San Francisco, California — The Filipino Christmas-themed cable car is back in San Francisco, continuing its tradition of spreading holiday joy and celebrating Filipino culture.
For the second consecutive year, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) has teamed up with the Filipino American Arts Exposition (FAAE) to transform Cable Car No. 17 into a festive display of Filipino Christmas traditions. Volunteers from the FAAE adorned the historic cable car with wreaths, garlands, and miniature parols—traditional Filipino lanterns—crafted from capiz shells and abaca, sourced from the Philippine Department of Tourism in San Francisco.
Cable Car No. 17, built in 1887, honors Reynaldo Morante, a Filipino American driver tragically killed by a suspected drunk driver in 2016. This year’s festive cable car ride will run until early January 2025, bringing a touch of Filipino holiday spirit to passengers traveling along the Powell/Market Street-Fisherman’s Wharf route. Notable landmarks along the route include Union Square, Chinatown, Lombard Street, and North Beach.
The Filipino Christmas-themed cable car was launched last year to celebrate SFMTA’s 150th anniversary. It offers a unique way to enjoy the season while highlighting Filipino heritage in the heart of San Francisco.
