By Isabella Morton
Special to The Alpine Mountaineer
The Christmas season arrived on Friday, Nov. 25 with the lighting of the Christmas tree in Lake Arrowhead Village.
At 5p.m. the Mountain Fifes & Drums Corps performed, marching through the Village. They played a variety of lively Christmas tunes, including “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” “Joy to the World” and “Angels From Realms of Glory.”
Following their performance, a group of dancers from the Lake Arrowhead School of Dance strolled through the crowd in their Nutcracker costumes, handing out flyers for their annual show. Around 6 p.m. they gathered below the stage and a handful of Fife & Drum Corps members played a final tune. They led the dancers through the growing crowd to a clearing, where the huge Christmas tree was set for all to see.
For years the lighting had been held in the center of Lake Arrowhead Village, but this year the tree was moved to a space closer to the water, at the end of the peninsula, where there was more room for people to fill in and circle the tree.
People gathered as Santa Claus welcomed families and friends, thanking everyone for being there and participating in the tradition. Santa led the countdown: “3…2…1!” The tree came to glittering life.
Soon after, a procession of people led by Santa and the dancers headed to a small building right next to Pendleton. Santa was stationed there with dancers on either side in their sparkling costumes. People formed a line outside and waited for their turn to take pictures with Santa in the cheerful room.
The annual tree lighting is a wonderful chance to spend time with family and friends while exploring Lake Arrowhead Village and enjoying Christmas festivities. Santa Claus will be in the Village for free photos on Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 18, from 12 to 3 p.m., and on weekdays from Dec. 19 to Dec. 24, also from 12 to 3 p.m.
PHOTOS: (Photos by Isabella Morton)
LAV tree lighting 1: The Mountain Fifes & Drum Corps marched through Lake Arrowhead Village, playing Christmas tunes.
LAV tree lighting 2: Santa in front of the brightly lit Christmas tree after leading the crowd in the countdown.
LAV tree lighting 3: Santa surrounded by Nutcracker dancers. Families can visit with him and take photos through Dec. 24.
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