Union Square Gets Real Christmas Tree
The live tree is expected to be lit in time for Black Friday, replacing the Macy's artificial tree.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Seasonal Events
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Shoppers, workers and families around Union Square will see a real Christmas tree this holiday season for the first time in more than 20 years. The live tree takes the place of the artificial tree Macy's has sponsored in the square every year.
Why it matters
Union Square is where many San Franciscans and visitors gather for the holidays, and the swap changes the look of downtown's seasonal centerpiece. The move also ties the square's holiday tradition to city investment in holiday experiences meant to bring people and spending back downtown.
The announced change is a live tree after more than 20 years without one in Union Square, swapping out the artificial tree Macy's has sponsored each year. The source does not provide the tree's size, the cost of the installation, or the amount of city investment involved.
The players
Union Square Alliance
The business and property group that represents Union Square and welcomed the live tree this season.
Macy's
The department store that has sponsored the artificial Christmas tree in Union Square every year and will continue offering holiday experiences there.
The details
The city will place a real tree in Union Square, replacing the artificial tree Macy's has sponsored every year. Macy's will still offer holiday gifts and special experiences in the square, including SPCA holiday windows. The Union Square Alliance has welcomed the live tree this holiday season, and the tree is expected to be lit in time for Black Friday.
Timeline
The tree is expected to be lit in time for Black Friday, which falls during the 2026 holiday season.
Across the Bay
For more than two decades, the Macy's-sponsored artificial tree has been the standard holiday display in Union Square. This year's live tree is the first real one the square has had in over 20 years, a departure from that sponsored tradition.
If you head downtown for the holidays, expect a real tree in Union Square when the lights come on around Black Friday. Plan your visit for the square's holiday display in late November.
The takeaway
A live tree returning to Union Square after more than 20 years is the headline change for this holiday season. Watch for the lighting ahead of Black Friday if you plan to see the square's new centerpiece in person.
What happens next
The tree is expected to be lit in time for Black Friday, when the holiday season kicks off in Union Square.
Further reading
For more holiday happenings across the city, browse the Seasonal Events section of San Francisco news.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC Bay Area.
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