Shoppers embrace official holiday season in Union Square [Video]

The iconic Great Tree in San Francisco‘s Union Square is officially lit. 

It is one of San Francisco’s most popular holiday traditions and shopping destinations, an area that is in a transitional period. City and community leaders are hoping to attract more shoppers and visitors this season.

With the help of Mayor London Breed, Macy’s, the nonprofit Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America, and the Union Square Alliance, the Great Tree brightened the plaza for the 35th year on Wednesday evening.

“People are wondering, usually this tree is lit later, but I think that in light of all that we’ve been through in this city, especially after a global pandemic, now more than ever, it is so important that we take the opportunity to come together to celebrate our city,” said Breed. 

Following the press conference, the mayor’s handler told the media she would not answer any questions, as she had done in previous years, unless we agreed to only …