Make plans now to be on hand for the ‘Sled-tacular’ Tree Lighting this Thursday, December 4, 2025. The beloved tradition will have a new twist this year, when Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox will be on hand to help light up the tree, and invite Culver residents to a free screening of their new Amazon MGM holiday film, Merv.
This year’s holiday season will once again be magically ushered in with a winter wonderland festival – 50 tons of fresh snow plus sledding, snowmen, and carnival games. Plus visits with Santa in his first appearance of the season in Culver City!
Before we turn on the lights, we will be celebrating community with music by 250 of the talented students from each of Culver City’s public schools, followed by a boisterous countdown to light the beautiful 25-foot Holiday Tree. Mayor Dan O’Brien will lead the countdown with a few words about our more than 20 year tradition of public celebration.
We will also be celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Academy of Visual and Performing Arts, Culver City High School’s s innovative arts program for musicians, dancers, filmmakers, theatre, and visual artists that nurtures creativity.
There will be free popcorn and hot chocolate, thanks to the Culver Hotel and the Culver Theaters. So bring your mittens, reindeer hats, and sense of joy and wonder to join friends and neighbors for a celebratory start to the season.
Festivities begin at 5 pm, the tree lighting ceremony will start at 6 pm, Santa will be arriving at 7 pm, and the special film screening will begin at 8 pm at the Culver Theaters, right behind the Lion Fountain in the downtown plaza.
PRE-REGISTER FOR FREE SLEDDING WRISTBANDS at https://downtownculvercity.com/event/2025annual-downtown-culver-city-tree-lighting-sled-tacular/
Got a Culver City address? Register for the screening from Amazon/MGM 8pm, courtesy of Amazon MGM. Register for tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/merv-los-angeles-special-screening-tickets1975680048208?aff=oddtdtcreator
