Thousands of people throughout the area have been gathering for various ceremonies as cities, institutions, and citizens bring light and good cheer to the season.
With Christmas parades rolling, the cities of Los Alamitos, Cypress, and La Palma have already enjoyed their official “tree lighting” events. At the same time, the Rossmoor Community Services District plans its official Winter Festival event this weekend (Dec. 13).
In addition, the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos held its annual tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 4.
Also, the Rossmoor Woman’s Club held its traditional “Holiday Home Tour” on Sunday, Dec. 7 and Dave Chamberlin and his private real estate elves are busy making the rounds throughout the neighborhoods of Cypress, distributing gifts.
In nearby Belmont Shore, the Business Association there staged its 41st annual, sometimes wacky, Christmas Parade, this year breaking a world record with 15,736 people dressed in pajamas, while in Seal Beach, the kids were out early on Friday for its annual parade along Main Street.
The Los Alamitos Chamber will hold its annual Christmas event on Friday, Dec. 12, a breakfast holiday blowout at Rush Park Auditorium, where they conduct minimal business and instead enjoy a holiday breakfast and a free concert performance from the nationally recognized Show Choir from Los Alamitos High School.
In Cypress, during the city’s tree lighting ceremony, Mayor David Burke asked citizens to “remind our veterans that their service is valued that our community is thinking of them and that sense of gratitude and togetherness.”
Mayor Pro-tem Leo Medrano and Council member Bonnie Peat joined Burke on stage.
“Here’s what tonight is really all about so as we get ready to light the tree, we’re not just celebrating the holidays,” said Burke, “I want to remind you that we’re also celebrating our community and our city next year is going to be our 70th anniversary of the city of Cypress,” the mayor said.
“How about that it’s been an amazing 69 years heading toward our 70th and we have a lot to look forward to as we move into 2026 but for now, we’re excited to enjoy the last month of 2025 so without further ado I think it’s time to light the tree,” said Burke.
In Los Alamitos, Mayor Shelley Hasslebrink welcomed a very large crowd to the city’s 14th annual Winter Wonderland event.
“Good evening, everybody, and happy holidays. Merry Christmas. On behalf of the City of Los Alamitos and the City Council, it’s my pleasure to welcome you to the 14th annual Winter Wonderland, sponsored by Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital, MemorialCare, and Universal Waste Systems.
The Los Al Mayor also thanked the local dance studios, organizations and the Los Al Unified School District for their support in providing entertainment for the event.
Hasslebrink said about 14 years ago. Los Alamitos did not have an event to celebrate the holidays, and everyone involved, including the Chamber of Commerce, thought that the city needed an event to bring the community together.
“The committee was looking for a site to host the event,” the mayor said, “and St. Isidore Historical Plaza graciously volunteered their site for these family-friendly activities and tamales. Thank you, St. Isidore, for your willingness to continue to be a partner in this event.”
“Along with St. Isadore, countless organizations have supported the event throughout the years. Thank you to all our sponsors,” she said.
Jennifer Rodriguez, a spokesperson for MemorialCare, said the medical center “looks forward to Winter Wonderland and that they were proud of their sponsorship of the event.
David Chamberlin, the owner of Chamberlin Real Estate, said he and his staff have done their annual Christmas giveaway for years.
“It’s something we started doing years ago and enjoy it as a way to give back to our community,” said Chamberlin in an interview with ENE.