Civic Center Community Benefit District's QTR 4 2025 Recap

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Gathered on stage to illuminate this year's Civic Center Plaza Holiday Tree (from left) City Librarian Michael Lambert, Rec & Park incoming interim General Manager Sarah Madland, Rec & Park Commissioner Kat Anderson, Rec & Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg, Mayor Daniel Lurie, Assemblymember Matt Haney, SF Assessor-Recorder Joaquín Torres, Cordia Energy General Manager Mike Eurkus; (front, from left) DEM Executive Director Mary Ellen Carroll, OEWD Executive Director Anne Taupier, D5 Supervisor Bilal Mahmood, and SFFD Chief Dean Crispen.

Civic Center De"light"ed the Public This Holiday Season

Our annual Civic Center Plaza Holiday Tree Lighting brought festive merriment to Civic Center Plaza on December 3. The night featured live music and performances, a toy and book giveaway for over 600 children, holiday crafting, and "snow" flurries to the delight of children and the young-at-heart. Special thanks to Another Planet Entertainment, Cordia Energy, Redwood Credit Union, San Francisco Police Department, San Francisco Public Library, San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department, and StreetPlus for their support. Interested in sponsoring or participating in next year's event? Please contact us. You can see more images from the event in this online photo album.

Also de"light"ful, the City's Winter Lights, an incredible light projection art show with an accompanying soundtrack playing on both sides of City Hall. Shows run nightly through Dec. 30.

Holiday Fanfare Concerts Brought Sounds of the Season to District Sidewalks

CCCBD partnered with the San Francisco Conservatory of Music to produce live music on District sidewalks as crowds made their way to and from our performing arts venues.

Large scale public art coming to the District in January

Our expert team advised on the project - a painted mural - by artist eL Seed slated for the UN Plaza side of the Orpheum Theatre. Information about the project will be available at an artist talk at the Main Library January 13th, at the public unveiling on the 18th, and ongoing at the CCCBD Information Booth and from CBD Ambassadors working in the area.

PHOTO: CBD Ambassadors with artist BiP at the completion of his installation on Franklin Street in 2019

New Businesses

British Gastropub Opens

at Inn at the Opera

Dingles Public House (333 Fulton St.), aims to be "...a neighborhood staple as well as an option for a pre-ballet dinner or post-show drink. The [owners] hope to draw a crowd with Sunday roasts, which will feature a rotating selection of meats and family-style sides served from afternoon to early evening."

Lunch and Dinner Options Grow at The Mart

The Mart SF's food hall continues to offer a wide selection of lunch and dinner options including new addition: The Lemon Tree. Open Monday-Friday, with salads, sandwiches, smoothies and more.

Events & Programs

Music to Welcome 2026 & The Year of the Horse

Celebrate the new year with a fun, free, family-friendly concert from the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra on December 30 at the Herbst Theatre, RSVP here.

The Symphony welcomes the Year of the Horse with a fun concert led by conductor Mei-Ann Chen on February 28.

Shake Off the Winter Chill in UN Plaza as Free Fitness Classes Continue

If your New Year's Resolution is to get moving, be sure to check out the free, daily fitness classes led by Rae Studios in UN Plaza. Classes will warm you up and feature workouts corresponding to concerts at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium!

Still not sure what to expect? Check out this fun short video of what's currently happening at UN Plaza!

Moving San Francisco: Historical Photos from SFMTA

Moving San Francisco, an exhibit from the San Francisco Arts Commission with SFMTA, features Muni photos from 1903 to present day, and is opening at City Hall this January. A public opening reception will take place on the Ground Floor of City Hall on Thursday, January 15, 2026, 5-7 pm. The exhibit runs Jan. 15 through June 18.

Business News & Updates

Assistance with City Funding Opportunities

CCCBD met with more than a dozen businesses sharing information about the City’s SF Thrives Grant, which provides operational funding and registration for Legacy and Neighborhood Anchoring Businesses. Businesses were thankful for the outreach and CCCBD's hands on assistance with submitting applications.

Final paperwork from approved applicants is due Monday, January 5th.

Bring in the Foot Traffic with Watch Parties in 2026

Super Bowl, Winter Olympics, the Oscars, World Cup and more...

If your business will be hosting a watch party in 2026 that will involve amplified sound, large crowds or activities impacting streets or sidewalks, don't forget to obtain necessary permits. Contact us if you need assistance.

And be sure to tag us on social media so we can share your watch parties event as well. More on Watch Party permitting here.

Wonderful Winter Windows

When it comes to nutcracker collections

the San Francisco Association of Realtors office is hard to beat!

Now on display at 301 Grove @ Franklin.