Event:	96th Annual McLaren Lodge Holiday Tree Lighting Share
Location:	Golden Gate Park - McLaren Lodge 501 Stanyan Street, San Francisco, CA 94117
Date:	Dec 4th 2025, 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Staff:	Manager: Wilhelm Y
RSVP:	This event is FULL Note: Space sometimes opens up just before an event

Event Description:

DUE TO A TIMING CONFLICT THIS EVENT IS NO LONGER AN OFFICIAL ONE BRICK EVENT BUT WE'VE LEFT THE SIGN UP AS A COURTESY TO OUR FRIENDS AT SF REC & PARKS DEPARTMENT.

In addition to RSVPing on the One Brick event page please sign up on the San Francisco Rec & Parks Department's official volunteer link. - Please navigate to the page where you see the above graphic with the date of Thursday, December 4th, at 3:30pm or 5:30pm.  Please select "Group Sign Up."  Under type of organization, please select "Community-Based Organization."  In the drop down menu for groups please enter "One Brick"

Volunteer with the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department at the 96th annual tree lighting celebration, featuring live music, cookie decorating, carnival rides, food trucks, and of course, the ceremonial lighting of Uncle John's tree, the historic 100-foot tall Monterey cypress outside McLaren Lodge (501 Stanyan Street).  Known as Uncle John’s Tree in honor of Golden Gate Park’s designer and first park superintendent John McLaren, the more than 135-year-old giant cypress was first illuminated with 800 bulbs on McLaren’s 85th birthday.

What we'll be doing:

Volunteers will help with set-up and facilitation of activities in the following stations:

• Arts & Crafts
• Cookie Decorating
• Archery Games
• Hockey Shoot Out
• Chill Zone

What you should know:

This is a late afternoon / evening outdoor event so dress appropriately for San Francisco's micro climates. Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes.  The event will be held rain or shine.

Bring your own water bottle.  There will be a water refilling station and snacks will be available for volunteers.

If you are driving please allow for additional time to look for parking.

For the safety and well being of all those attending, if you are not feeling 100% healthy please stay home and rest.

Where to Meet:

Look for the One Brick event manager wearing a bright orange lanyard at the Volunteer Check-In booth located near the Conservatory of Flowers.

The Volunteer booth will be on John F. Kennedy Drive between Nancy Pelosi Drive and the streetlamp post in front of the Conservatory of Flowers.

San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department:

The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department administers more than 220 parks, playgrounds, and open spaces, including two outside the city limits-- Camp Mather in Yosemite Valley and Sharp Park in Pacifica, Calif. Our park system includes 25 recreation centers, nine swimming pools, five golf courses and numerous tennis courts, ball diamonds, soccer fields and other sports venues. Included in the department’s responsibilities are the Marina Yacht Harbor, the San Francisco Zoo, and Lake Merced.

Our staff members are diverse, committed and talented recreation and park professionals, from gardeners, foresters, and recreation leaders to park patrol officers, custodians, electricians, painters, and more.

Mission Statement

The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department’s Mission is to provide enriching recreational activities, maintain beautiful parks and preserve the environment for the well-being of everyone in our diverse community.

RPD By the Numbers

• 4,113 acres of recreational and open space
• 3,400 acres within San Francisco
• 671 marina slips
• 220 neighborhood parks
• 179 playgrounds and play areas
• 82 recreation centers and clubhouses
• 72 basketball courts and 151 tennis courts
• 59 soccer/playfields (and growing)
• 1 Family Camp