The San Gabriel community will ring in the holiday season at the 40th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting on Tuesday, Dec. 6 at Plaza Park, 428 S Mission Drive, starting at 6 p.m.

The event, sponsored by the City of San Gabriel and the San Gabriel Women’s Foundation, will feature musical and dance performances from local youth groups, delicious holiday refreshments, children’s activities and crafts. 

At 7 p.m. Mayor Chin Ho Liao will flip the switch and light the holiday tree for all to watch, cueing a special visit from Santa Claus himself, riding in on the Fire Department’s historic Mack fire engine. After the tree is lit, families and children will have an opportunity to visit with Santa and take photos. 

Attendees are asked to bring an unwrapped to for the Fire Department's Spark of Love Toy Drive.

In addition, there will be a special holiday pop-up holiday marketplace in the historic Mission District to spread the holiday cheer even further. The marketplace will have a free holiday-themed photo booth as well as several vendor booths selling the perfect holiday gifts.

Don't forget to post photos from the event, and from all of your holiday festivities this year, using the #MySGHolidays tag. You can also send your photos directly to the city at lgold@sgch.org or via direct message on social media. The city will post the best photos on social media.

For more information about the tree lighting, contact Recreation Coordinator Veronica Luna at vluna@sgch.org or 626.308.2875. For more information about the pop-up, contact Economic Development Manager Angelica Frausto-Lupo at afraustolupo@sgch.org or 626.308.2826, Ext. 222.