Events

Tree Lighting Ceremony

Hesperia Civic Plaza Park

15833 Smoke Tree St, Hesperia, CA 92345 | (760)244-5488

December 5, 2026
Tree Lighting Ceremony
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Kick off the holiday season with a beloved Hesperia tradition! Every December, the Hesperia Recreation & Park District invites the community to gather together for our annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Held at the beautiful Hesperia Civic Plaza Park (15833 Smoke Tree Street), this  free community celebration brings neighbors, families, and friends together to share in the magic of the winter season.
 
While specific schedules, vendors, and entertainment lineups change from year to year, visitors can always look forward to a festive evening filled with classic holiday favorites:
  • The Tree Lighting: The breathtaking illumination of our community tree serves as the focal point of the evening.
  • Special Holiday Guests: Free photo opportunities with Santa Claus and his festive friend, the Grinch.
  • Live Performances: Local youth choirs, school bands, and local dance teams filling the park amphitheater with holiday cheer.
  • Seasonal Treats & Vendors: Food trucks, local artisans, and warm refreshments like hot chocolate to keep everyone cozy in the brisk winter air.
  • Festive Activities in the past: Ongoing favorites like miniature train rides, a petting zoo, incredible live ice carving displays, and a direct mailbox to drop off letters to the North Pole!

A Rich Tradition of Holiday Spirit
Our Tree Lighting Ceremony has a rich history deeply intertwined with the community. While the Hesperia Recreation & Park District itself was established in 1957 to serve the recreational needs of our growing community, this annual holiday tradition truly blossomed over the decades.
In 2008, the festival celebrated a major historic milestone with its 20th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. This memorable year marked the very first time the event moved to its current home at the then-brand-new Hesperia Civic Plaza Park. Originally a collaborative partnership with the City of Hesperia (which incorporated much later in 1988), the event has historically welcomed thousands of smiling faces each year to celebrate the High Desert's community spirit.
 
The District also proudly continues its long-standing tradition of community giving during the ceremony. Each year, attendees are invited to participate in holiday toy drives, such as the regional Spark of Love initiative, helping provide unwrapped gifts to families and children in need right here in our local neighborhood.

2025 Flyers

Hesperia Civic Plaza Park
15833 Smoke Tree St, Hesperia, CA 92345