JourneysPhotograph

A Quiet December Night with the City Holiday Lights

·San Francisco, California·#winter#san-francisco#holiday season#christmas-lights#union-square
A decorated Christmas tree stands indoors next to a fireplace, a decorative wall, and hanging starburst lights.

December in the city has its own kind of energy. I spent an evening downtown on the 12th, just taking in the holiday decorations as they came to life after dark. Inside, the starburst lights were bright and warm next to a perfectly decorated tree.

Outside, the air was crisp. It’s always a classic Bay Area sight to see palm trees strung with hundreds of tiny white lights, a festive look you don't find everywhere. They lined the streets, leading towards the main plaza where the real show was.

The massive Christmas tree in Union Square was the main event. It stood next to the tall monument, covered from top to bottom in lights with a glowing red star on top, casting a warm light over the whole area. The Macy's across the square was just as festive, with wreaths in every window.

Walking around, I came across a large, colorful 'LOVE' sculpture, its letters lit up against the dark concrete. It felt like a simple, fitting endnote to a quiet night spent observing the city's holiday glow.

A palm tree at night, its trunk and fronds illuminated with numerous warm white string lights.A brightly lit Christmas tree and tall monument stand beside an ice rink and buildings at night.Macy's building and palm trees decorated with Christmas lights at night.A giant Christmas tree with a red star illuminates an outdoor ice rink and a tall column at night.A tall, brightly lit Christmas tree with a red star on top stands in front of a dark building at night.A tall Christmas tree with bright lights and a red star topper stands in front of an illuminated building at night.A Macy's store at night, decorated with Christmas wreaths, red window displays, and a large illuminated Christmas tree.Large, colorful, illuminated letters spelling LOVE stand before a concrete wall with green bushes in the foreground.