Illuminate SF™Festival of Light
San Francisco shines brightest during the holiday season when Illuminate SF™'s Festival of Light covers the city in epic outdoor installations of brilliant light art.
From the day after Thanksgiving until the end of January, dozens of site-specific artworks by acclaimed creators from all over the world will be on display across San Francisco's many neighborhoods. Some are permanent fixtures that have become familiar icons of the city. Others are fleeting, one-time-only creations that dazzle visitors with their complexity. Best of all, most of these artworks are free to experience.
With San Francisco's typically clear and mild winter weather, you can visit many installations in one evening. Explore what's on display this year and plan your next visit to experience Illuminate SF™'s Festival of Light!
Always Illuminating. Experience San Francisco's extraordinary light art scene.
ILLUMINATE SF™ shines a light on San Francisco's ever-expanding light art scene and celebrates the city's culture of creativity and innovation. The initiative is presented by the San Francisco Travel Association in collaboration with local civic and cultural partners, and showcases the city's public light art installations, most of which are accessible by public transportation and free to view.
Illuminate SF on the Embarcadero
Walk along San Francisco's waterfront for an eye-popping light art excursion.
Learn More
Illuminate SF in SoMa
Home to luxurious hotels and inspiring museums, SoMa also contains some of San Francisco's largest and most ambitious light art.
Learn More
Illuminate SF in Golden Gate Park
Experience man-made light art in one of San Francisco's largest and most beautiful settings.
Learn More
Illuminate SF in North Beach, Chinatown, Union Square, Nob Hill
See some of San Francisco's most popular neighborhoods sparkle this winter
Learn More
Illuminate SF in Bayview, Mission Bay, Potrero Hill and South Beach
On the bay side of the city, you'll find some beautiful light art that takes full advantage of a gorgeous backdrop.
Learn More
Illuminate SF at SFO
Among the many things that make San Francisco International Airport so unique is its wide collection of light art.
Learn More
Illuminate SF in Mid-Market, Civic Center, Hayes Valley and Castro
Neighborhoods known for their great restaurants and fun nightlife now have added attractions: incredible light art!
Learn More
Exhibits at the Exploratorium
Experience GLOW this season on the Embarcadero at Pier 15. Described as a mad scientist's penny arcade, a scientific funhouse, and an experimental laboratory all rolled into one, the Exploratorium is regarded as the world’s foremost interactive science museum. With more than 650 hands-on exhibits that ignite curiosity and transform the way people learn, visitors of all ages can play, observe, and discover.
Buy Tickets Now
See some of San Francisco's most popular neighborhoods sparkle this winter
On the bay side of the city, you'll find some beautiful light art that takes full advantage of a gorgeous backdrop.
Explore art by some of the Bay Area’s finest artists that’s eclectic and a little sexy on your visit to these boutique and classic hotels.
Get to know the creators and collectives behind San Francisco’s incredible light art installations.
Illuminate SF™ is the annual light art festival that brightens all of San Francisco, November 24 through January 31.
Home to luxurious hotels and inspiring museums, SoMa also contains some of San Francisco's largest and most ambitious light art.
Experience 3 light artists that redefine the night with their beautiful array of light art.
Among the many things that make San Francisco International Airport so unique is its wide collection of light art.
Your Guide to San Francisco's Museums and Galleries
Looking for more astounding artworks? Visit San Francisco's many museums and galleries that feature artworks that span time, cultures, and disciplines.
Explore