New Lego Tree Shines Bright At Holidays At Legoland California Resort

CARLSBAD, CA — The holidays are in full swing at Legoland California Resort now that the Lego Christmas tree is shining bright.

Hallmark stars Brennan Elliott, Barbara Niven and Ashley Williams helped Lego Santa pull the switch to light the all-new 35-foot-tall Lego Christmas tree during the 21st annual tree lighting ceremony at the Carlsbad-based theme park.

During the ceremony, 9-year-old Amor Bastidas, whose younger brother is being treated for a brain tumor at Rady Children's Hospital, helped accept a $50,000 donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities on behalf of Elliott, Niven and Williams from Legoland California. Bastidas and her family stay at San Diego's Ronald McDonald House when they travel from Imperial Valley to San Diego for her brother's treatments.

Prior to pulling the switch that turned on 40 Lego candles and more than 500 LED lights, Elliott, Niven, Williams and Bastidas were presented a Lego dinosaur ornament as an invitation to return when the park unveils its new land, Dino Valley, which is planned to open in the spring.

The annual tree lighting ceremony is part of the park's winter celebration, Holidays at Legoland California Resort, which runs on select dates through Jan. 7.

In addition to the iconic tree, which was created from more than 364,481 Lego and Duplo bricks, the event features holiday decor, twinkling lights, holiday treats, falling snow and festive entertainment. Guests can take pictures in front of a large Lego wreath, meet new characters, Lego Snowman and Lego Reindeer, sing and dance along at the Jingle Jamboree, and more.

New this year, fireworks will light the sky every Saturday in December and on select evenings leading up to this year's Kids' New Year's Eve Countdown on Dec. 31, when midnight is a kid-friendly 7 p.m. All activities are included with general park admission and select annual passes.

• Also see: Legoland California To Debut Dino Valley, Lego World Parade In 2024