The holidays in San Francisco have always been merry, but they may have just gotten a lot brighter. Illuminate SF is celebrating the festive season through New Years 2017 with a collection of 35 installations by 31 artists throughout 12 San Francisco neighborhoods.
Most of the installations are permanent or semi-permanent, like the gorgeous Bay Lights on the Embarcadero or the dreamy Language of the Birds in North Beach. We particularly love the visually stunning light-emitting geometrical sculptures entitled "Trillian + Dodi" in Hayes Valley. Illuminate SF is a year-round initiative produced by the San Francisco Travel Association. They work with artists and cultural institutions to showcase San Francisco's public light installations. There is a ton of amazing public (and beautifully illuminated) art around San Francisco and we've definitely covered those pieces before.
What makes the holidays so perfect for Illuminate SF's "Festival of Light" are those longer winter nights. 'Tis the season to especially appreciate the magnificent illuminated art throughout San Francisco—preferably bundled up and hand-in-hand with a fellow art enthusiast. The artsy organization has even put together a handy holiday self-guided tour of the 35 installations. Art and light lovers can get even more into the spirit by taking an official guided walking tour.
Throughout the holiday season, the Illuminate SF "Festival of Light" will host a wide array of events, from stargazing in the Presidio to a lighted boat parade in Sausalito - complete with fireworks. You can explore the entire line-up of installations and events right here.
Check out this behind-the-scenes video for taste:
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