Virtual Tree Lighting
A New Take on an Orange Tradition
The Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Candlelight Choir Precession, in it’s 26th year, will be held in a different manner. The event typically takes place in Old Towne Orange with featuring different vendors and games.
As the sun sets the Candlelight Procession begins. Local choirs gather to sing and then the night ends with the lighting of the Christmas tree.
The event typically yields over 1,000 guests. Gatherings that large are prohibited during the COVID-19 pandemic, so the event has been moved to a virtual platform.
On December 6th the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Candlelight Choir Procession took place in a virtual manner. Anyone can access the video on the City of Orange Website and across any City of Orange social media including instagram, twitter, facebook, youtube, and nextdoor.
In place of the typical proceedings of the event, the video included speeches from city officials and performances from local choirs.
Many people in the community are disappointed in that they could not attend such a warm and historic Orange tradition. With previous events like Treats in the Streets and The Street Fair being cancelled as well, it is a bit frustrating.
El Modena junior Cameron Lamberson has attended the event since she was young and event volunteered at the event last year. She expresses her feeling towards the events, “I really enjoy attending the event in person, but under the circumstances, the virtual event is very much appreciated.”
During the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Candlelight Choir Precession families gather with the rest of the community to celebrate a holiday filled with warmth and spirit. Being able to still hang on to a small portion of the tradition, with the virtual ceremony, is not something to be taken advantage of.
