“The tree lighting is an entertaining social gathering with a festive vibe of the holidays. It’s fun!” said Indian-born Santa Clara resident Abhirami Shankar, whose birthday is December 24, Christmas Eve.
Shankar and her friends Nita Gopinath and Abhishek Sarangan were in Central Park for Santa Clara’s 113th Holiday Tree Lighting festivities on December 6.
As girls of different generations, Shankar and Gopinath both attended Christian convent schools in India—in Mumbai and Bangalore, respectively—and grew up celebrating Christian holidays and singing Christmas carols.
“My daughter’s engagement was in the Central Park gazebo in 2021,” said Gopinath, a proud mom wearing over-sized, neon eyeglasses frames clipped onto her regular glasses.
“This is a distraction from serious stuff, from everyday worries,” said Sarangan.
He wore a Santa hat.
A cross-section of diverse Santa Clarans—estimated at 2,500 to 3,000—joined the festivities.
“Too many to count!” quipped one attendee.
“Tonight symbolizes that the City cares about its residents,” said native Santa Claran Debbie Tryforos. “As diverse as we are, it brings us all together.”
Tryforos was bravely on her own after many years of attending the event with family. Her husband, not in the best of health, had dropped her off. She meandered toward the holiday stage to view the live dance and music performances.
“I like Christmas presents!” said ten-year-old Airi, waiting to see Santa Claus. Between 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., 100 children received timed passes for a photo op and tête-à-tête with Santa.
Airi’s mom, Kanako Kiri, said that the family moved from Japan to Santa Clara two-and-a-half years ago because of Kiri’s husband’s job.
“Santa Clara is a nice place, peaceful,” said Kiri. “It’s conveniently located to drive to anywhere, and it’s not far from my husband’s office. There are many Japanese grocery stores as well!”
Native Californian Megan Jacoby and Michigander Eric DeBolle, attending the tree lighting for the first time, experienced “a Christmas miracle.”
“I met someone from the same small, remote location in northern Michigan—Lost Lake Woods Club—where I was this summer,” said DeBolle. “In life, it’s nice to meet and talk to new people. You never know what you have in common.”
The 7 p.m. climax of the evening was the illumination of a giant redwood tree decorated with white lights and an antique teddy bear—a City tradition since 1911. The 2024 Honorary Tree Lighter was Mike Walke.
“Five, four, three, two,” the crowd chanted in unison, led by Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor from the holiday stage.
Joining her on stage for the countdown were city council members, parks and recreation commissioners, and Walke with his wife and two children. At the count of “one,” Walke hit the power button, bringing the holiday tree to bright life against the night sky.
Per tradition, the tree lighter is a Santa Claran whose community service and generous spirit reflect the meaning of the holiday season. Walke’s volunteer list is longer than a child’s Christmas present list for Santa.
He is Executive Board President of the Santa Clara Police Activities League (PAL); has coached in city youth sports programs since 2002, when he moved to Santa Clara; was a Parks & Recreation Commissioner; and volunteers with Rotary and the Parade of Champions.
Walke was flabbergasted and humbled when Parks and Recreation Manager Kim Castro called and told him he had been chosen for the honor.
“Wow!” was Walke’s first reaction to what he thought was a business call.
“Oh, my God! That’s awesome!” said Margaret, his wife of 27 years.
“Step up and volunteer—for anything,” Walke told the diverse Santa Clarans enjoying the holiday vibes together. “Make a difference in your community.”
