Hundreds of bright lights went up amongst pouring rain at Signal Hill Park Thursday evening as the City kicked off the holidays with their annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.
The holiday event included pre-lighting programs in a tent near City Hall with residents, visitors and City officials enjoying the comforting vibes of the yearly tradition. As they announced in their Instagram, the event would go on rain or shine.
Attendees dressed up in holiday apparel including Santa hoodies, light-up necklaces, tree shaped headbands and ugly sweaters basked in the warmth of the portable heaters scattered among the crowd.
A musical performance by the Alley Cats featured iconic holiday songs like “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Feliz Navidad” and “Little Saint Nick.” The group entertained attendees by inviting them to sing along during the festivities and even performing among the crowd for some songs, prompting laughter from the crowd.
Signal Hill Mayor Keir Jones spoke to residents and visitors at the event about the wonderful start of the holiday season. He also thanked the City’s Public Works Department and Library Services staff for setting up the event in the rain.
“As the holiday shines bright, lights across our city, we’re reminded of what truly makes this season special,” Mayor Jones said. “Every act of kindness brings us closer, reminding us that Signal Hill is the best when we stand united.”
Jones was joined by Santa Claus and members of the city council to count down the annual array of lights throughout the park. Decorative walkways, Christmas gifts and the iconic Christmas tree encouraged residents and visitors to explore and photograph themselves in holiday joy, as they munched on cookies and drank hot chocolate.
“They really did a great job considering there was rain pouring in,” said Signal Hill resident Jackie McLafferty, who was attending with her family Thursday evening. “I’m sure there was a little impact, [but] everyone here seems to be having a great time and a lot of people still came out.”
Future events hosted by the City of Signal Hill will be announced via the events page on cityofsignalhill.org.
Families photograph the holiday light-up displays in Signal Hill Park on Nov. 20, 2025 as they celebrate the annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. (Jorge Hernandez | Signal Tribune) 
Signal Hill Mayor Keir Jones, along with Santa Claus and City officials, counted down to light the Christmas tree during the annual ceremony on Nov. 20, 2025. (Jorge Hernandez | Signal Tribune) 
The McLafferty Family photograph themselves with the green gift light-up tower at Signal Hill Park on Nov. 20, 2025 as they celebrate the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. (Jorge Hernandez | Signal Tribune) 
Families celebrate the holidays in style during Signal Hill’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Signal Hill park on Nov. 20, 2025. (Jorge Hernandez | Signal Tribune) 
The Alley Cats perform iconic holiday songs under a large tent at Signal Hill Park on Nov. 20, 2025. The annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony continued as scheduled, even as the rain poured in. (Jorge Hernandez | Signal Tribune)
Jorge Hernandez
Photojournalist
Jorge B. Hernandez is an aspiring photojournalist residing in Long Beach since birth, maintaining a deep familiarity with the community and its people to this day. Hernandez uses his photography as his voice as he seeks his goal to become one of the best photographers in Long Beach. Hernandez loves traveling and exploring places that are interesting and new to him.
View more of Jorge’s work on his website: jorgebhernandez.com.
