A festive crowded gathered between rain storms at the Piedmont Community Center on Wednesday, Dec. 4 to celebrate the annual lighting of the holiday tree. The event was hosted by the Piedmont Beautification Foundation and featured caroling from the high school Troubadours singing group, candy canes and cookies distributed by the Scouts, and hot apple cider donated by Piedmont Grocery. Piedmont Connect and the Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area hosted tables as well. Perhaps the biggest draw of all: A visit with Santa Claus inside the Center’s hall.