Rotary Club Of Carlsbad​'s Tree Lighting Ceremony​ To Return Sunday

CARLSBAD, CA — One of the city's long-running holiday traditions returns to Carlsbad Village this weekend.

The Rotary Club of Carlsbad's 38th annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony is slated Sunday at the Village Faire shopping center.

"It's a fantastic family event," said Cory Orcutt, general property manager for the Village Faire, which has hosted the ceremony since 2006.

The event will kick off with the arrival of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus in an antique fire engine, according to the Rotary Club of Carlsbad.

As children line up for free photos with Santa, the entertainment will start with the Renaissance Institute of Music Orchestra, followed by the Carlsbad High School Jazz Band, the Carlsbad High School Lancer Dancers and XCalibur Dance Team.

Between sets, there will be singalongs and a magic show. There will also be storytime and crafts for children, courtesy of the Carlsbad Library's Learning Center. Free cookies, coffee and cider will also be available.

Carlsbad Mayor Keith Blackburn will light the tree at 4:30 p.m., according to the Rotary Club of Carlsbad.

Event organizer Thomas K. Arnold said the event was established to give all children in Carlsbad
and their families the chance to enjoy a free, old-fashioned holiday festival.

"Each year the crowd gets bigger," Arnold said. "The entertainment is truly first-class, and seeing the look of joy on the children's faces when they see Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive is simply priceless."

The event will take place from 2:15-4:45 p.m. in the south parking lot of the Village Faire shopping center at 300 Carlsbad Village Drive.