Lighting up the plaza

Photos by Christina Daly/Herald

Hundreds crowded Kennedy Plaza last Friday for the city’s annual tree lighting ceremony, complete with an outdoor ice skating rink and a visit from Santa.

Photos by Christina Daly/Herald

Archie Lithgow was the first person to shake Santa’s hand as he stepped off the fire truck at last week's tree lighting.

Photos by Christina Daly/Herald

Residents were asked to nominate “someone great” from the community to have their name placed as an ornament.

Photos by Christina Daly/Herald

Councilman Anthony Eramo addressed the crowd at last Friday’s ceremony.

Photos by Christina Daly/Herald

New friends Logan Rodabaugh and Francesca Passaro helped each other around the rink.

Photos by Christina Daly/Herald

Santa’s oldest fan, Veronica Gagliardi, 93, reached up to shake his hand.

Photos by Christina Daly/Herald

Excited for santa, Antonio Urrego and Hailey Jo Ryan got a lift from the dads Jeff Ryan and John Urrego as Santa came out on stage.

Photos by Christina Daly/Herald

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Hundreds gathered at Kennedy Plaza last Friday to kick off the holiday season at the city’s annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony. In the weeks leading up to the event, the city asked residents to submit the names of someone “great” that had gone above and beyond for their community this year. All of the nominees were imprinted on ornaments placed on the tree.

This year’s ceremony saw the return of the outdoor ice skating rink, just one of the many activities offered at the event. It also featured the world’s largest snowman bounce and music provided by the Long Beach High School Chamber Orchestra led by Nicole Albani. Girls scout troops were invited up for a sing along around the tree and there was plenty of hot chocolate and cookies on hand for the children.

Santa even made a special visit, with assistance from the Long Beach Fire Department.