Mike Walke is the 2024 Honorary Holiday Tree Lighter

Celebrating its 113th anniversary this year, the Holiday Tree Lighting event in Santa Clara is a cherished tradition that has brought the community together for over a century. Taking place on Friday, Dec. 6, at 5:30 p.m. in Central Park, this event includes the special proclamation of an official "Holiday Tree Lighter". The City is proud to announce that Mike Walke as the 2024 Honorary Holiday Tree Lighter.

Walke embodies the meaning of the holiday season of giving through community service, generosity, and a heartfelt positive spirit. He serves as the Santa Clara Police Activities League (PAL) Executive Board President which oversees 11 various programs for Santa Clara's youth. During the holidays, he facilitates PALs "Shop with a Cop" program which allows children of Santa Clara to shop with Santa Clara Police officers, City Council members, and community leaders. In addition, he served as a Parks & Recreation Commissioner from 2012 - 2020 and continues to volunteer with PAL and Rotary during the Art & Wine Festival. 

Walke has been coaching in the city since 2002, for PALs soccer and softball programs, Westside Little League, and is currently serving as a high school football coach. He has also been volunteering with the Santa Clara Parade of Champions since 2019 as the Green Team Lead and member of the Board of Directors.

Don't miss the non-stop entertainment on the Holiday Stage. From dancers to singers and interactive singing, this is the spot to be for festive fun. Come support these talented performers!

Stage schedule coming soon! 

Come hungry for a variety of cozy delicious food and sweet treats.

Contact Jessica Carter at JCarter@SantaClaraCA.gov to inquire about food offerings.

Free Parking

• Central Park Pavilion Parking Lot, 909 Kiely Blvd.
• Patricia Drive, 2625 Patricia Dr.

Permit Parking

• Community Center Parking Lot, 969 Kiely Blvd.
• No drop-offs available in this lot

ADA Parking 

• Available at all three locations (Pavilion, Community Center and Patricia Drive).

Rideshare Drop-off

• Central Park Library, 2635 Homestead Rd.

A variety of packages are available for any budget on our sponsorship webpage.

Last day to secure a space at Tree Lighting is Nov. 22! 

Be sure to visit our City Departments and City Partners booths located on the meadow. Learn more about the services offered and pick up some cool swag.

City Departments:

• Library
• Police
  
• Public Works
  • Environmental Programs
  • Traffic Engineering
• Fire
• Water and Sewer Utilities

Community Partners:

• Mission Trails
  
• Santa Clara Elite Dance Team

Free Speech groups include, but are not limited to religious, political, social and charitable organizations.

Application deadline: Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 at 5 p.m.

Submit completed application to: PRCustomerServe@SantaClaraCA.gov or mail to Community Recreation Center, 969 Kiely Blvd., Santa Clara, CA, 95051, Attn: Kim Castro.

Lottery Drawing of Space Assignments: Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024 at 5 p.m. at the Community Recreation Center.

Free Speech Application(PDF)

Help us spread holiday cheer-The Holiday Toy Drive is here! See Sparky at the Fire Dept. Booth to with donation of a new, unwrapped toy for children ages 7-17 to help bring smiles to the kids of Santa Clara! You can also drop toys off to ALL Santa Clara Fire Stations or at Fire Prevention, 1675 Lincoln St. Donations are accepted from November 1st- December 10th.