City of Pasadena to hold annual tree lighting celebration

A couple of special guests will be at City Hall on Friday, December 4 to help the City of Pasadena officially mark the beginning of the Christmas season. On that day, Santa and Mrs. Claus will join Mayor Johnny Isbell and City Council members at the City’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony and celebration. For more information, contact the parks and recreation department at (713) 740-7062.  

The event will be held from 6-9 p.m. and will feature games, crafts, inflatable jumpers, a petting zoo, hay rides and more. City Hall will also be open so that guests can tour the trees displayed inside that are part of the annual Circle of Trees, a collection of trees decorated by local charities and other community organizations throughout Pasadena.

Throughout the evening, 16 different groups from schools within Pasadena Independent School District will entertain the crowd with dance performances, songs and skits, and hot chocolate and cookies will be served. There is no charge for admission, and everyone in the community is invited to attend.

The event’s co-chair, Barbara Sitzman, described the event as a true community celebration, saying that everyone really comes together to make the event what it is. She gave the examples of the many City departments work together in the planning, the numerous volunteers who help work in all the different areas of the event and the many school groups who sign on to provide live entertainment that evening.

"This event is always a great experience for everyone involved. Families and friends are so special, and working with each other and enjoying this wonderful opportunity together will make very great memories for everyone who attends," Sitzman said. "It’s a way to bring the community together to celebrate the holiday season."

Sitzman added that the corporate community also pulls together to make this event a success each year and thanked this year’s major sponsors, including Wal-Mart, Starbucks, Sunbelt and Waste Management. She said she was also excited to announce that Horseshoes from the Heart, a charitable organization that provides wagons, saddles and reins for physically and mentally-challenged individuals, is also in talks to help run the hay rides at this year’s event. And although the event is drawing close, Sitzman said partnership and volunteer opportunities are still available for anyone interested in helping.

"We would love for anyone interested to become involved and join us for this festive, special time of the year," Sitzman said.

For more information, contact the parks and recreation department at (713) 740-7062.