This weekend, Whittier celebrated the arrival of the holiday season with the 24th Annual Grand Illumination ceremony as well as its 26th Annual Holiday Sonata, this previous weekend in Uptown.

The annual tree lighting

The illumination Ceremony took place from five to nine at Rick’s Drive-In and Out Restaurant on November 30th. They lit the 25’ tree, as well as showcased the local talent and people of interest.

Performing there was the Studio Danza Dancers, Whittier High School Band, and chorus. Several officials visited the event: Mayor Joe Vinatieri, Councilman Josue Alvarado and Steven Nagy a representative of Congresswoman Linda Sanchez.

On behalf of Sanchez, Nagy gave the owner of Rick’s Drive-In and Out, Rick Tewes, the Congressional Christmas Ornament.

Aside from said appearances, they set up an opportunity to meet Santa, as well as a community toy drive.

The event garnered hundreds of peoples, all coming together to ring in the new year. The Mayor of Whittier had the crowd countdown the tree lighting together.

Holiday Sonata

While the aforementioned ceremony took place at a single business, the Holiday Sonata stretched across a large portion of the uptown business area, from Friday the 30th to Saturday the first. Multiple activities littered the event, with the constant ones being a Santa’s village, as well as horse-drawn carriages and a double-decker bus.

Alongside the sidewalk were different booths and giveaways: all extensions of the local businesses who also had their own events, from cookie decorating to free food and games.

Certain spots in uptown hosted performances from local high schools, vocalists, dance groups and entertainers.

What’s Next

The people of Whittier believe in their city, moreover, their presence in this year’s festivities continue to support this claim.

When events like this bring together the community, who further immerse themselves in the joy of the season.

And those who constantly examine and improve their lives and the people around them, are the reason they can call themselves Whittier Strong.

The next major holiday event in Whittier California will be the 65th Annual Uptown Whittier Christmas Parade Saturday, December eighth.