On Friday, December 6th, local residents from across the Tri-Community gathered at Phelan Community Park for the 5th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. More than 100 attendees bundled up for the festive evening, eager to see their beloved community Christmas tree shine once again, for its fifth time.
Upon arrival, guests were greeted warmly by the local Fire Department, while staff from the Phelan Pinon Hills Community Services District (PPHCSD) offered fresh hot cocoa and miniature candy canes to help everyone settle into the holiday spirit.
At around 5:45 p.m., Rebecca Kujawa, the board president of the PPHCSD, welcomed the crowd, thanked them for coming, and introduced the Serrano High School Choir. The choir filled the park with classic Christmas carols, including Joy to the World, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Deck the Halls, The First Noel, and even more holiday tunes. Attendees, now full of holiday cheer, applauded them for their great performance, which spread a warm holiday spirit across the chilly evening.
Following the musical performance, Kujawa invited the Miss Phelan Royalty Court to help kick off the highlight of the night. As the crowd joined in, she led the countdown: “Five, four, three, two, one!” With a burst of color, the community Christmas tree lit up for its fifth year with its multicolored twinkling bulbs and big bright star atop the tree, casting a joyful glow across the park.
The air was filled with holiday cheer, but someone was missing… suddenly from out of nowhere came Santa Claus! Children cheered as Santa strolled through the park, waving and heading to his cozy cabin. Families lined up quickly for photos with Santa and for little ones to share their Christmas wishes.
With the Serrano High School Choir’s Christmas carols fading and families heading home after their little ones picture with Santa, the glistening glow of the community tree remained, leaving a silent promise of peace and wonder in the crisp Phelan December air.
