Community Hall plaza was packed on a clear and crisp Wednesday night as city and community leaders and families flocked to the site for the annual lighting of the giant redwood tree and menorah in Piedmont Park, symbolizing the start of another winter holiday season.
Piedmont Beautification Foundation President Patty Dunlap emceed the occasion. Following a performance from the Piedmont High School Troubadours and remarks from Mayor Betsy Smegal Andersen, Make-A-Wish foundation recipient Emma Angsten flipped the switch to light up the 80 foot redwood, menorah, Piedmont Park, and Community Hall.
PBF President Patty Dunlap and Mayor Betsy Smegal Andersen 
The mother of the Make-a-Wish foundation recipient Emma Angsten addresses the crowd
Piedmont Boy Scouts served hot cider donated by Piedmont Grocery and hot cocoa courtesy of Heafey Baum Group. The Recreation Department staff served hot latkes donated by Chabad Jewish Center.
The Piedmont Troubadours sing to a large crowd in the courtyard at the Dec. 3, 2025 Lights Up, Piedmont event. 
Piedmont Girl Scouts and the Piedmont Recreation Department oversaw light-themed crafts and games in the courtyard. Inside, attendees wrote letters to Santa and posed with the big man himself.
Getting a little help decorating a letter to Santa 
Making an ornament
MJ Dodds, Cameron Wolfe, Jr., Fran Wolfe, Marilyn Weber, Julia Burke 
Laurie Schweitzer, Patty Dunlap and Renee Scott 
Sarah Pearson and Evan Seevak
Now in its fourth year under this name, Lights Up Piedmont! expands and evolves Piedmont’s beloved holiday tree lighting ceremony, which dates back to 1969, broadening the event to reflect the light-centered celebrations enjoyed by cultures across the globe in the depths of winter.