Under a full moon, Santa Clarans and neighbors donned their jackets and scarves and headed for Central Park to launch the holiday season at the 114th Santa Clara Holiday Tree Lighting the evening of Dec. 5. The festivities included new innovations as well as long-time traditions.

The 2025 Honorary Tree Lighter was Wanda Buck, a Santa Clara resident of 32 years who embodies the spirit of the season through her volunteer work.

“The Honorary Tree Lighter … embodies the meaning of the holiday season of spreading kindness and goodwill,” said Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor, introducing Buck on the holiday stage. “Through her volunteer roles, Wanda has created a lasting legacy of generosity, civic spirit and heartfelt service.”

Highlighting Buck’s many contributions to the community are her senior advocacy and child advocacy with the Santa Clara Unified School District.

“Even if you do a little bit, you make it better for others,” said Buck before the countdown to illuminate a festive 30-foot holiday tree. “It’s fun, too, and life is meant to be enjoyed.”

The assembled onlookers counted down from ten, and Buck pushed a button, illuminating the tree to exclaim and applause.

Central Park was packed. Friends Tresi D. and Emily Rubin from San Jose wore holiday sweaters, reindeer antlers, tree-light necklaces and holiday-theme-rimmed glasses.

“We’re really excited about the holiday festivities—the live stage performances, craft booths, food trucks,” said Rubin. “This launches the holiday season for us.”

Santa Claus was a top draw, but six-year-old Eli Powell didn’t get to talk to him. The timed tickets had all been given out. He and his parents, Ethan and Minori Powell, had fun anyway. They recently moved from Japan back to Santa Clara, where Ethan grew up.

“This is a lot of fun, a good mix of crafts for the kids and food,” said Ethan Powell. “It’s a  perfect event.”

A storied teddy bear, the City mascot, was an honored guest at the ceremony. Inside a protective plastic box, Teddy, in his gold hard hat, is nestled high up in a 90-foot, illuminated redwood, where he had been placed days earlier.

According to the Santa Clara legend, back in 1911, the first teddy bear was used as an impromptu city tree topper by the superintendent of Santa Clara’s then-new electric company.

New to the 2025 tree lighting was a section of arts and crafts booths with handmade items for holiday shopping. Sarah Valencia at Made by Mocha (www.madebymochacrafts.com) offered cute amigurumi (a Japanese word meaning small crocheted or knitted stuffed toys) items—little animals and even donuts that brought nearby Stan’s Donut Shop to mind.

Also new, a FIFA World Cup 2026 nine-foot-tall countdown clock was available for photo ops. It travels around the city. When not at special events—the Art and Wine Festival and Parade of Champions, for example—it is on view at the Benson Memorial Center at Santa Clara University.

Each World Cup host city receives a countdown clock. Santa Clara’s was unveiled on June 11, 2025—exactly one year before the World Cup begins in 2026—at Santa Clara’s Youth Soccer Park adjacent to Levi’s Stadium.

“Wanda Buck embodies the truth that one person, giving freely and consistently, can truly change the world around them. She embodies the values that make our city a special place, and her influence is a true gift to all who encounter it,” said Mayor Gillmor.

The annual Holiday Tree Lighting also makes Santa Clara a special place. It, too, is a gift to the community.