Children were amazed by the lit tree and firework show for the Annual Tree Lighting event on Nov. 25th at 2nd & PCH. Diego Perez | Long Beach Current

Originally scheduled for Nov. 20, the annual holiday Tree Lighting on 2nd & PCH event kicked off the Christmas spirit on Tuesday, Nov. 25. 

The free, family-friendly event takes place on Seaport Way and is held outdoors. During this celebration, a tree lighting ceremony, fireworks and a visit from Santa Claus with his helpers light up the streets of Long Beach. 

Anchored by a 52.5-foot tree, the largest tree in Long Beach, the event became a signature holiday tradition, drawing hundreds of people to the event. The area quickly gets crowded, prompting parents to hoist their children up on their shoulders just to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. 

After the tree was lit, the sky exploded with fireworks. The tree is illuminated with ornaments and gifts, standing out even more due to its large size. 

Families weren’t the only ones who had a good time at the event. Vendor Brandon Maldonado, a small business owner of Just Bead It, mentioned that the event’s rescheduling from Nov. 20 to Nov. 25 worked out in their favor since they were already booked for the original date. According to Brandon, they “had a good sale today.” Maldonado said for his Christmas wishlist, he wants happiness, wishing his family good health and continuing to please his wife. 

Alex Garcia, along with his wife Mimi Garcia, also found the date change far more convenient as they found it flexible in their schedule of being nurses. They additionally run an iron-on patch business where they customize shirts, sweaters, and denim jackets. When asked what he wants for Christmas, Alex said he wishes for gifts for his kids, they enjoy attending Christmas-related events as they “love these types of events, that have a lot going on.”

]]>

Standing at 52.5 feet, the tree grasps the attention of all the attendees. It sits in the middle of the plaza on Nov. 25 at 2nd & PCH. Diego Perez | Long Beach Current

Children were hoisted on parents shoulder, in anticipation for Santa’s arrival on Nov. 25 at 2nd & PCH. Diego Perez | Long Beach Current

To celebrate the tree being lit, the sky erupted with fireworks on Nov. 25 at 2nd & PCH. Diego Perez | Long Beach Current

Mr. and Mrs. Clause counted down for the tree to be lit, encouraging the crowd to make some noice on Nov. 25 at 2nd & PCH. Diego Perez | Long Beach Current

The whole plaza was heavily decorated with lights to match the tree on Nov. 25 at 2nd & PCH. Diego Perez | Long Beach Current

The tree wands were given between 3 to 5 p.m. for the RSVP’d guests on Nov. 25 at 2nd & PCH. Diego Perez | Long Beach Current

Just Bead It owner, Brandon Maldonado, showcases his pixel art work he has for sale on Nov. 25 at 2nd & PCH. Diego Perez | Long Beach Current

The booth of Just Bead It, showcases pixel art portraits made from beads on Nov. 25 at 2nd & PCH. Diego Perez | Long Beach Current

After the tree was lit, fake snow filled the air as Mr. and Mrs. Clause excitedly joined the jolted crowd due to the fireworks exploding the air on Nov. 25 at 2nd & PCH. Diego Perez | Long Beach Current

After the lit spectacle, families had the opportunity to sit on Santa’s sled and pose for pictures on Nov. 25 at 2nd & PCH. Diego Perez | Long Beach Current

Iron patching business owners Alex and Mimi Garcia, worked their booth on Nov. 25 at 2nd & PCH. Diego Perez | Long Beach Current

Different designed patches people can get customized on their shirts, sweaters, and denim jackets were organized for purchase on Nov. 25 at 2nd & PCH. Diego Perez | Long Beach Current

Vendors were placed throughout the event, which drew lots of attention due to the large crowd on Nov. 25 at 2nd & PCH. Diego Perez | Long Beach Current

Families gathered around the tree and stage, making a crowded enviroment truly showing how much people value Christmas spirit on Nov. 25 at 2nd & PCH. Diego Perez | Long Beach Current

Booths such as airspray tattoos and balloon origami, kept the kids hooked and gave them an opportunity to kill time in the anticipation of Santa’s arrival on Nov. 25 at 2nd & PCH. Diego Perez | Long Beach Current

Ornaments made the 52.5 foot tall tree stand out on Nov. 25th at 2nd & PCH. Diego Perez | Long Beach Current

Santa’s little helpers accompanied him when he made his entrance. The helpers stood by a Christmas backdrop and posed for pictures with families on Nov. 25 at 2nd & PCH. Diego Perez | Long Beach Current