Culver City’s annual downtown tree lighting on December 4, 2025 went next level with more snow, more music and special guest stars, opening the holiday season with an evening of family fun.
By the time Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox joined Mayor Dan O’Brien and Downtown Business Association leader Darrel Menthe to light up the tree, carols had been sung and choirs applauded. The entire plaza was crowded with revelers, and many clapped and sang with the students performing.
Dr. Tony Spano, the director of the Academy of Visual and Performing Arts at Culver City High School, offered his thanks for “this village,” noting that “…thirty years of arts education could not have happened without you.” The nationally recognized AVPA also showcased their music as a part of the program, and the cheering and clapping from the crowd was as sincere as the gratitude from the stage.
Once the moment arrived for the tree lighting, Deschanel introduced Gus, the charming canine co-star of the new movie “Merv,” and the pup was quite polite through the speeches and the holiday hoopla. Cox had a moment to speak but laughed “I was told I’d have a script! Where’s the script?” Both invited the party goers to see the new film at the Culver Theaters
Also on hand for the occasion were the City Council members, Albert Vera, Jr., Freddy Puza, Yasmine-Imani McMorrin, and Bubba Fish and School Board members Stephanie Loredo and Andrew Lachman.
The sledding was set up on Main Street, and families had plenty of space to wait their turn to enjoy the snow. The crowd spilled out of the plaza in all directions, with cafes crowded and pedestrians filling the walkways.
Down the street, the air in front of Jamison’s Pub was dusted with snowfall, leaving patrons laughing with surprise. Just past the Lion Fountain, a passer-by quoted the Cowardly Lion’s dialogue from The Wizard of Oz, “Unusual weather we’re having, huh?”
As ever, Santa was receiving visitors after the ceremony, and popcorn and hot chocolate were offered to keep the chill off, and the party going.
Photo (L to R) Eric Sims of the Center Theater Group with cast members from The Enormous Crocodile, Darrel Menthe, Dan O’Brien, Charlie Cox, Zooey Deschanel, Santa Claus and producer Fiona Nagle
Photo Courtesy DBA
