PICTURES: Millbrae Holiday Season 2025 Tree Lighting Celebration

On Saturday, December 6, 2025 many hundreds of revelers gathered in front of Millbrae City Hall for a spectacular sunset event kicking-off the holiday season.  Magnolia Avenue was blocked off giving plenty of room for attendees.  Along the street were various tents staffed by the Millbrae Leos serving cookies, the Millbrae Chamber of Commerce serving Hot Chocolate, candy canes and distributing their very popular “Holly Jolly coupon book”, “Crumbl” serving their own specialty cookies, along with other community organizations included.

This annual Millbrae Tree Lighting ceremony has taken place since the early 1990’s and is hosted by the Millbrae Chamber of Commerce, the Millbrae Community Foundation and the City.  As the 5pm event commenced, anticipation, music & carols filled the air.  Encouraging well wishes were offered by Mayor Anders Fung, in addition to Chamber of Commerce President Ron Frediani, Community Foundation Secretary (and past Mayor) Janet Fogarty and Chiefs of the Sheriff’s Bureau & Fire Department.  Entertainment included an orchestra playing well known Christmas music, the cub scouts & Saint Dunstan’s School choir singing carols (directed by 2019 Millbrae Woman of the Year Karen Bettucchi), and a special Christmas performance by “The Voice” finalist Justin Garcia were a few of the highlights during this enjoyable and “much greater than anticipated” occasion. 

Excitement grew as onlookers witnessed the sudden arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus riding atop the historic Millbrae Fire Truck, bells and sirens blearing.  As Santa & Mrs. Claus approached the podium Mayor Fung wished all of Millbrae a Very Merry Yule Tide Season.  The evening peaked with a count-down by Santa… the crowd joining in, their exhilaration building and peaking with cheers as the dark tree instantly was lit with colorful lights showing off a vast array of personalized holiday star decorations.  The exhilarating mood continued with real snow spraying from the roof of City Hall as children danced & played underneath, concluding nearby with a long line of those who wanted their pictures taken with Santa & Mrs. Claus.

Thanks to all who worked hard in preparing this event, setting it up and to those who participated and attended.  The entertainment was well done, and gave everyone a warm and hopeful feeling for this holiday season 2025.

Here are my warm Yule Tide wishes to you, your family & loved ones, from Millbrae Chamber Past Board Chair Paul Larson.