LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Community gathers for annual holiday tree lighting ceremony at Moraga Commons


Holiday Tree Photo Vera Kochan

With hot chocolate with whipped cream being served up by members of Moraga Youth Involvement, wearing elf hats, and two of the "elves" guarding the source of power used to light the tree, a large crowd was serenaded with Christmas carols by the Northgate High School Madrigal Choir at the annual Moraga Tree Lighting ceremony Dec. 7 at the Moraga Commons. The event was organized by the Moraga Parks and Rec Department.

Santa Claus made a quick trip from the North Pole to visit Moraga a little early this year. Since Rudolph was busy getting his shiny nose buffed, the Moraga-Orinda Fire District escorted Santa to the event in a fire engine decidedly much larger than his sleigh.

At 7 p.m. young and old alike began the countdown that led to the lighting of the beautiful, big tree for another holiday season.