Well, it's that time of the year again folks. The weather has gotten moderately cold and the fog has become a regular morning occurrence that can only be endured with an extra hot cup of coffee. The holiday season has arrived with a bit of cheer and twinkle in Lakewood. The city’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony lit up the night sky with this cherished tradition. The evening was an event of community, togetherness, and festive magic that ushers in the spirit of the holidays.
Held at the heart of Lakewood’s Civic Center, the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony drew hundreds of eager attendees, all excited to see the city’s towering Christmas tree sparkly with thousands of colorful lights. Families, friends, and neighbors gathered, ready to embrace the festive atmosphere and create lasting holiday memories. The event kicked off early in the evening, with the scent of freshly baked cookies, hot cocoa, and seasonal treats filling the air.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the holiday spirit took over. The stage was set with twinkling lights, festive music, and a bustling crowd of excited visitors. Local organizations came out to support the event and all through the evening you could hear the familiar tunes of “Jingle Bells”, “Feliz Navidad”, and “Silent Night”.
The real magic happened when the clock struck closer to the big moment- the lighting of the tree of course. The large tree stood proudly in the center of the event, its dark silhouette waiting to be transformed into a shining beacon of holiday cheer. As the crowd gathered around, eyes fixed on the towering pine, the excitement built to a fever pitch.
The highlight of the evening was the countdown to the lights. You can hear everyone, even Santa himself who was seated near the tree, meticulously making note of all the toys that the many kids had endlessly listed off their wish lists. “3…2…1”, everyone cheered.
In an instant, the night sky was illuminated with hundreds of dazzling lights and snow, well our version of California foam snow, but in that evening with all the lights and music one could mistake it for real snow. The crowd erupted into applause, children gasped in awe, and the glow of the tree bathed the surrounding area in a warm, festive light. A true symbol of hope, unity, and the holiday spirit, the tree stood as a beautiful centerpiece for the event.
One of the many reasons this event is so beloved by the Lakewood community is because of how family friendly it is. The tree lighting ceremony provides something for everyone to enjoy, no matter what age. For children, there was no shortage of entertainment. Santa Claus made his annual appearance, greeting eager kids with a warm smile and posing for photos. The celebration also featured a variety of fun, interactive activities for kids and adults alike.
For adults, the event offered opportunities to shop local. Several nearby businesses set up booths selling handmade and festive treats. I personally had the crepe, one of my favorite desserts, and it was absolutely delicious. The warm bread with the vanilla ice cream on top and fresh fruit made it the perfect end for a wonderful evening.
This event is a tradition for many residents of Lakewood and it marks the start of the holiday season. The glow of the Christmas tree is more than just a symbol of the holiday; it's a symbol of the connection that binds the Lakewood community together. For those that were not able to attend, there is still plenty of time to visit the illuminated tree and take in the beauty of the holiday season.
As we head into the new year, we at Lakewood Self Storage want to wish everyone a Happy Holiday. Please come by and visit us! We have many space options available for your storage needs whether it be storing items to make room for the new or to hide gifts from kids before Christmas.
See you next year!
Lakewood City’s 11th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Lakewood City Hall, 5050 Clark Ave., Lakewood, 90712
December 6, 2024
