San Francisco's streets are set to shine brighter this holiday season as Mayor London N. Breed and the Downtown SF Partnership have announced the return of Let’s Glow SF, slated to dazzle residents and tourists alike. According to a statement from the City and County of San Francisco Mayor's office, this year’s spectacle is expected to outgrow its predecessors with awe-inspiring light installations from 13 international artists displayed across seven Downtown buildings, featuring an expanded program from December 6 to December 15, from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. each evening.

Now in its fourth year, the festival has grown in size and ambition, stretching its radiant tentacles into the Yerba Buena and the East Cut neighborhoods—including flashy new spots such as Annie Alley and the PG&E Substation. Mayor Breed remarked, "When we kicked this off in 2021, our City was still in the midst of a pandemic and Downtown looked so different, we were so committed to finding ways to bring back the joy to our Downtown, and just when we needed it most, the Downtown SF Partnership stepped up to help." She also boasted about the event's popularity, saying through the City and County of San Francisco, "last year brought over 67,000 visitors back into our Downtown to take in the glow, and we expect even more this year."

A new addition this time is the 'Countdown to Glow' public kickoff on December 6 at the foot of Market Street. The event starts at 5 p.m. and promises to set the stage for festive cheer with performances from Catalyst Arts and Circosphere, a spirited DJ, and complimentary hot chocolate, solidifying its status as a burgeoning holiday tradition. Not your average light show, Let’s Glow SF marries technology with artistry, casting light, color, and music on architecturally significant canvases to narrate enchanting stories, further highlighted by the participation of acclaimed design studios like Spectre Lab and Light Harvest Studio.

Amid the kaleidoscope of visual treats, a special all-ages block party on Front Street will take place on December 13, marking it as the State's first designated entertainment zone. Front Street will become a pedestrian paradise during the event, with music, illuminated performers, and holiday revelry for all ages. According to Robbie Silver, President and CEO of Downtown SF Partnership, in a statement obtained by the City and County of San Francisco, "This year’s event not only showcases even more iconic locations and talented artists, but it also demonstrates our commitment to collaborating with other neighborhoods and partners to reimagine public spaces."

Let’s Glow SF is not only about spectacular shows. It’s a nod to the local economy as well. Last year, the light show generated an estimated $8 million in economic activity downtown. Numerous bars and restaurants will hitch their festive wagons to the event with specials and discounts as part of a raucous Let’s Glow SF crawl adventure, encouraging attendees to navigate the city's festive offerings. Amazon and JPMorgan Chase and Zoox have been named the event's main sponsors. "As a company deeply invested in the community, we are proud to support Let’s Glow SF as it continues to grow and highlight the creativity and innovation that makes San Francisco special,” said Stephanie Gaywood in a statement obtained by the City and County of San Francisco, Head of Community Engagement for Amazon in Northern California.