Overview
- Two blocks of Stockton Street are closed to cars and outfitted with blue turf, food trucks, pop‑ups and photo spots for the 12‑day festival.
- The opening weekend coincided with SantaCon, swelling crowds and energizing the kickoff.
- Mayor Daniel Lurie highlighted public‑safety gains, citing crime down 30% citywide, car break‑ins down 44% and a projected decades‑low homicide rate.
- Backers include JPMorgan Chase, Amazon and Gap Inc., with corporate partners promoting investment in downtown.
- Some small vendors reported strong first‑day sales, even as Union Square continues to face retail departures and the Macy’s flagship prepares to exit.