Tree Lighting event on Dec. 5

Tree Lighting event on Dec. 5

Published on October 31, 2025

Lakewood residents are cordially invited to join in the city's 12^th annual tree lighting ceremony and community gathering on Friday, Dec. 5 outside The Centre at 5000 Clark Ave., next to City Hall.

Carnival games and food trucks will be on the scene starting at 4:30 p.m. Santa will be ready to hear your children's holiday wishes and take photos (with your own device) from 4:30 to 8 p.m.

The official tree lighting program starts at 6:30 p.m. Festivities wrap up at 8 p.m.

Fun features include:

• Lots of falling snow!
• Holiday musical entertainment.
• Plenty of food trucks located in the parking lot behind City Hall where there is more room to spread out and relax.
• Wonderful and free family holiday photo opportunities. Costumed characters will help with several holiday photo scenes, including one with Santa and two large sleighs.

There will be plenty of other opportunities to enjoy good cheer around the Lakewood tree if you can't make the tree lighting on Dec. 5.

From Dec. 6 through Dec. 31, the tree will be on display in the plaza, providing an animated light show that changes colors to music continuously from 5 to 10 p.m. each night.

Where to park

Parking will be available behind The Centre and in the large, gravel parking lot at the corner of Del Amo Boulevard and Clark Avenue. The parking lots immediately in front of and behind City Hall will be closed for use in the event.

In case of rain

If it is raining the late afternoon of Dec. 5 the event will be cancelled, but the tree will still be lit for the first time at 6:30 p.m. that evening.

If the rain stops by 1 p.m., the event will go on, although some activities may be limited. Pets and alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

For more information, including weather-related updates on Dec. 5, call city staff at 562-866-9771, extension 2408.

• Events & Activities