Union Street Fantasy of Lights December 1, 2012

San Francisco’s historic Union Street will kick off its holiday celebration on December 1 with the annual Union Street Fantasy of Lights. Each year, the Fantasy of Lights brings young and old together to celebrate the season viewing thousands of twinkling white lights illuminating the Victorian houses and shops along Union Street between Van Ness and Steiner and Fillmore Street between Union and Lombard. The Fantasy of Lights kicks off on Saturday, December 1 from 3pm – 7pm with a packed line-up of family friendly activities and events.

Enjoy San Francisco’s Union Street transformed into a magical backdrop of holiday cheer. Kids can meet Santa and the Snow Queen, and enjoy jugglers and live ponies dressed up like reindeer. Each block will also feature face painters, balloon artists, costumed characters, singers and live entertainment. New this year is a Union Street Holiday Hayride, fun for the whole family! See Union Street, holiday style, and hop on the pleasure ride in an open truck full of hay. And, to celebrate the season of giving, all guests are encouraged to bring new toys for the San Francisco Firefighters’ Toy Program.

The Union Street Fantasy of Lights celebration continues throughout the month of December with Union Street stores offering open houses and special events featuring trunk shows, entertainment and much more, including validated parking and extended evening shopping hours. Many merchants will have extended hours until 9:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Each Saturday, look for Santa from 1 - 5pm and receive Holiday Dollars to be used at participating businesses for discounts, special treats and much more.

Holiday Caroling returns to Union Street!
On Saturday December 22, the public is invited to meet in the courtyard of St. Mary the Virgin Episcopal Church, 2325 Union Street at Steiner Street, at 1 pm to join in the Caroling Stroll up and down Union Street and returning to the church later for refreshments.

Fantasy of Lights - December 1, 3pm to 7pm
Opening Day Schedule of Events:

• Cupcake Decorating: 3:00-5:30 in front of the Cudworth Mansion (2040 Union St), sponsored by American Cupcake (1919 Union St)

• Entertainment on every block for shoppers to enjoy! Including pony rides, jugglers, face painting, costumed characters, balloon animals, a tap dancing Christmas tree, singers, sweets and more!

• Union Street Holiday Hayride: Free pleasure rides up and down Union Street, pick up location tbd.

• Donate Toys for Needy Children: SF Firefighters’ Toy Program collection barrels will be available on Union Street at the event and throughout the holiday. Bring toys to Santa Sit Area, 2040 Union St.

• Meet the Snow Queen: 5:15pm, Children are invited to meet at The Enchanted Crystal (1895 Union St) to join the Snow Queen in a sidewalk prance to the Cudworth Mansion to bring toys to Santa Claus who will donate them to the San Francisco Firefighters’ Toy program.

• Pictures with Santa: 5:30pm to 7pm in front of the Cudworth Mansion (2040 Union St.)

• Merchant Open House: Enjoy dinner, drinks and shopping at the many places on Union Street that will stay open late.

Validated Parking:
Participating merchants will offer validated parking at 2001 Union Plaza Garage, 1910 Union Street Garage (Wells Fargo) and the Lombard Street Garage (enter on Moulton Alley at Webster). Subject to availability.

Additional Information:
The event is FREE and open to the public. For more information about the event call 800-310-6563 or visit SRESproductions.com or UnionStreetSF.com.

For all your public transportation options, visit www.511.org.

To request accommodations for persons with disabilities or if you have communication needs such as large print, braille or sign language interpreters, please call 1-800-310-6563 or fax 415-456-6436 at least three weeks prior to the event.

About The Union Street Association
The Union Street Association consists of a membership of local businesses devoted to the promotion, preservation and beautification of Union Street since 1963.
Union Street~ Always a Celebration! www.unionstreetsf.com

The event is produced by Steven Restivo Event Services, LLC and presented by the Union Street Association. Visit: www.sresproductions.com

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