On Saturday, Santa Claus traded in his sled and magic reindeer for a ride in the San Fernando Police Department’s fully restored 1956 Chevy patrol car. The vintage car with Old Saint Nick aboard got cheers from the crowd as children waved their hands. Santa took the stage, surrounded by city officials, and counted down from 10 to 0, signaling the lights on the city’s Christmas tree at the corner of San Fernando Road and Maclay Avenue to turn on.
The City of San Fernando’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony held on December 6 drew about 3,000 people and featured live music, dance performances, food vendors, local artisans, a Santa’s Workshop, and games and family-friendly activities. The historic Lopez Adobe on Pico Street, built in 1880s, was decked out in holiday lights, and people waited outside to take photos with Santa Claus who was inside.
Santa arrives in the San Fernando Police Department’s fully restored 1956 Chevy patrol car during the City of San Fernando’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 6, 20205 in San Fernando. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
CIty officals react as the Christmas Tree lights are turned on during the City of San Fernando’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 6, 20205 in San Fernando. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
People listen to speakers during the City of San Fernando’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 6, 20205 in San Fernando. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
CIty officals and Santa Claus on stage on during the City of San Fernando’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 6, 20205 in San Fernando. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
People line up to visit Santa at the historic Lopez Adobe during the City of San Fernando’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 6, 20205 in San Fernando. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
People make their way through the San Fernando Mall during the City of San Fernando’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 6, 20205 in San Fernando. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Children play in artificial snow during the City of San Fernando’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 6, 20205 in San Fernando. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Children perfoprm during the City of San Fernando’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 6, 20205 in San Fernando. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
People take photos during the City of San Fernando’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 6, 20205 in San Fernando. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Children play in artificial snow during the City of San Fernando’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 6, 20205 in San Fernando. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Performers take the stage during the City of San Fernando’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 6, 20205 in San Fernando. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
People take photos in front of a Christmas Tree during the City of San Fernando’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 6, 20205 in San Fernando. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
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Santa arrives in the San Fernando Police Department’s fully restored 1956 Chevy patrol car during the City of San Fernando’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 6, 20205 in San Fernando. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
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“Tonight’s celebration reflects the spirit of unity and community that makes San Fernando such a special place,” said Mayor Joel Fajardo. “Our annual Holiday Tree Lighting is more than a tradition—it’s a moment that brings families together and reminds us of the kindness and hope that define our city during the holiday season.”
Children played in artificial snow, made crafts, and had fun on inflatable slides, while parents could choose from a wide selection of food, treats, and warm beverages. Local vendors lined Maclay Avenue, giving visitors a chance to pick out a gift or two while enjoying the festivities.