Santa and Mrs. Claus who arrived by fire truck on December 6 during San Gabriel’s 35th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and visited with Mayor Dave Gutierrez in the park across from City Hall.

Members of the Jefferson Middle School Choir and Orchestra performed several Christmas carols that included “Deck the Halls”, “Joy to the World”, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”, “Silent Night” and  “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”.  Their family and friends were delighted to join in this annual celebration.

Children of all ages stopped to decorate pie plates that will be hanging from all of the small trees in the park. The Women’s Division of the San Gabriel Chamber provided the materials and assistance every year for this event.

Mayor Dave Gutierrez introduced Vice Mayor Kevin Sawkins, Councilmembers Juli Costanza, John Harrington and Mario De La Torre, City Clerk Ellie Andrews and all of the Department Heads to the residents. He explained they lost the large pine tree in the windstorm so the city has a new tree to light tonight. The tradition of lighting the tree will continue and the new tree will be planted in the park as soon as possible. He thanked the staff for their great services after the storm. He is glad that everyone is safe and wished each and every one a Merry Christmas.

The residents were very excited to see the Christmas tree lit up in all of its glory.

Students from Mission Elementary School Choir sang several Christmas carols that included “Silver Bells”, “Deck the Halls” “Jingle Bells” and “Rudolph”. This was the first performance done by the students at this Christmas celebration.

Santa visited with his little friends and passed out candy canes to them.