Christmas Tree Lighting: Making Spirits Bright

More than 300 people showed up in the Castro Village Shopping Center last Friday, December 6, to see the annual Christmas Tree Lighting. The event has been a tradition in the center of town for since the 1950s, and it has been a perennial favorite for families ever since. 

The event featured performances from the Castro Valley School of Music, the Castro Valley Performing Arts Center Dancers, the Castro Valley High School Madrigals Choir, and the Castro Valley High School Alumni Choir.

The ceremony also included the infamous Grinch trying to steal Christmas away only to be stopped by Alameda County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Santa himself.

The evening was also a chance for families to take photos with Santa, his elves, and even the Grinch, who changed his ways and welcomed the holiday spirit into town.