On Fri., Dec. 2, from 5-7pm, watch 5,000 lights and 600 ornaments transform the 55 ft. Mt. Shasta Fir Tree into a beautiful tree sparkling with hope. Hope because underneath the tree are all the donations you bring to this event along with your holiday spirit –  new toys, nonperishable food and a warm jacket. It’s about celebrating the lighting of the tree and about giving and taking care of those less fortunate. Because really, that is where we find joy.  Bring new toys and clothing to the tree lighting event and please bring any of the following food items to the collection stations located at the entrance of Jack London Square during the Dec. 2 event.

Most needed food drive items: canned tuna, canned chicken, natural peanut butter, nuts and beans, brown rice, quinoa, canned soup (low-sodium), whole grain cereal and oatmeal.

“Our annual tree lighting at Jack London Square will kick off the holiday season for both locals and visitors here in the Bay Area,” said Jack London Square Marketing Director Linda Meyer. “From Santa’s reindeer to the Oakland Ballet’s Sugar Plum Fairies, our festive celebration will fill the Oakland waterfront with an evening of merriment including the Tap Dancing Christmas Trees, a jingle bell dance contest, cookie decorating, holiday characters and much more.”

imagesSo, joyful it is – at Jack London Square’s annual tree lighting festivities! Share in an enchanting evening on the Oakland waterfront with holiday music performed by Oakland’s talented young people. You will be surrounded by Santa’s grazing reindeer, youth choral groups, an ornament workshop, an Instrument Petting Zoo, holiday treats, a visit from Santa Claus (and photos), artisans and a warm wonderful community spirit.

KTVU's Gasia Mikaelian with - Are those the Tap-Dancing Christmas Trees with her?

KTVU’s Gasia Mikaelian with those unique Tap-Dancing Christmas Trees

Special Guest Emcee Gasia Mikaelian KTVU starts the show!

Performers:

5:00 Tap Dancing Christmas Trees
5:10 Oaktown Jazz
5:23 Oakland Youth Chorus
5:36 Oakland Interfaith Youth Choir
5:54 Oakland Spirit Orchestra
6:10 Ceremony and Lighting (about 20 min.)
6:25 TURFinc.
6:37 OSA Vocal Rush
7:00 Pacific Boys Choir
7:33 The Jax

Your donations are appreciated. Jack London Square will distribute them to:
• Alameda County Community Food Bank
• Oakland Firefighters Random Acts
• One Warm Coat

WHEN: Fri. Dec.2, from 5pm to 7pm

WHERE:  Jack London Square at Broadway and Embarcadero in Oakland

You can donate food at Jack London Square throughout the Holiday Season from 9am – 5pm.

More information.