One year after the pandemic turned the beloved community tradition to an at-home streaming affair, a festive crowd gathered once again in person at the to celebrate the annual lighting of the holiday tree in the center of town. Wednesday night’s event was hosted by the Piedmont Beautification Foundation and featured caroling from the Piedmont High School Troubadours a cappella group, the Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area, and — perhaps the biggest draw of all — a visit with Santa Claus.
Official festivities kicked off with a warm welcome from Mayor Teddy Gray King and a cheery greeting from Santa, who urged youngsters to drop him a line in his special mailbox. At the appointed hour, special Make-A-Wish guest Maika Ting had the important job of flipping the switch, and the audience gave a cheer to see the towering Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) suddenly crowned in light. Volunteers from the Piedmont Garden Club and city’s Public Works crew had installed the lights earlier in the week.
The PHS Troubadours sing a variety of holiday songs 
With boost from dad, a youngster gets a good view of the Troubadours 
The crowd cheers as Mayor Teddy King makes the introductions 
Mayor Teddy Gray King 
The mayor introduces Gayle Lambert, the president of PBF, the organization hosting the event 
Santa and his elf entertain the crowd 
Make A Wish Foundation recipient Maika Ting addresses the crowd as her mother Viola claps 
Youngsters write letters to Santa to be dropped in Santa’s mailbox nearby 
All eyes on the tree as the lights switch on 
The majestic tree lit in holiday lights
This is the time of year to send a lasting Holiday Greeting to friends, family, and neighbors by contributing to Piedmont Beautification Foundation. Please consider a donation to any of the funds: PBF General Fund, PBF Endowment Fund, Sport Facilities Maintenance Fund, or our current Safe Routes to School Project. Learn more about ways to support PBF HERE.
