Rec & Park eNews - December 3, 2025

Wed Dec 3 21:33:43 PST 2025

Your weekly scoop on San Francisco parks

###  Highlights, News & Announcements

### Tree Lighting in Golden Gate Park on December 4 & Upcoming Holiday Events

Jump into the holiday season with the 96th annual Holiday Tree Lighting in Golden Gate Park on Thursday, December 4 from 4 to 8 p.m. Enjoy live entertainment including MJ Brass Boppers, Lion Dance Me, Young People's Teen Musical Theatre Company, Brian Scott Magic, and more, along with archery, a hockey shootout, carnival rides, cookie decorating, food for sale, and the ceremonial lighting of Uncle John's tree -- the historic 100-foot-tall Monterey cypress outside McLaren Lodge (501 Stanyan Street).

For accommodations, email rpdaccess at sfgov.org (mailto:rpdaccess at sfgov.org) or call (415) 831-6841.

Interested in supporting this San Francisco tradition? Volunteer for an afternoon shift from
3:30 to 6:30 p.m. (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c88dak/wfcl20hc/8kk0rv)
or evening shift from
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c88dak/wfcl20hc/odl0rv)
to help bring holiday cheer to Golden Gate Park! For more information, click the link below.

See additional holiday events in our parks below:

  *
Drag on Ice (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c88dak/wfcl20hc/45l0rv)
at the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square (333 Post Street) on Thursday, December 4 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
  *
Santa visits California Kahve (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c88dak/wfcl20hc/kym0rv)
by the Golden Gate Park Carousel (Kezar & Martin Luther King Jr. drives) on Saturday, December 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  *
Sunset Holiday Mercantile (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c88dak/wfcl20hc/0qn0rv)at the County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park (1199 9th Avenue) on Saturday, December 6 & Sunday, December 7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  *
Winter Prime Rib Dinner (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c88dak/wfcl20hc/gjo0rv)
at the Cypress Grill in TPC Harding Park (99 Harding Road) on Wednesday, December 10 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
  *
8th Annual Tenderloin People (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c88dak/wfcl20hc/wbp0rv)
at Boeddeker Park (246 Eddy Street) on Friday, December 12 from 4 to 7 p.m.
  *
Holiday Event & Toy Drive (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c88dak/wfcl20hc/c4p0rv)
at the San Francisco Marina Small Craft Harbor (1 Marina Green Drive) on Friday, December 12 from 4 to 8 p.m.
  *
Winter Craft Day (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c88dak/wfcl20hc/swq0rv)
at the Randall Museum (199 Museum Way) on Saturday, December 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  *
Jingle on the Way (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c88dak/wfcl20hc/8or0rv)
at Sunset Dunes & Judah Street on Saturday, December 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  *
Winter Sale (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c88dak/wfcl20hc/ohs0rv)
at Sharon Art Studio (300 Bowling Green Drive) in Golden Gate Park on Saturday, December 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  *
Holiday Craft Fair (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c88dak/wfcl20hc/49s0rv)
at the Harvey Milk Center for the Arts (50 Scott Street) on Sunday, December 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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### Rec & Park Winter Class Registration Begins December 13

Rec and Park's winter class registration begins on Saturday, December 13 at 10 a.m. Classes range from Shred and Butter adult skateboarding lessons to Petite Bakers for tots, woodworking for tweens, art expression for seniors and more. To view the class catalog and to register on December 13, click the link below.

(Photo Credit: Brandon Irvin)

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# Community Opportunity Fund Applications to Open in January 2026

Rec and Park will open nominations for Community Opportunity Fund (COF) project grants in January, with applications accepted through March 2026. COF, funded by General Obligation Bonds, allows neighbors and community groups to nominate park improvement ideas. Past cycles have delivered more than $17 million in upgrades at 35 parks, and this sixth round includes $6 million from the 2020 Health and Recovery Bond, with awards of up to $1.5 million for large projects and $500,000 for small projects.

The nomination process is designed to be accessible, and interested applicants are encouraged to apply, attend an information session, or reach out for guidance. Final award decisions will be made by the Recreation and Park Commission by mid-2026. For more information, visit the program webpage at the link below.

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### Eden Fall Edition: A Look at San Francisco's Playground History

Check out Eden journal's fall edition, which features an article by Rec and Park's Historian-in-Residence Christopher Pollock who offers a broad look at how San Francisco's playgrounds have evolved over more than a century. Pollock traces the city's early commitment to creating safe, supervised spaces for children, reflecting a nationwide recognition of the value of structured play in urban environments. These early efforts laid the foundation for a robust municipal playground system that grew through civic advocacy and public investment.

It also highlights playground design in San Francisco, which has changed significantly over time, shifting from simple sand lots and basic equipment to more imaginative and sculptural forms. To read the full piece, click the link below.

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### Claude the Albino Alligator Passes Away of Cancer at Age 30

Claude, the beloved albino alligator at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, has passed away at the age of 30. An enduring icon, Claude charmed visitors for nearly two decades. Generations of families, students, and parkgoers formed lasting memories around his habitat, making him one of the most recognized and cherished creatures in the park's history.

The Academy will share details about a forthcoming public memorial. In the meantime, community members are invited to share their memories of Claude and messages for his animal care team at claude at calacademy.org (mailto:claude at calacademy.org).

Claude's absence is already deeply felt, but the joy he brought to so many will remain a lasting part of Golden Gate Park's story. Learn more about his life and legacy at the link below.

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### Additional Highlights, News & Announcements

  *
San Francisco’s Commission Streamlining Task Force Meeting (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c88dak/wfcl20hc/s0x0rv)
at City Hall (1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place) on Wednesday, December 12 at 1 p.m.
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  *
Sunset Dunes Survey (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c88dak/wfcl20hc/8sy0rv)
open through the end of 2025
  *
Lightscape (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c88dak/wfcl20hc/olz0rv)
at the San Francisco Botanical Garden (1199 9th Avenue) Open through January 4
  *
Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c88dak/wfcl20hc/4d00rv)
(333 Post Street) Open through January 19

### Upcoming Events

###  SPECTRA Showcase at Fulton Plaza on December 4

Head to Fulton Plaza (Fulton Street between Larkin and Hyde streets) for a SPECTRA showcase on Thursday, December 4 from 5 to 8 p.m. Part of the First Thursdays series at the San Francisco Public Library's north steps, this free event features artists, musicians, and performers syncing their work to the LEDs of the SPECTRA light sculpture that spans the plaza. For more information, click the link below.

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### Drag on Ice at the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square on December 4

Watch San Francisco's drag royalty take to the ice at Drag on Ice on Thursday, December 4 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square (333 Post Street), presented by Kaiser Permanente. This event features dazzling performances by local drag superstars, blending sass, style, and holiday sparkle in a one-of-a-kind skating spectacle. Guests can join the fun on the ice or cheer from the sidelines for an evening of festive flair and self-expression. For more information and to purchase tickets, click the link below.

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### Meet Santa at California Kahve in Golden Gate Park on December 6

Come out to California Kahve by the Golden Gate Park Carousel for its free holiday celebration on Saturday, December 6. Activities begin at 10 a.m., with Santa visiting from 2 to 4 p.m. There will be ornament making, peppermint hot chocolate, pet caricatures by a local artist, holiday treats, and a caroling singalong. Learn more about California Kahve at the link below.

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### Sunset Holiday Mercantile at the County Fair Building on December 6 & 7

The Sunset Holiday Mercantile returns for its 10th year at the County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park (1199 9th Avenue) on Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This free two-day event showcases more than 50 local makers, merchants, artists, and vendors, along with live music, family activities, storytelling, food artisans, food trucks, beer and wine tasting, and a holiday-themed photo booth. This year also includes a partnership with Sharon Art Studio, which will host an additional room of artists. For more information, click the link below.

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### Winter Prime Rib Dinner at The Cypress Grill in TPC Harding Park December 10

The Cypress Grill at TPC Harding Park (99 Harding Road) is hosting its holiday winter prime rib dinner on Wednesday, December 10 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Guests can enjoy a prime rib carving station along with a salad bar, sides, and desserts. Dinner is $70 for adults and $40 for kids 10 and under. To make a reservation, call (415) 651-3952 or email eliottpotts at pgatourtpc.com (mailto:eliottpotts at pgatourtpc.com).

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### Small Craft Harbor's Holiday Event on December 12; Toy Drive Drop-Off Open

The San Francisco Marina Small Craft Harbor's (1 Marina Green Drive) lighted boat parade and holiday event returns on Friday, December 12 from 4 to 8 p.m. Come out for family fun at this event, which will feature refreshments, live music, train rides, Santa and more.

As a part of this event, the small craft harbor is supporting the San Francisco Fire Department's annual toy drive. Community members can now drop off a new, unwrapped toy through Saturday, December 13 at the Marina Office at 1 Marina Green Drive, including during the holiday event. Gifts for all ages are accepted, though the program does not accept plush toys. For questions, email recsfmarina at sfgov.org (mailto:recsfmarina at sfgov.org). See you dockside!

### Additional Upcoming Events

  *
New volunteer opportunity (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c88dak/wfcl20hc/s440rv)
with Refuse Refuse around the Penguin's Prayer statue at Lake Merced (1100 Lake Merced Boulevard) on Thursday, December 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

### Regular Programming & Series

### 2026 Camp Mather Lottery Now Open

Lottery registration for Camp Mather's 102nd season is currently open and will run through Friday, January 2, 2026. Family Camp will run in weeklong sessions from May 31 through August 15, with
Inclusion Week from June 21 to 27 (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c88dak/wfcl20hc/8w50rv).

To register for the lottery, you will need a Rec and Park account. If you don't have an account, you can create one at
sfrecpark.org/register (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c88dak/wfcl20hc/op60rv)
or call us at (628) 652-2900 for assistance. San Francisco residents will need to upload a verification of residency after lottery registration has been submitted, with the deadline for this before January 2, 2026.

For more information, including rules and regulations, as well as fees, click the link below.

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### Women's Volleyball League Crowns Champion; Registration Open for 2026

Rec and Park's women's volleyball league wrapped up its eight-week season earlier this fall with Kiss My Ace defeating Pancake Party 2-0 in the finals, capping a strong season for all 36 players across six teams. Registration for the next season is now open, with an intermediate league at Palega Recreation Center and an advanced league at Sunset Recreation Center, both beginning Tuesday, January 13, 2026. For more information and to sign up, click the link below.

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### Additional Programming & Series

  *
Daily activities and classes at the Civic Center Plazas (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c88dak/wfcl20hc/0280rv)
  *
Free Holiday Programming in Union Square (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c88dak/wfcl20hc/gv90rv)(333 Post Street) from Thursdays to Sundays through January 18
  *
Weekend programming (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c88dak/wfcl20hc/wna1rv)
at the Randall Museum (199 Museum Way)
  *
Mobile Rec (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c88dak/wfcl20hc/cgb1rv)
at Hamilton Recreation Center (1900 Geary Boulevard) on Saturday, December 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  *
Drop-In Saturday Wheelchair Basketball (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c88dak/wfcl20hc/s8b1rv)
at Glen Canyon Park Recreation Center (70 Elk Street) from 3 to 6 p.m.
  *
Chair Yoga (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c88dak/wfcl20hc/80c1rv)
at Sunset Dunes & Irving Street on Sunday, December 7 from 2 to 3 p.m.
  *
"Ferris Bueller (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c88dak/wfcl20hc/otd1rv)
at Glen Canyon Park Recreation Center (70 Elk Street) on December 9 at 6 p.m.
  *
Bay Sox Girls Baseball Clinic (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c88dak/wfcl20hc/4le1rv)
at Silver Terrace Playground on Saturday, December 13 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
  *
Zumba and Shake the Fog! (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c88dak/wfcl20hc/kef1rv)
at Sunset Dunes & Irving Street on Saturday, December 13 from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.

###  Video of the Week

 (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c88dak/wfcl20hc/06f1rv)

### Bayview United Girls Soccer Team Wins Championship

Last month, the Bayview United girls soccer team captured the San Francisco Youth Soccer 6th Grade Premier Division championship with a 4-2 victory. This title makes it back-to-back for this squad. Our
Video of the Week (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c88dak/wfcl20hc/gzg1rv)
highlights Bayview United's win, as well as its history.

We look forward to this program's continued growth and success! If interested in getting involved, contact Fulton Mitchell at (415) 361-2872.

(Photo Credit: Brandon Irvin/SF Youth Soccer)

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Job Openings (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c88dak/wfcl20hc/cki1rv)

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Rec and Park Gear (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c88dak/wfcl20hc/84j1rv)

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Volunteer with Us! (https://t.e2ma.net/click/c88dak/wfcl20hc/4pl1rv)

San Francisco Recreation and Parks |
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