A trio singing group, toy soldiers on stilts, elves and the lighting of the Christmas tree inside the historic Los Angeles’ Union Station kicks off the the 10th annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 21. Whittier City Councilmember Fernando Dutra, chair of the LA Metro board, flipped the switch that lit up the giant tree inside the Ticket Concourse. The free event draws hundreds of people.
Host Jasmine Simpkins welcomes Santa and Metro Board Chair Fernando Dutra during the 10th annual Christmas tree lighting at Los Angeles Union Station on Thursday night, November 20, 2025. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
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Host Jasmine Simpkins welcomes Santa and Metro Board Chair Fernando Dutra during the 10th annual Christmas tree lighting at Los Angeles Union Station on Thursday night, November 20, 2025. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The group, Beverly Belles sang Christmas and Hannukah songs. Santa made an appearance all the way from the North Pole and was mobbed by children awaiting pictures and to ask for holiday treats. Families also posed for snapshots with jolly Ole St. Nick.