PHOTOS: Tree Lighting brightens Culver City's night sky

The title attraction of the Sled-tacular is the sleddable snow hills made with some of the 50 tons of artificial snow spread across Main Street for both kids and adults to enjoy. The event is organized by the Culver City Downtown Business Association, with support from the City of Culver City and other community partners.

For kids who were more interested in snowmen, an area of snow was set aside for play and crafting. Snowballs filled the air as kids crowded into the patch of snow to play with their families and friends.

Several carnival-style games were also set up for kids to play and win prizes. These games were run by the Kiwanis Club of Culver City, the local branch of a nationwide nonprofit organization focused on serving children in the community.

Before the Holiday Tree was lit last Thursday night, over 250 Culver City students performed a series of songs as part of the celebrational ceremony. The Downtown Tree Lighting and Sled-tacular was also a celebration of the 30th anniversary of Culver City High School's Academy of Visual and Performing Arts.

With Amazon/MGM Studios serving as the presenting sponsor of the event, attendees of the Downtown Culver City Tree Lighting Sledtacular were treated to a pair of celebrity appearances. Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox appeared with their co-star companion Gus to promote the trio's movie, Merv. There was a free screening of the film Thursday night at the Culver Theater before its official release on Wednesday, Dec. 10.

Alongside the celebrities and local representatives making an appearance at the Tree Lighting were the five current city councilmembers of Culver City (from l-r): Councilmember Dan O'Brien, Mayor Freddy Puza, Vice Mayor Bubba Fish, Councilmember Yasmine-Imani McMorrin, and Councilmember Albert Vera.

Not pictured but also on the stage were Culver City Unified School District Board of Education Vice President Stephanie Loredo and members Andrew Lachman and Lindsay Carlson.

Performances from three different groups at Culver City led into the ceremonial Tree Lighting. Seen here is the choir from El Marino Elementary School — known for its robust Japanese immersion program — performing Deck the Halls and Santa Claus is Coming to Town in both English and Japanese on Thursday night.

Performers of all ages were invited to perform at the Tree Lighting ceremony held on Thursday night. Wearing all black, the Culver City Middle School Choir and High School Vocal Ensemble performed less recognizable songs, I Got Joy and White Winter Hymnal, to cap off the night's musical programming.

The Culver Hotel served hot chocolate to the public following the Tree Lighting. The Hotel was one of many community partners and volunteers who brought the Downtown Tree Lighting and Sled-tacular together, alongside Hackman Capital Partners, Westside Production Rentals, Del Rey Party Rentals, and other local organizations.

Following the Tree Lighting, Santa Claus made his first annual appearance of the year with an escort from the Culver City Police Department. Santa took photos with both humans and animals on his throne in front of the Culver Mansion, and kicked off his tour of the city's neighborhoods on Friday.

Keep an eye out for more photos on our social media pages!