The city by the bay is again set to bask in the ethereal glow of whimsical lights as "Let's Glow SF," touted as the nation's largest holiday projection mapping festival, prepares to return to San Francisco next month. Kicking off on December 6, these projections promise to dazzle San Francisco's winter nights. They span seven locations and feature an impressive lineup of global artists and design studios contributing to the visual extravaganza.
According to the Downtown SF Partnership, this vibrant festival is expected to surpass previous years' displays in scale and spectacle. This free outdoor celebration, which runs until December 15 from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM nightly, serves as a beacon for the city's holiday cheer and the artistic prowess of 13 artists worldwide. The Ember of the festival is set to be the "Glow on Front: A Neon Block Party," an all-ages affair designated as the State’s first Entertainment Zone, happening on December 13, as detailed by Downtown SF Partnership.
Getting the festivities underway, the evening of December 6 will see a "Countdown to Glow" kickoff at Market Street facing the Ferry Building, hailed by NBC Bay Area as "the largest holiday projection mapping festival in the country." Revelers can look forward to live shows starting at 5 PM, leading to the inaugural light show at 7 PM. In addition, attendees can savor complimentary hot drinks and nibble on pizza while stocking up on free event swag, which the Downtown SF Partnership promises will be dished out until supplies last.
As reported by NBC Bay Area, the inaugural party will mirror the success of similar block parties like "Nightmare on Front Street." Businesses and retailers are not missing out on the action either, offering themed treats and merchandise to complement the festive mood. Significant projections will paint the iconic facades of the Ferry Building, Salesforce Tower, and other notable structures, bathing them in dynamic light displays reminiscent of Europe’s grand cathedrals but with a distinctive San Francisco twist, as Time Out San Francisco observes.
Coordinating the event, The Downtown SF Partnership aims to invigorate the city's heart through these communal celebrations. A coat donation drive by Amazon, Compass Family Services, and Let's Glow SF will also be aligned with the spirit of giving. A call for new and gently used winter coats to assist underserved families will be answered at the opening and throughout the duration at Compass Family Services, located at 37 Grove Street. Last year's event saw 67,000 participants and rounded up $8 million in revenue for the local economy, a feat the partnership anticipates to surpass this year. The array of artistic talents includes Spectre Lab of France, Light Harvest Studio, and many others.