Union Square is getting a real Christmas tree this year after Macy’s ended its more-than-30-year sponsorship of the tree, while the holiday ice rink has already opened for the season.
For decades, the artificial Christmas tree in Union Square was funded by Macy’s, which also sponsored the annual tree-lighting celebration. As KRON4 reports, that tradition is coming to an end this year, with the city taking over the expense and bringing in a live tree for the first time in decades. According to NBC Bay Area, the tree is expected to be illuminated by Black Friday, but it doesn't sound like there will be an official event for it.
Macy's will reportedly still have its own holiday decorations and annual SF SPCA holiday windows, and a holiday market and other seasonal activities are also expected at Union Square.
The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink at Union Square opened last week for its 19th season and will operate daily through January 18, as NBC Bay Area reported. Tickets are available online, and beginners can enter a lottery for free weekend skating lessons, including skate rentals.
The rink's seasonal programming includes Classical Sundays and Wednesday-night themed skating sessions at 8:30 pm, with upcoming themes ranging from country music and Friendsgiving to holiday movie soundtracks and K-pop.
Other special events include Drag on Ice on December 3, Silent Skate on December 10, and a Polar Bear Skate on New Year's Day.
The rink's opening celebration last week featured Olympic gold medalist and San Francisco native Brian Boitano, who praised the professional-grade ice surface and encouraged people of all skating abilities to give it a try.
Previously: Union Square Ice Rink Now Back Open, Macy’s Holiday Tree Coming Back This Tuesday
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