Hundreds join the lighting of the 50-foot Christmas tree in Downtown LA

It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas, and it certainly did on Monday evening during the annual Los Angeles County Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Filled with holiday cheer and magical snow flurries, the celebration drew roughly 600 residents of all ages to Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center for the spectacular lighting of a 50-foot Christmas tree. The L.A. County Board of Supervisors sponsored this year's free event.

The anticipated ceremony featured performances by The Blackberry Project and the Pasadena Church Choir. There were also uplifting holiday messages offered by the Board of Supervisors, local nonprofits and The Music Center’s President and CEO Rachel S. Moore.

“The annual event is something that I always look forward to because this really is the beginning of the holiday season,”said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. And for many people, this puts them in the spirit. We all know that it's been a tough year for many people, especially in my district. And today is about celebrating not only the holiday season but also providing hope and lifting each other up during these difficult times.” 

Individuals were encouraged to spread even more joy at the event by donating art supplies for nonprofit group Music Changing Lives, which serves the Pasadena and Altadena community, as well as new and gently used winter essentials for KOST 103.5’s Season of Giving Tour, which benefits families served by Union Rescue Mission. 

Visitors also unleashed their creativity by making festive ornaments with recycled materials and much more.