Thousands of people crammed into the courtyard of the Long Beach Terrace Theater on Wednesday to watch live performances, take photos with Santa and witness the lighting of Los Angeles County’s largest Christmas tree.
People stood jammed shoulder-to-shoulder while they listened to classic holiday songs sung by a cappella group SoCal VoCals and singer Terron Brooks, and watched select dances from “The Nutcracker” performed by the Long Beach Ballet.
In between songs, Pastor Gregory Sanders led the crowd in a Christian prayer.
“Let the illumination of each individual light on this tree be a symbolic reminder of the beauty in each person present tonight,” Sanders said. “Let it be a blessing to all who view it during this season.”
After the live performances and prayer, numerous public officials came on stage to address the crowd.
“This time of year reminds us of the light we carry within us and the strength of our community, and by seeing all of you here tonight, that just proves me right,” Zendejas said. “Yes, this tree behind us, standing tall and radiant, is more than just a symbol of the holiday season. It represents shared hope and the spirit of the unity that makes Long Beach so special to call home.”
Fire Captain Jack Crabtree took the stage to encourage attendees to donate to the Spark of Love Toy Drive. Leading up to Christmas, donations of new, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at any Long Beach fire station. Last year, the toy drive collected and distributed toys to over 300 local families.
“It’s because of your donations and the generosity of organizations and communities in our city that we’re able to accomplish this,” Crabtree told the crowd.
Mayor Rex Richardson’s niece and daughters, as well as Councilman Daryl Supernaw’s granddaughter, helped pull the large illuminated switch that lit the 67-foot Christmas tree to thunderous applause and a shower of fake snow, quickly followed by a barrage of fireworks rising above the Long Beach Terrace Theater.
