Community gathers for tree lighting

Holiday spirit: Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. kicked off the holiday season on Nov. 19 with its annual tree lighting ceremony. Local friends and families gathered on the Promenade for the festive event, which featured performances from the Samohi and Lincoln Middle School Madrigals; Santa Monica Youth Orchestra Mariachi Perla del Oeste; Santa Monica Youth Orchestra Chamber Ensemble. Thousands of colorful lights also flicked on across the Promenade, 2nd and 4th Streets.