A Guide To SoCal's Tree-Lighting Ceremonies
November brings falling leaves, Thanksgiving meals and the unofficial start of the Christmas season with tree lighting ceremonies in nearly every city across the Southland. Here is a list of some of our favorites!
November 13
LOS ANGELES: The Grove
189 The Grove Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 900-8080
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The Grove will be hold a ceremony on November 13 beginning at 7:30 p.m. with a tree-lighting and a kick-off of a seasonal benefit for the Make-A-Wish Foundation®.
Scheduled to perform this year:
- Robin Thicke
- Colbie Caillat
- Gavin Degraw
- Jackie Evancho
- Sean Kingston
- Lauren Alaina
- IL DIVO
Mike Sakellarides, from 94.7 The Wave, will be broadcasting live from The Grove from 5-9pm!
Read more: A Hollywood Christmas Celebration at The Grove
For more information on the "Season Of Wishes" campaign, click here.
November 17
GLENDALE: Americana at Brand
889 Americana Way
Glendale, CA 91210
(877) 897-2097
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The region's first 100-foot Christmas tree of the season was installed on October 28. It's currently getting decked out with 15,000 ornaments and 10,000 lights, which will be turned on at a holiday Christmas show here Thursday, November 17
On November 22, Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Greater Los Angeles will unwrap the exclusive campaign details for its 2011 Season of Wishes® holiday season campaign, including the announcement of Weekly Wish Nights at The Americana at Brand and The Grove.
November 14-January 8
ANAHEIM: Disneyland Resort
1313 South Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 520-5060
The holiday season transforms the entire Disneyland Resort into a winter wonderland, where hundreds of thousands of lights brighten the night, fireworks burst to the sounds of the season and snow falls in Southern California! It's basically a tree-lighting every night.
Special attractions, restaurants and stores abound with warmth and jolly spirits. New magic adorns World of Color, the Main Street, USA Christmas Tree is a beacon of good tidings and the Downtown Disney District is decked out to ring in the season. This year, discover the parades, tannenbaums and treats at the Merriest Place on Earth.
November 17
COSTA MESA: Town Center Park
686 Anton Blvd.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
South Coast Plaza
3333 Bristol Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(800)-782-8888
Town Center Park plays host to Orange County High School of the Arts and a 96' tree in what's become one of Orange County's best-loved holiday traditions, the arrival of Santa and the lighting of the tree. Head over to South Coast Plaza shopping center for more holiday entertainment and fun, including a Santa's Village with children's crafts, Santa's Express Train, and of course, Santa!
November 18-19
NEWPORT BEACH: Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Neiman Marcus-Bloomingdale's Courtyard
401 Newport Center Drive,
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 721-2000
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For two nights Fashion Island's 90-foot Christmas Tree will be lit at 6:00 PM two nights in a row. Plus, Orange County's own Musical Theatre University will entertain guests, Disney characters will join the festivities, and Santa will be around for photo ops.
November 19
SANTA MONICA: Tree Lighting
Santa Monica Place Center Plaza
Santa Monica, CA 90405
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Get into the holiday spirit at Santa Monica Place! Festivities include a magical tree lighting ceremony, live entertainment, and holiday crafts for children, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, festive culinary activities and more. Don't miss the sparkling tree lighting ceremony at 6:00 p.m. Plus, each night at 7:00 p.m. through December 24th, it will snow at Santa Monica Place in Center Plaza! On December 17th, children of all ages are welcome to join in on the fun by helping to decorate the freshly baked cookies with Mrs. Claus.
November 19
LAKE ELSINORE: Lake Elsinore Outlets
South Courtyard
Off Interstate 15 at Nichols Road or Central Avenue exits
Lake Elsinore, CA
(951) 245-0087
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Ring in the holiday season with crafts, storytime, entertainers, a magic Santa, and a chance of snow! A 60-foot Christmas Tree will be lit at 5:30 PM, and the ceremonies will also kick off the Season of Wishes for Orange County and the Inland Empire. Lake Elsinore Outlets will be selling wish stars as well as accepting toy and gift card donations until December 19 to benefit the local chapter.
Hours: 1:00 - 5:30 PM holiday entertainment
Tree Lighting: 5:30 PM
November 25
RIVERSIDE: The Mission Inn
3649 Mission Inn Ave.
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 784-0300
More Info
The "Switch on Ceremony" kicks off Riverside's Festival of Lights on November 25.
Over the next five weeks, families can enjoy the holiday decorations and lights at the hotel and along Mission Inn Avenue and on City-owned buildings; the Inland Empire's first outdoor ice skating rink; holiday-themed vendors; family-friendly live entertainment; and of course, Santa Claus!
November 25
PASADENA: Old Pasadena Holiday Celebration
One Colorado
41 Hugus Alley
Pasadena, CA 92501
(626) 356-9725
More Info
Santa's arrivial at 6:00 PM heralds the lighting of Old Pasadena's 35-foot Christmas tree by the newest Rose Queen and her court. There will be live music, a toy drive, photos with Santa, and more. Arrive as early at 4:00 PM to frolic in the 20 tons of snow, visit live reindeer, make crafts, or ride the holiday train around this temporary winter playground.
November 28
LAGUNA BEACH: Holiday Tree Lighting and Community Open House
Montage Hotel
30801 South Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(866) 271-6953
More Info
This beautiful spot by the sea hosts the community for an evening of holiday carolers, children's activities, live music and a traditional tree lighting in a luxurious environment.
December 1
DOWNTOWN LA: Millennium Hotel: Biltmore Los Angeles
506 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 624-1011
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A cherished hotel tradition, the annual tree lighting brings downtowners and people from all around LA together for an hour of music, sweets and holiday cheer! Head down on Wednesday, December 1 from 5:30 p.m. -6:30 p.m. in the main Lobby for the live sounds of the internationally-acclaimed Azusa Pacific University Handbell Choir playing holiday favorites. Enjoy homemade gingerbread, hot cider and cinnamon-spiced eggnog as they light the enormous sparkling live fir tree to kick off our holiday season!
December 1
LONG BEACH: The Queen Mary
1126 Queen's Highway
Long Beach, CA 90802
(877) 342-0738
More Info
This is the 18th year for Long Beach's Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Queen Mary.
Admission is free, and the gates will open at 4:00 p.m. for the 5:30 event, which will also feature musical performances and complimentary refreshments on the ship's Sun Deck Stage. It's the perfect opportunity to bring the whole family to celebrate the holiday season on board the historic ocean liner!
December 1
BURBANK: Burbank City Hall
275 East Olive Avenue
Burbank, CA 91502
(818) 238-5850
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Downtown Burbank's "12 Days of Holiday Cheer" celebration kicks-off with the Mayor's Tree Lighting Ceremony and Santa's Downtown Wonderland on December 1, and continues for 12 days! Don't miss a chance to ride the Metrolink Holiday Toy Express, a 450-ton train covered in glittering ornaments and 50,000 twinkling lights!
December 2
BELLFLOWER: Friendship Square
Bellflower Blvd & Belmont St
Bellflower, CA 90706
(562) 804-1424 ext. 2268.
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Arrive by 6:30 p.m. for this free festive event. After lighting the tree, families will have the opportunity to visit with Santa Claus, enjoy a hayride, listen to carolers and enjoy a skating rink!
December 3
FULLERTON: Winter Market & Tree Lighting
Fullerton Downtown Plaza
125 E. Wilshire Avenue
Fullerton, CA 92835
(714) 738-3338
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Enjoy the entertainment, take pictures from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with Santa, grab a bite to eat and shop! Don't miss the tree lighting ceremony at 5:00 p.m.
December 4
GARDEN GROVE: Winterfest
Atlantis Play Center
3630 Atlantis Way
Garden Grove, CA 92844
(714) 741-5200
More Info
Atlantis Play Center will be transformed into a frosty fantasyland for the 2011 Family Winterfest! Activities include the popular snow hill, holiday arts and crafts and trips around the park on the Polar Express train. Santa and Mrs. Claus will make a special visit and stop for photos!
December 4
CITY OF ORANGE: Tree Lighting Ceremony & Candlelight Choir Procession
Old Towne Plaza
City of Orange, CA 92868
(714) 744-7278
More Info
Come and join the City of Orange for an evening of holiday cheer and family fun! Orange Community Master Chorale will sing traditional carols to get you in the holiday spirit. The festivities start at 3:30 p.m.
Is there another tree-lighting ceremony scheduled in your community? Tell us in the comments!
