The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Jack London Square, Oakland's favorite holiday tradition, returns Friday, November 30.
The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Jack London Square, Oakland’s favorite holiday tradition, returns Friday, November 30. Taking place from 5 to 9 p.m., the ceremony promises to deliver holiday magic to the Oakland waterfront with the lighting of the spectacular 55-foot Mount Shasta fir tree adorned with 5,000 sparking white lights and 600 colorful ornaments. Thousands of people will gather for the event, which will feature live music and entertainment from local musicians and arts groups, holiday pop-up shops, and a special appearance by Santa Claus!
A free celebration of the season and the community, Jack London Square’s Tree Lighting Ceremony will feature holiday performances by Kev Choice and Friends, local youth performers and more. In addition to live entertainment, attendees can purchase handmade goods and treats from local makers and artisans. To complete the evening, guests are invited to capture their evening with a free photo with Santa.
KTVU Fox 2 Anchor Gasia Mikaelian returns as master of cer-emonies and will lead the countdown to the lighting of the tree. In the spirit of the season, Jack London Square’s Tree Lighting Ceremony will host a donation drive to collect non-perishable foods, unwrapped toys and gently worn coats for several nonprofit organizations, including the Oakland Fire Department and One Warm Coat
The festivities don’t end with the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Jack London Square is the holiday hot spot for the gift-giving season. Visitors can shop at the Buck, held every first and third Sunday of the month, and Second Saturdays, held on the second Saturday of each month. These events provide easy access to an assortment of vendors with a strong Bay Area presence selling unique clothing, jewelry, fresh produce, delicious food and artisan goods. With up to 100 booths at these events, there’s a unique local gift for everyone on the list.
Visitors can support other local merchants by shopping at Oakland Supply Co., which spreads local love through its civic pride-evoking tees and accessories. Or, for the culinary fiend, visitors can pick up artisanal pasta from Baia Pasta and organic, farm-raised meat products from Belcampo. If your loved ones aren’t chefs, give them a dining experience they won’t forget. Gift certificates are available for restaurants that are part of Jack London Square’s thriving dining scene, including Belcampo Oakland, Dyafa, Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine, Forge Pizza, Lungomare, Plank, Rosenblum Cellars and more.
Jack London Square is Oakland’s one-stop shop to dine, play and shop during the holidays.
