How lovely are thy branches — South Coast Plaza celebrates return of in-person tree lighting

Locals eager to kickstart the holiday season turned out Thursday to Costa Mesa’s South Coast Plaza for the lighting of a 96-foot white fir tree in a celebration that, 40 years running, has become a beloved tradition.

Resplendently decked out in 94,000 colorful lights, which came to brilliant life with the flick of a switch, the white fir tree fulfilled a mission months in the making.

Debra Gunn Downing, South Coast Plaza’s executive director of marketing, said the mighty evergreen was transported from Shasta County in October, arriving on the back of a long flatbed truck after a 600-mile journey.

The 96-foot white fir tree lights up in front of the Westin Hotel.

(Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

Since then, busy hands had been stringing lights in preparation for the big day, which included sweet treats and carolers, a holiday production from Orange County School of the Arts and, as always, the appearance of Santa Claus.

Hosted by actor Matthew Morrison, from the hit TV show “Glee,” Thursday’s celebration marked a triumphant return to an in-person format after last year’s tree lighting went virtual during the wintertime coronavirus surge.

The 2020 event was livestreamed, and Misty Copeland, of American Ballet Theatre danced a scene from “The Nutcracker” for an online-only audience, while viewers enjoyed the fun from a distance.

Students from Orange County School of the Arts perform Christmas and holiday classics.

(Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

Gunn Downing said while nothing could compare to an in-person celebration, locals were still grateful to be able to mark the occasion.

“We received an overwhelming positive response before and after the event from our community expressing their gratitude that we found a way to honor the tradition and didn’t cancel our tree lighting,” she added. “That conveyed to us how important this 40-year tradition is to our community.”

Gunn Downing expressed hope that the return of an in-person celebration, and the merrymaking that is sure to follow in the month ahead, brings a little more joy to the world.

“We hope that the event brings families cheer and gives them a feeling of hope, especially after the difficulties people have faced during the pandemic,” she said, sharing her own wish for the season.

Kids wearing complimentary Santa hats stand in front of the 96-foot white fir tree.

(Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

“I wish everyone good health and a safe and joyous holiday season filled with wonderful moments with loved ones.”

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