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Westminster lights 34-foot tree as mayor, council and local groups lead annual holiday celebration
Summary
Westminster’s annual tree-lighting at the Sunken Gardens featured remarks from Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen, appearances by council members and Assemblyman Tri Ta, performances by local schools and community groups, and a Santa visit; organizers announced ‘Santa on the go’ park visits on Dec. 6 and Dec. 13.
Westminster’s annual tree-lighting ceremony at the Sunken Gardens drew city officials, school performers and families for music, holiday remarks and the lighting of a 34‑foot Christmas tree.
Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen opened the program by thanking staff and volunteers and calling the evening “a joy to celebrate the start of the holiday season with all of you this evening.” He credited city staff for assembling the tree and helping stage the event.
City leaders on hand included Vice Mayor Carlos Menzel and council members Amy Fan West, Mark Nguyen and Nam Kwan Nguyen. Assemblyman Tri Ta also addressed the crowd, thanking the mayor and council and wishing residents a happy holiday season. “Merry Christmas, and happy New Year to you and your family,” Tri Ta said during brief remarks.
The mayor joined Santa for a countdown and the lighting of the tree; the mayor described the display as “really big and high, you know, 34 feet high,” and noted the tree was assembled by city staff. Santa then moved to a nearby chair to greet children.
Vanessa Johnson, the city’s community services and recreation director, ran through the evening’s program, thanked volunteers and performers, and announced upcoming ‘Santa on the go’ park visits: Dec. 6 at Bowling Green Park (10 a.m.–11:30 a.m.) and Blakey Park (1 p.m.–2:30 p.m.), and Dec. 13 at College Park (10 a.m.) and Bolsa Chica Park (1 p.m.).
Local performers included Project SHU, Bethany Christian Academy, Stacy Middle School choir, Girl Scouts of Orange County troops, Charade Dance Academy, Westminster Community Playhouse youth theater and Warner Middle School folklorico dancers. The Westminster Youth Committee led the community sing that traditionally ends the program.
Organizers encouraged attendees to visit food trucks and craft booths, take photos with the tree and Santa, and support upcoming holiday events. The program concluded with city leaders thanking the audience and wishing the community happy holidays.
