Pasadena Lights Up Its Holiday Season

Despite the chilly 50 degree weather and the threat of rain, hundreds of Pasadena residents packed the Pasadena City Hall rotunda for the Mayor’s annual tree lighting ceremony Friday evening.

Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo told the assembled crowd that, “it’s the people here in Pasadena that make the difference,” and reminded them to be thankful for the holidays, as children made holiday art in nearby hallways, and guests gathered together in song.

The Mayor was joined by Councilmembers Justin Jones, Felicia Williams, and Gene Masuda.

Williams helped the festivities along by leading the crowd in a rousing chorus or two of “Jingle Bells.”

The energetic emcees for the festivities were retired Pasadena police lieutenant Rodney “Rodney D” Wallace and retired sergeant Glen Thompson.

The crowd was also entertained by the Rosebud Academy choir.

Mayor Gordo rehearsed the crowd twice for the countdown. Then, as the final countdown struck “one,” he shouted out, “Happy birthday, Pasadena! And Merry Christmas!”

The festive crowd laughed and applauded, children cheered, and Pasadena’s 2022 holiday season officially began.

The 21-foot Noble Fir tree was delivered to City Hall on Tuesday, then moved into the Rotunda and decorated during the week with more than 200 ornaments by workers from the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department and the Department of Public Works.