NORWALK — Hundreds gathered at the Norwalk Arts and Sports Complex for the city’s tree-lighting and holiday celebration, which opened with a public countdown and the illumination of the holiday tree.

Vice Mayor Jennifer Perez welcomed attendees, saying, "Hello, Norwalk, and Merry Christmas," and praised the new venue and the city teams that helped produce the event. Perez publicly thanked public works, parks and recreation and public safety staff and named City Manager Jesus Gomez and Parks Director Alan Perdomo for their roles in organizing the evening. She joked that "the mayor had a special button" to make it snow in Norwalk on Saturday night at 06:52, drawing laughter from the crowd.

Congresswoman Linda Sanchez joined the stage to offer holiday greetings to Norwalk. Sanchez said the season is a time to "hold your loved ones close" and reflected on her family’s immigrant background: "I come from a family of Mexican immigrants... we didn't have a lot of things growing up, but we had a lot of love," she said, urging residents to remember those less fortunate.

Organizers encouraged attendees to take low-cost photos with Santa for $2 and pointed visitors to a parks-and-recreation booth offering free hot chocolate and coffee. The host also highlighted on-site attractions — a snow slide, an inflatable snowman, crafts, a night market and food vendors — and reminded the crowd that programming would continue through 9:00 p.m.

Children cheered as Santa and Mrs. Claus appeared and the host introduced performances for the night, including a set from Kids Talent Academy; the emcee named coaches Miss Anaya and Miss Tish and noted that the academy’s hip-hop competition team will begin competing in 2026.

The celebration combined brief remarks from elected officials with family-friendly activities, vendor booths and stage performances. No formal city business or votes were taken at the event.