Rec & Park eNews - November 26, 2025

[San Francisco Recreation & Parks]

Your weekly scoop on San Francisco parks


###  Highlights, News & Announcements

# Happy Thanksgiving from Rec & Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the residents of San Francisco. Your passionate support for our public spaces--from voting for park improvements to serving as dedicated stewards--is the foundation of everything we do. Thank you for making our city's parks and recreation system one of the most celebrated in the nation.

The dedication of the Rec and Park staff ensures that this support is met with action. Every day, our team works to provide you with clean, well-maintained parks that serve as vital sanctuaries for exercise and connection, alongside creative, relevant recreation programming that enriches lives across our neighborhoods. This culture of service, defined by our responsiveness and commitment to results, is our pledge to you.

I wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday filled with peace and warmth. As this marks my last Thanksgiving message as General Manager, I close by offering a final, enduring reminder: Get out and play! It has been an honor to serve you and this city.

\- General Manager Phil Ginsburg, San Francisco Recreation and Park Department



# "Lightscape" at the San Francisco Botanical Garden through January 4

Lightscape, an otherworldly after-dark experience, debuted this past weekend at the San Francisco Botanical Garden. This installation highlights the beauty of plants and nature through color, light, art and music. The enchanting illuminated light trail spans 1 mile and features show-stopping displays from international artists plus water features and dazzling sculptures that come alive at night with color, imagination and sound. The installation is at the garden through January 4, 2026. For more information and to purchase tickets, click the link below.

(Photo Credit:
Drew Alitzer Photography (https://t.e2ma.net/click/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/886lqv))


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### Tree Lighting in Golden Gate Park 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, archery, 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 of McLaren Lodge (501 Stanyan Street).

For accommodations, email rpdaccess at sfgov.org (mailto:rpdaccess at sfgov.org) or call (415) 831-6841 with at least 72 hours notice to help ensure availability.

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/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/4t8lqv)
or evening shift from
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. (https://t.e2ma.net/click/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/km9lqv)
to help bring holiday cheer to Golden Gate Park! For more information, click the link below.

See additional holiday events in our parks below:

  *
Holiday Lighting Celebration (https://t.e2ma.net/click/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/0eamqv)
in Huntington Park (California and Taylor streets) on Monday, December 1 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
  *
Tree Lighting (https://t.e2ma.net/click/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/g7amqv)
at Civic Center Plaza on Wednesday, December 3 from 4 to 7 p.m.
  *
Drag on Ice (https://t.e2ma.net/click/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/wzbmqv)
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/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/cscmqv)
by the Golden Gate Park Carousel (Kezar & Martin Luther King Jr. drives) on Saturday, December 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  *
Winter Prime Rib Dinner (https://t.e2ma.net/click/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/skdmqv)
at the Cyprus 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/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/8cemqv)
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/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/o5emqv)
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/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/4xfmqv)
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/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/kqgmqv)
at Sunset Dunes & Judah Street on Saturday, December 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  *
Winter Sale (https://t.e2ma.net/click/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/0ihmqv)
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/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/gbimqv)
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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### Resurfacing Project at West Sunset Playground Begins December 1

The children's play area at West Sunset Playground will begin a resurfacing project that will remove and replace the existing safety surfaces, as well as some play equipment. The project will begin on Monday, December 1 and is anticipated to be completed in March, 2026. Nearby playgrounds include
South Sunset (https://t.e2ma.net/click/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/cwjmqv)
(40th Avenue and Vicente Street),
McCoppin Square (https://t.e2ma.net/click/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/sokmqv)
(1321 Taraval Street), and
Sunset Recreation Center (https://t.e2ma.net/click/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/8glmqv)
(2201 Lawton Street).



### Winter Closures in our Parks

As we move towards December, a number of parks will begin their annual winter closures:

  * Dolores Park North Field - December 1 to February 28, 2026
  * Duboce Park Dog Play Area - December 1 to February 28, 2026
  * Holly Park Baseball Field - December 1 to February 28, 2026
  * St. Mary's Dog Play Area - December 1 to February 28, 2026
  * Upper Douglass Dog Play Area - December 1 to March 27, 2026
  * West Sunset Athletic Fields - November 26 to January 19, 2026



These closures will help the turf at these parks to rest and recover ahead of spring 2026. Stay tuned for updates and additions to this list.



# Sava Pool Replastering Project Begins December 2 & Upcoming Pool Closures

Sava Pool will be closing for a project that will replaster the pool and repair the facility's west wall on Tuesday, December 2. We anticipate completing this project in early spring of 2026.  Alternative pools for use during this closure include Rossi (600 Arguello Boulevard) and Garfield (1271 Treat Street).

Note that Mission Pool has closed for the winter season, while Rossi Pool is currently closed for its annual maintenance. Learn more about our pools, including upcoming annual maintenance closures, at the link below.


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### Additional Highlights, News & Announcements

  *
Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square (https://t.e2ma.net/click/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/41mmqv)
(333 Post Street) Open for Holiday Season
  *
Sunset Dunes Survey (https://t.e2ma.net/click/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/kunmqv)
open through the end of 2025
  *
San Francisco’s Commission Streamlining Task Force Meeting (https://t.e2ma.net/click/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/0momqv)
at City Hall (1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place) on Wednesday, December 3 at 1 p.m.





###  Upcoming Events

### Crystal Fair at the County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park November 29 & 30

Calling all Crystal connoisseurs! The San Francisco Crystal Fair is coming to the County Fair Building (1199 9th Avenue) in Golden Gate Park on Saturday, November 29 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, November 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event features wholesale and retail crystals and minerals, collector specimens, jewelry, candles and more! For more information and to purchase tickets, click the link below.


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### World AIDS Day Observance at the National AIDS Memorial Grove December 1

The National AIDS Memorial Grove (Nancy Pelosi and Bowling Green drives) in Golden Gate Park will host its World AIDS Day National Observance on Monday, December 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The annual gathering honors those lost to HIV/AIDS, uplifts stories of leadership and activism, and strengthens efforts to educate younger generations while working toward a future free of stigma, discrimination and fear. For more information and to RSVP, click the link below.


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### Holiday Lighting Celebration at Huntington Park on December 1

Head to Huntington Park (California and Taylor streets) for its annual Holiday Lighting celebration on Monday, December 1 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Presented by the Nob Hill Association, this festive event features holiday music, family-friendly activities, enchanting light displays, and complimentary treats and warm beverages. For more information, click the link below.

A special thanks to the Nob Hill Association and Nob Hill Foundation for not only hosting this event, but for supporting a number of recent improvements to the park including the painting of park features, repairs to the children's play areas and more!


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### Civic Center Annual Tree Lighting Celebration on December 3

San Francisco's Civic Center Plaza (335 McAllister Street) transforms into a holiday destination with the annual Tree Lighting celebration on Wednesday, December 3 from 4 to 7 p.m.  It will feature live entertainment, as well as a toy giveaway for children, holiday crafts in the Makers Village, and a children's book giveaway. Expect "snow" flurries, holiday beverages and bites for purchase--including Off the Grid's Melina's Kitchen--and a special visit from Santa. For more information, click the link below.


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### Additional Upcoming Events

  *
New volunteer opportunity (https://t.e2ma.net/click/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/8ksmqv)
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

### Girls Play Sports Hoop Summit Brings Buckets to Hamilton Recreation Center

Rec and Park's annual Girls Play Sports Hoop Summit brought buckets to Hamilton Recreation Center earlier this month. Nearly 60 girls attended this day of skill-building and inspiration.

Participants rotated through drills led by experienced coaches and volunteers from the Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory girls' basketball team. Special guests Sol Castro and Olivia Williams from the University of San Francisco's women's basketball team spoke about setting goals, working hard, and staying committed to their dreams.

The day wrapped up with scrimmages and certificates for each participant, capping off a successful and empowering event for young girls in basketball. Thank you to the volunteers, coaches and guest speakers that make this annual event possible. Learn more about our girls sports offerings at the link below.


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### 2025 Camp Mather Lottery Opens on December 1

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/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/45tmqv).

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/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/kyumqv)
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 on January 2, 2026.

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


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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, 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.


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### Additional Programming & Series

  *
Daily activities and classes at the Civic Center Plazas (https://t.e2ma.net/click/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/wbxmqv)
  *
Free Holiday Programming in Union Square (https://t.e2ma.net/click/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/c4xmqv)(333 Post Street) from Thursdays to Sundays through January 18
  *
Weekend programming (https://t.e2ma.net/click/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/swymqv)
at the Randall Museum (199 Museum Way)
  *
Mobile Rec (https://t.e2ma.net/click/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/8ozmqv)
at Jose Coronado Playground (2502 Folsom Street) on Saturday, November 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  *
Drop-In Saturday Wheelchair Basketball (https://t.e2ma.net/click/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/oh0mqv)
at Glen Canyon Park Recreation Center (70 Elk Street) from 3 to 6 p.m.
  *
Snowy Plover Habitat Stewards (https://t.e2ma.net/click/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/490mqv)
at Sunset Dunes & Judah Street on Friday, November 28 from 10 a.m. to noon
  *
"Thelma" Screening (https://t.e2ma.net/click/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/k21mqv)
at Glen Canyon Park Recreation Center (70 Elk Street) on December 2 at 6 p.m.
  *
Bay Sox Girls Baseball Clinic (https://t.e2ma.net/click/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/0u2mqv)
at Silver Terrace Playground on Saturday, December 13 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.





###  Video of the Week


 (https://t.e2ma.net/click/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/gn3mqv)


### Lightscape at the San Francisco Botanical Garden

Our
Video of the Week (https://t.e2ma.net/click/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/wf4mqv)
comes from Broke Ass Stuart and highlights the opening weekend of Lightscape at the San Francisco Botanical Garden. This otherworldly after-dark experience highlights the beauty of plants and nature through color, light, art, and music through January 4, 2026. For more information and to purchase tickets, click the link below.

(Photo Credit:
Drew Alitzer Photography (https://t.e2ma.net/click/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/c84mqv))


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Job Openings (https://t.e2ma.net/click/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/ol7mqv)


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Rec and Park Gear (https://t.e2ma.net/click/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/k68mqv)


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Volunteer with Us! (https://t.e2ma.net/click/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/granqv)




San Francisco Recreation and Parks |
sfrecpark.org (https://t.e2ma.net/click/4hnp9j/wfcl20hc/wjbnqv)


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