Union Square Christmas Tree

Yeah… A review of a Christmas Tree on December 28^th. It’s the same personality trait that led to a walloping from FedEx for shipping gifts at the last minute: Procrastination. (BTW — I’m going to buy FedEx stock before the holidays next year.)
I’m a Mid-​westerner. This is the time of year for sledding, playing hockey at the park, having to plug your car into a block-​heater so it will start in the morning, questioning why your parents didn’t realize that California exists, and the one and only part of winter that is pleasant in the Midwest — the holiday season. I’m not supposed to be wearing shorts. There definitely aren’t supposed to be palm trees. And, I’m pretty sure this is not the time of year that you hit the Christmas Tree before heading to the beach. … … … Well, this is the West Side. The rules simply don’t apply to us.
All kidding aside, this is my favorite place to be (that doesn’t serve alcohol) to get into the holiday spirit. Union Square is already a great experience — even working downtown every day it is still a place to stop and take in. Add the tree, add the skating rink, add the holiday tourists and it turns into a terrific juxtaposition of Urban California and Christmas Cheer. This is a beautiful tree, too — and it’s beautiful both by day and by night. There’s holiday magic here.
Maybe it doesn’t have the fame of Rockefeller Plaza. But, I think you’ll find the environment to be pretty darn festive, none-​the-​less. If you plan on visiting during the holiday season, put it on your list. If you’re a local, make a point of going, but go when it’s not SantaCon. And my super-​secret tip: Check it out from the Starlight Room at the top of the Sir Francis Drake Hotel. Beautiful at night.

Finally i get to see our SF’s tall pride, ‘Big Xmas Tree’ (that’s how I fondly call it) at Union Square.
That’s our golden tree standing Tall & B-​E-​A-​U-​T-​I-​F-​U-​L, all glittery & sparkly, located right across the front of Macy’s. Initially, for a second, I din’t realize the real beauty of it and began admiring this man-​made creation only after going near it. No wonder this is a great photo spot for all the tourists and the locals, as they not only have a pleasant time witnessing the decorative art, can also relax well at the nearby coffee house ‘Bancarella’, grabbing a Hot drink/​munching a light cookie, warming up well for the cold & chilly evening. Cost to this attraction is absolutely FREE.
Other attractions close by,
~ Celebrating Chanukah (Hanukkah) festival — Candle Lighting — It’s 25 foot tall mahogany Bill Graham Menorah, marking SF’s another annual tradition. For more details,
~ Union Square Ice Skating Rink — ²⁰¹⁵⁄₂₀₁₆ Season began from Wednesday November 4, 2015 through January 18, 2016. Open daily 10:00am to 11:30pm. Located at the corner of Geary Street and Powell Street, Union Sq. For more details,
~ Biggest Macy store, to shop your favorites &
~ Cheesecake Factory to dine-​in. They’ve outdoor seating with heat lamps.
For the best top view of the location, manage to check-​in at the Cheesecake Factory, located at the top of Macy’s, which looks down over Union Square. Although I’m yet to personally try this, but many of my friends raved about it and suggested as a must-​do when you hit here!
Parking tip,
Union Sq Garage, Post st — Open 7 days with 24 hour parking access. Fee depends on the time frame you choose to park your vehicle. For more details,

It’s a very tall and beautiful Christmas tree, which of course attracts a lot of tourist. With that being said, don’t be surprised if you get someone else in your picture. I just wish that I got to see it and take pictures of it at night time with all of it’s lights on.