The towering tree at the city's major crossroads of Junipero Street and Ocean Avenue comes to life at the Carmel Holiday Tree Lighting, which features choirs from local schools, special singing guests, and appearances by city dignitaries, among other festivities. Amidst the celebration, the town Mayor flips the switch to light the grand tree that becomes the city's welcoming beacon throughout the holiday season.

The annual City Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration is held on at Devendorf Park on Ocean Avenue between Junipero and Mission, followed by the Carmel Plaza Holiday Open House.

Events start at Sunset Center at 3 pm (until 5 pm) with a short music program and pictures by the Holiday tree.

At 3:00 p.m., Santa arrives in Devendorf Park (at Ocean Avenue) and greets children. At 4:00 a menorah is lit. At 4:30 the music and dance program begins and ends at about 5:45 when Santa Claus joins the mayor of Carmel on stage for the countdown to light the tree, downtown median and park lights -- all of which light up at the same time.

Immediately following the tree lighting, Carmel Plaza hosts its annual Holiday Open House party until 7 p.m., offering refreshments and entertainment.

Please join us in celebrating the holiday season!!