The City of San Fernando held its annual holiday tree lighting on Saturday, Dec. 9, in the mall, coinciding with the last Outdoor Market of the year. 

The stage area at the intersection of San Fernando Road and Maclay Avenue was the gathering spot for entertainment, with the City of Angels Community Choir encouraging the crowd to sing along with the classic holiday songs, including “Feliz Navidad.”

After opening remarks from city dignitaries, Old St. Nick himself made his entrance, cruising slowly through the mall in a classic police car as he waved and gave his greetings. He started the countdown for the tree lighting, which fortunately went off without a hitch.

Families who came out to the Holiday Tree Lighting event at the San Fernando Mall on Dec. 9 were treated to a multitude of sights and attractions, from a short train ride aboard the Thomas Railroad to “snow” falling from the sky. Parents and children could take a picture with Santa Claus at the Lopez Adobe, and up Maclay Avenue towards San Fernando Road stood the tree that was decorated in festive lights. Guests who stayed near the main stage in the center of the San Fernando Mall were entertained by several live performances, including one from Mariachi Tesoro de San Fernando. (SFVS/el Sol Photos/Gabriel Arizon)

Those who stayed around the main stage were treated to even more live performances from Fox Dance Studio, Mariachi Tesoro de San Fernando, Surge Los Angeles Dance Studio and the Santa Rosa De Lima Catholic School Choir.

Families who made their way to the Lopez Adobe were given the chance to take a picture with Santa Claus. Soapy bubbles were shot into the air nearby, giving it the appearance of snow as it fell. Although it wasn’t the real thing, that didn’t stop parents and children from celebrating that winter had really come to the valley.

And if they wanted to take a small break from all the standing and walking, families could hitch a short ride on a small train.

But it wasn’t just the City of San Fernando getting festive in the Northeast San Fernando Valley. Pacoima and Sylmar each had their tree lighting last Thursday and Friday. And Friday evening, there will be another tree-lighting event at the Sunland Recreation Center if you haven’t yet had the chance to attend a celebration for this special time of the year.