SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – Complaints about “Christmas creep” are common in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, and a recent event in the Bay area shows just how early holiday shopping trappings have started to arrive.
There have been three decades of annual Macy’s holiday tree lighting ceremonies in San Francisco, but there won’t be one this year, according to Union Square Plaza. In fact, a tree is already standing at the shopping center – weeks earlier than it usually arrives on the day after Thanksgiving.
“As usual Macy’s will be gifting to the City of San Francisco, the Great Tree – however, there will be no Tree Lighting Event this year,” Union Square Plaza said. This would have been the 33rd year of tree lighting events at the location.
Tree lighting events at the plaza were canceled during the pandemic in 2020 and last year. However, NBC Bay Area reported that there was some semblance of a ceremony as the lights went on this Wednesday.
“With the flip of a switch, the holiday season brilliantly and beautifully announced its arrival in San Francisco this evening,” said the outlet. “All in partnership with Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Klyde, a little brother flipped that switch.”
“It was excitement and shock because it was such a big light,” said Klyde, a little brother quoted by NBC. “I was so excited to light the tree.”
The outlet also noted that last November, “droves of thieves stole armloads of items from Union Square stores,” and some residents were in an “anti-crime uproar.”
SFist reported disappointment that a ceremony appeared to be held though Union Square Plaza said it would not be. Those who still want to see the tree in its LED glow can catch a glimpse of it through Jan 1.
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