Holiday parade and tree lighting draws tens of thousands to Livermore

An estimated 28,000 people gathered in downtown Livermore last weekend for the annual Holiday Sights & Sounds Parade and Tree Lighting.

Hosted by Livermore Downtown Inc. and sponsored by the city of Livermore, about 2,000 participants proceeded down First Street and nearby roadways on Dec. 7 to represent groups like local nonprofits, children’s organizations, schools and local animal organizations.

Included in the parade line-up were the Livermore Rodeo, marching bands from Livermore and Granada high schools and first responder units like the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department and the city’s police department.

As part of the fun, parade entries competed for the title of best entry. This year, the LHS Varsity Dance Team won the popular vote.

Near the end of the parade, the LPFD escorted Santa on their ladder to the grand finale at the community tree near the Lizzie Fountain.

During the tree lighting portion of the event, a choir of fifth-grade students from the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District sang “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” with community members joining in a sing-along.  

Once St. Nick took the stage, he joined the executive director of Livermore Downtown Inc. Ruby Lopez-Villarreal and Mayor John Marchand to countdown the tree lighting. 

“It was a truly magical moment that united friends, families, and neighbors in the spirit of the season,” Lopez-Villarreal said.

The parade and tree lighting marked the second day of holiday celebrations by Livermore Downtown Inc., where the first event on Dec. 6 transformed Carnegie Park into a winter wonderland and makers market known as the Holiday Village.

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