Union Square shows how a downtown holiday display can be reshaped through city investment and local business partnerships. Residents and visitors planning downtown holiday outings can expect the lit tree in time for Black Friday.
What happens next
The Union Square tree is expected to be lit in time for Black Friday during the 2026 holiday season.
Further reading
Browse more coverage of Seasonal Events in San Francisco for other holiday happenings across the city.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC Bay Area.
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