Annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony brings community together

Downtown’s Christmas tree lights up the dim evening.

On Nov. 24, Saratoga families crowded around the festively decorated Blaney Plaza to listen to Christmas caroling by the high school and elementary choirs and watch the city's annual tree lighting.

The crowd of families that had gathered in Saratoga downtown’s Blaney Plaza gasped in awe as bursts of multi-colored lights illuminated a 20-foot tall Christmas tree. A brightly lit star sat atop the tree, casting a dazzling light into the cool breeze. This was Saratoga’s 23rd annual tree lighting ceremony — held on Nov. 24 — and is one of the various activities offered in Saratoga downtown to celebrate the holiday season.

The annual tree lighting ceremony was described by organizers as a “one-of-a-kind” Saratoga tradition and was free for anyone to attend.

In addition to the lighting, other festivities took place, including a hot chocolate stand, extended business hours for downtown shops, horse-drawn carriage rides, the Candy Cane Village Children’s area and holiday music performances. Townspeople were also welcome to bring in their ornaments to hang on the tree.

“It was a cozy ambiance, and little kids were running around with lightsticks,” junior Chamber Choir member Aria Zhang said. “It had an old Christmas holiday vibe.”

Among the musical performances was Christmas caroling by the Saratoga High Chamber Choir and Saratoga Elementary choirs. The Saratoga Chamber Choir performed “Sleigh Rides” and “Walking in a Winter Wonderland.”

Zhang recalls that busy traffic clogged the downtown streets as families filled the plaza. The ceremony started with mayor Kookie Fitzsimmons addressing the crowd and announcing the winners of the Saratoga poetry contest, including contestants from grades K-12. Then, the elementary and high school choirs performed their Christmas pieces. After, the event ended with the countdown to the tree lighting.

Many elementary schoolers and their families were at the ceremony, according to junior Chamber Choir member Tarun Ramakrishnan. Ramakrishnan was also happy to see a few Saratoga High alumni attend, including Class of `23 alumni Dustin Peng and Eli Tsives.

“I think it’s a great way for people to have fun over Thanksgiving break. Many people are stressing about school, so this is an opportunity to chill out,” Ramakrishnan said. “It’s also a great way to feel connected to the place we call home.”