WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - The City of West Sacramento marked the start of the holiday season Friday evening, Dec. 5, with its annual Tree Lighting Celebration at City Hall, bringing together residents for a free, family-friendly community event.

The celebration took place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at City Hall, 1110 West Capitol Ave., and featured live music and local entertainment throughout the evening. Families gathered on the City Hall grounds to participate in holiday-themed activities, including children’s games, arts and crafts and visits with Santa Claus.

“It was a cold, foggy, perfect wintery evening to kick of the 2025 Holiday season in West Sacramento!” said West Sacramento Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Denise Domke. “Approximately 1500 folks attended to welcome Santa and share glad tidings with their neighbors and friends!” 

Santa Claus arrived from the North Pole to visit the West Sacramento community, where residents had the opportunity to take free photos with him. Photo courtesy of the City of West Sacramento

Santa made a grand entrance aboard a firetruck, drawing applause from the crowd before joining the mayor and members of the West Sacramento City Council for the ceremonial lighting of the community Christmas tree. The lighting served as the centerpiece of the event and signaled the official start of the city’s holiday festivities.

Local makers and vendors were on site offering holiday shopping opportunities, while free hot cocoa was available to attendees. Free photos with Santa were also offered, with families lining up throughout the evening to capture holiday memories.

According to the city, the annual tree lighting event is designed to bring the community together and provide residents of all ages with a festive and accessible way to celebrate the season. City staff and volunteers helped coordinate activities and ensure the event remained welcoming and open to the public.

Performances by local organizations where a big attraction at the annual Tree Lighting Celebration at City Hall. Photo courtesy of the City of West Sacramento

The Tree Lighting Celebration is one of several seasonal events hosted by the City of West Sacramento aimed at encouraging community engagement and supporting local businesses during the holiday season.

Other events included the Santa Run, where residents had the opportunity to see old Saint Nick on a decorated fire truck as he visited neighborhoods from Dec. 8 to Dec. 12 followed by a truck collecting canned food donations.

For more information on future city events visit https://www.cityofwestsacramento.org/government/city-calendar. 

 Let there be light! With the help of community members Santa Claus lights up the tree. Photo courtesy of the City of West Sacramento