Illustration of a crowd in scarves watching a tall lit Christmas tree in a snowy town square (Annual City Tree Lighting)

Annual City Tree Lighting

Families gather to celebrate the start of the holiday season and watch the city tree light up. The event features photos with Santa Claus, live reindeer, trackless train rides, an inflatable walk-thru, face painting, and yard games. Guests can also enjoy kids' craft stations, a dance party zone with DJ Paniiq, and live music by Big Band X-Press.

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Plan Your Visit

Website / Tickets

ridgecrest-ca.gov

When

Tickets

FREE FAMILY FUN; hot cocoa and a fresh-baked cookie for each child and kids’ craft stations are marked while supplies last.

Hours

5 pm - 9 pm; the tree lights turn on at 6pm.

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Civic Center

Food & Drink

Each child can get hot cocoa and a fresh-baked cookie while supplies last.

Going?

Location

See it and nearby events on the map
City Hall · 100 W. California Ave., Ridgecrest, CA 93555 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive and family-focused

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early for the hot cocoa, cookies and kids' craft stations, because they're offered only while supplies last.
  • Find a spot near the City Tree in the Civic Center drive before the lighting so you catch the moment it turns on.
  • Head to the Santa Claus photos and live reindeer early in the evening, and save the dance party and train rides for after.
  • Dress warmly for an evening outside at the Civic Center in early December.

Special Events & Promotions

  • The event is free.

Links & Contact

Run by City of Ridgecrest Parks and Recreation Department

Website / Tickets Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is there for kids to do?

Kids can get Santa Claus photos and see live reindeer. There's also a dance party zone with DJ Paniiq, craft stations, an inflatable walk-thru, trackless train rides, face painting and yard games.

Is there food or drink?

Each child gets hot cocoa and a fresh-baked cookie while supplies last.

What music is there?

Big Band X-Press plays live, and DJ Paniiq runs the kids' dance party zone.

Where is the tree?

The City Tree stands in the middle of the Civic Center drive, by City Hall and the Kerr McGee Community Center.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

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