Westminster’s annual tree-lighting ceremony at the Sunken Gardens brought city officials, community groups and families together for music, dance and a countdown that illuminated a newly installed 34-foot tree.

Christine Cordon opened the program and introduced Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen, who thanked staff and volunteers for staging the event and described the tree as “a wonderful and fresh start to the season.” The mayor invited council members and regional representatives on stage to extend holiday wishes to attendees.

Vice Mayor Carlos Menzel thanked public works and community services staff for new features at the venue and urged the crowd to enjoy the evening’s performances. Council member Amy Fun West gave a faith-centered message, and council members Mark Nguyen and Nam Kwan Nguyen offered brief holiday remarks and thanks to staff and first responders.

Assemblyman Trita addressed the crowd, thanking city leaders and department heads for their dedication and offering holiday greetings. The mayor also acknowledged staff from several regional offices in attendance, including Cody Mendoza from Congressman Trent’s office, Zachary Ria from Senator Strickland’s office and Michelle Do from the supervisor’s office.

Organizers staged a playful search for Santa, who appeared onstage to audience applause. Mayor Nguyen and Santa led a crowd countdown and lit the tree, which hosts said had been assembled by city staff and measured about 34 feet tall.

Vanessa Johnson, the city’s community services and recreation director, served as emcee for the program, praising volunteers and introducing local performers. Johnson announced the city’s upcoming “Santa on the go” appearances in neighborhood parks: Saturday, Dec. 6 at Bowling Green Park (10:00–11:30 a.m.) and Blakey Park (1:00–2:30 p.m.), and Saturday, Dec. 13 at College Park (10:00 a.m.) and Bolsa Chica Park (1:00 p.m.).

The evening featured performances by Project SHU (a senior–student mentoring program), Bethany Christian Academy drill team, Stacy Middle School choir, Girl Scouts of Orange County troops, Charade Dance Academy, Westminster Community Playhouse and Warner Middle School folklorico dancers. The Westminster Youth Committee led a community sing to close the program.

The event concluded with city leaders thanking attendees and inviting families to take photos with the tree and to attend future city holiday events.