The Valencia Marketplace recently held its 4th annual tree lighting ceremony, in partnership with KHTS Radio, featuring performances from local school choirs and a tree lighting by Santa Claus and local dignitaries.

Santa Clarita residents were joined by festive carolers and Christmas cheer on Saturday, Nov. 29 to help bring in the holidays.

The event highlighted entertainment from several local school choirs, balloon magic by Magic Castle Magician Dennis Forel, a visit from Santa Claus and the lighting of Valencia Marketplace’s Christmas tree.

The switch to ignite the tree was flipped by Santa himself, while California State Assemblywoman Christy Smith, as well as representatives for State Senator Scott Wilk and Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, joined Santa on stage for the official lighting.

Each official briefly spoke to the guests prior to the lighting and thanked those in attendance for joining them in the evening’s festivities.

“Thank you for braving the cold to be here for this beautiful celebration tonight,” said Smith. “Thank you to KHTS for having me. Thank you Santa for making it all the way down from the North Pole to beautiful Santa Clarita. We’re so happy to have you here.”

Kris Hough, Wilk’s district representative, echoed similar sentiments in her statement to the crowd.

“I’m here on behalf of State Senator Scott Wilk, who couldn’t be here tonight, but wanted me to pass on the merriest of Christmases to all of you and hope you have a joyful, blessed holiday with your families,” Hough said.

The evening’s choir performances were provided by Santa Clarita Children’s Choir, the Hart High School Carolers and the Pacoima Singers from Pacoima Middle School.

After several words from each of the dignitaries in attendance, the crowd joined in a countdown until Santa ignited the lights, and streamers and confetti filled the air.

“It’s always an honor and a pleasure to be here in Stevenson Ranch on behalf of Supervisor Barger,” said Nicole Vartainian, assistant field deputy for Barger, who represents Santa Clarita as part of the Fifth District. “We love representing this area. Valencia Marketplace and KHTS have always been great partners in this community, and there’s not a better place to live.”

“Our community tree lighting at Valencia Marketplace also supports the annual Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Toy Drive with all toys distributed to families in Santa Clarita who can use a little assistance, especially during the holiday season,” shared Connie Cashin who heads up public relations for Valencia Marketplace.

Unwrapped new toys may be dropped off at two locations at Valencia Marketplace, Mod Pizza and the County Public Library. Additional drop off points are located throughout the Santa Clarita Valley, including the Sheriff’s station and Frontier Toyota on Valencia Blvd. and KHTS radio on Main Street in Old Town Newhall.

KHTS FM 98.1 and AM 1220 is Santa Clarita’s only local radio station. KHTS mixes in a combination of news, traffic, sports, and features along with your favorite adult contemporary hits. Santa Clarita news and features are delivered throughout the day over our airwaves, on our website and through a variety of social media platforms. Our KHTS national award-winning daily news briefs are now read daily by 34,000+ residents. A vibrant member of the Santa Clarita community, the KHTS broadcast signal reaches all of the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of the high desert communities located in the Antelope Valley. The station streams its talk shows over the web, reaching a potentially worldwide audience. Follow @KHTSRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.