Your Go-To-Guide to the 2025 Best Tree Lighting Ceremonies in California

Your Go-To-Guide to the 2025 Best Tree Lighting Ceremonies in California

California celebrations of lighting the tree go beyond traditional holiday fare; they serve as major community events that bring together families, local businesses, entertainers, and guests to mark the beginning of the Christmas season.

From old cities to huge entertainment venues, these events display meticulously planned Christmas light displays supported by professional-grade installations from St. Nick’s Christmas Lighting & Decor and vibrant live entertainment. It's an unforgettable Christmas experience.

This is a complete guide to the most well-known tree lighting ceremonies in California as well as details of the aspects that make each ceremony exceptional.

City of Commerce Tree Lighting Ceremony

The City of Commerce tree lighting ceremony promises a night with family-friendly fun and is one of the most anticipated community tree lighting events in the state.

Every guest will enjoy live music during the holidays and refreshments throughout the season, as well as activities for children to make holiday-themed crafts and create letters for Santa Claus, hosted at the civic center during the annual City of Commerce Holiday Tree Lighting.

One of the highlights of this celebration is the inclusion of horse-drawn carriage rides and live reindeer, which create the classic winter ambience. It is also the official opening day of Winter Wonderland Ice Rink activities, making it one of the most enthralling holiday lighting events in California.

City of Corona Holiday Lighting Celebration

The City of Corona Christmas lighting event transforms this Historic Civic Center into a vibrant holiday lighting celebration with professionally designed displays similar to large-scale installations seen at the annual City of Corona Holiday Lighting Celebration.

The event is a spectacle of professional-lit shows as well as live performances by community groups, snow play, and themed activity zones. Local food and artisanal vendors create a festive atmosphere that builds toward the official lighting ceremony, making it one of the most attended Christmas lighting events in Southern California.

City of Whittier Holiday Tree Lighting

The City of Whittier holiday tree lighting ceremony is an integral part of the city’s seasonal programming and aligns with the full calendar of events featured in Holidays in Whittier. Held at City Hall, the ceremony includes festive music, coordinated lighting displays, and a warm environment that encourages community participation.

This celebration marks the official beginning of Whittier’s larger holiday calendar, including parades and family-oriented activities throughout December, making it a cornerstone Christmas tree lighting ceremony in California.

City of Santa Fe Springs Tree Lighting Ceremony

The Santa Fe Springs tree lighting ceremony is a long-standing tradition that emphasizes community connection and seasonal celebration. Featuring live holiday music, festive refreshments, and a visit from Santa Claus, the event reflects the spirit highlighted during the official City of Santa Fe Springs Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Residents gather at Town Center Hall to enjoy family-friendly events and festive décor, reinforcing the importance of local holiday lighting traditions.

City of Los Alamitos Winter Wonderland

The Los Alamitos Winter Wonderland is a multi-day holiday celebration that combines immersive Christmas lighting displays with entertainment and family-focused programming, similar to the seasonal experiences outlined in the official City of Los Alamitos Winter Wonderland.

Visitors enjoy illuminated walkways, music, and festive activities supported by strong community partnerships that celebrate city pride and holiday spirit.

Long Beach Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

The Long Beach Christmas tree lighting ceremony is among Southern California’s most impressive large-scale tree lighting events, featuring a towering 67-foot Christmas tree illuminated with over 100,000 lights. The celebration mirrors the grandeur of the official Long Beach Christmas Tree Lighting.

Live dance performances, fireworks, snowfall effects, selfie stations, and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus transform Terrace Theater Plaza into a holiday landmark, drawing visitors from across the region.

Long Beach Exchange Tree Lighting Celebration

This Long Beach Exchange tree lighting celebration blends festive décor with shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences showcased during the Long Beach Exchange Tree Lighting Party.

With artist markets, live entertainment, and a coordinated lighting ceremony, the event highlights the Exchange as a destination for holiday shopping and festive experiences in Long Beach.

City of Carson Tree Lighting Ceremony

The City of Carson tree lighting ceremony is a free public event led by city officials and reflects the long-standing tradition detailed in the official City of Carson Tree Lighting Press Release.

Families gather at the Carson Event Center to enjoy holiday decorations, refreshments, and a visit from Santa, reinforcing Carson’s reputation for meaningful community holiday celebrations.

Los Angeles County Tree Lighting Ceremony

The Los Angeles County tree lighting ceremony blends Christmas lighting, cultural arts, and community initiatives, as showcased at the annual L.A. County Holiday Tree Lighting.

Attendees enjoy live performances, hands-on art workshops, seasonal food, and the LA2050 Holiday Impact Market, making this event both festive and socially impactful.

Christmas on Euclid – City of Ontario

Christmas on Euclid is a historic holiday tradition dating back to the early 1900s and continues today through the annual Christmas on Euclid celebration.

The festivities include a tree lighting ceremony, holiday parade, craft vendors, snow play, and live entertainment. Iconic Nativity scenes line Euclid Avenue from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, offering a uniquely immersive California holiday experience.

Ovation Hollywood Tree Lighting Celebration

The Ovation Hollywood tree lighting celebration is a high-energy kickoff to the holiday season in the heart of Hollywood, as featured in the official Ovation Hollywood Tree Lighting Celebration.

With live caroling, roaming holiday characters, festive treats, and photo-ready moments, Santa leads the lighting ceremony and creates a visually stunning and family-friendly Christmas lighting event in Los Angeles.

Holiday Lighting Across California

The ceremonies for lighting the Christmas tree in California illustrate how well-designed commercial Christmas lighting enhances public spaces and brings communities together. From civic centers to cultural landmarks, each event reflects the distinct character of its city while celebrating the spirit of Christmas through expertly executed lighting installations like those provided by commercial Christmas lighting solutions.