San Francisco's 95th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Sparkles in Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park was illuminated this week as the 95th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony was held at the historic Monterey Cypress. Dubbed Uncle John's Tree, the 100-foot-tall spectacle now gleams with over 550 lights, continuing a San Francisco tradition that spans nearly a century. According to San Francisco Recreation and Park officials, this year's event featured not just the lighting of the tree but also live music, a holiday train, carnival rides, and a platter of food vendors and lion dancers.

With her term nearing its end, city officials thanked Mayor London Breed for her contributions to the city's parks. During her administration, $1 billion was invested in park improvements that have either been completed or are in progress. "The holiday tree lighting event in Golden Gate Park has been a San Francisco favorite for nearly a century and I’m honored to have been part of this longtime tradition every year," Mayor Breed said, as per the San Francisco Recreation and Park officials. Her pride in the public parks as year-round attractions for locals and tourists was evident during her speech at the event.

The accolades for Mayor Breed continued with Rec and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg, who presented her with a golden park sign. As cited by the San Francisco Recreation and Park officials, Ginsburg credited Breed for ushering in a 'parks renaissance' that has transformed San Francisco’s public spaces into more beautiful, connected, and resilient. Maika Pinkston, a Bayview Hunters Point community advocate, joined the mayor on stage. She expressed her gratitude for the mayor's work, particularly highlighting the new waterfront park that has become a cherished spot for local families.