While locals are making their Thanksgiving plans this week, the city is also looking forward to the holiday season, kicking off the countdown November 21 with the official City of Santa Monica tree lighting ceremony.
Held on the 1300 block of the Third Street Promenade where the 32-foot pseudo spruce tree resides, Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. brought the public out to light up the nearly 3,000 individual decorations.
Santa Claus himself traveled from the North Pole to illuminate the Promenade, preceded by performances from the Westside Ballet, Lincoln Middle School’s Madrigals and the Samohi Choir.
After the ceremony, Santa Monica’s youth were able to play on the Promenade and have their photo taken with Santa.
thomas@smdp.com