“Light Up the Night” Virtual Tree-Lighting This Friday

Show your hometown holiday spirit this year! Kick off the holiday season and brighten your night by watching the lighting of the Downtown San Leandro Holiday Tree at 5:45pm this Friday, December 4th!

As a part of the event, you can see the tree light up with bright lights and ornaments, hear messages from Mayor Pauline Russo Cutter and Chamber and Downtown Benefits District President, Emily Griego, and make a donation to help those in need.

For the past 25 years, the community has gathered in Downtown each December to mark the holidays with the “It’s a Wonderful Night” celebration and holiday tree lighting organized by the San Leandro Downtown Association and Downtown San Leandro Community Benefit District.

It will surprise no one that, due to the pandemic, the annual Downtown holiday celebrations will look different this year. Among other things, the COVID-19 pandemic has allowed us to take a fresh look at our traditions and find new and innovative ways to connect with family and friends.

This year, the Downtown San Leandro Community Benefit District will once again be placing a holiday tree at Estudillo Plaza on Estudillo Ave between E. 14th Street and Washington Ave. To commemorate the season of giving, they are collecting donations to the Alameda County Community Food Bank, and displaying custom ornaments, both of which enters you into a drawing to be the official “tree lighter” during the event.

The virtual, streaming tree-lighting ceremony will take place on Facebook this Friday, December 4, from 5:45PM until 6PM. Those wishing to simply attend may RSVP here until December 4.