Charlotte from Issaquah receives a candy cane from Emily the Elf prior to the tree lighting ceremony.
Siblings Funeh and Uwa of Edmonds enjoy their candy canes while waiting for Santa to arrive.
Edmonds residents (L-R) Thaddeus, Rachel and Elijah arrive in time for the music
Dino Martino visits the Edmonds Log Cabin.
The Maplewood Jazz Band performs.
Emcee Richard Taylor Jr.
The North Sound Church Choir leads the crowd in carols.
On the day of the Apple Cup, members of Cougar and Husky families Mendez, Simard and Hasselbeck converge.
Santa arrives with Emily the Elf.
Santa leads the tree lighting countdown.
The tree is lit.
The official start of holiday magic in Edmonds began Saturday night with the annual Edmonds Tree Lighting Ceremony, drawing hundreds to Centennial Plaza in downtown Edmonds.
Produced by the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce and presented by Comstock Jewelers, this year’s ceremony was emceed by Richard Taylor Jr. It featured music from the North Sound Singers Ensemble, the Seattle Children’s Chorus and Maplewood Jazz Band and a visit from Santa — culminating with the tree-lighting countdown.
— Photos by Julia Wiese
Richard Taylor was an excellent choice for the emcee.
Loved the event! HOWEVER– the emcee’s mic DEFINITELY needed a simple “pop” filter and the volume turned DOWN 1-2 levels. (Simple adjustment/inexpensive fix.) We heard numerous complaints at various locations during the event… as well as from people leaving DURING the event due to these factors… based on their muttering, as they passed. Looking forward to next year’s event!
The grandkids loved the Tree Lighting, as always, singing Christmas songs etc.
I must mention Santa dismissively speaking of Covid and his multiple kudos to Richard Taylor.
This took place while the masses, including children of all ages, were positioned behind white plastic chains with blue signs designating VIP and DACA seating. I get special seating for people with issues, but VIP seating was a bit much. The area aroung the stage should be open for all.
Christmas IS for kids not VIPS.
Real first and last names — as well as city of residence — are required for all commenters.
This is so we can verify your identity before approving your comment.
Richard Taylor was an excellent choice for the emcee.
Good job on the photos!
Loved the event! HOWEVER– the emcee’s mic DEFINITELY needed a simple “pop” filter and the volume turned DOWN 1-2 levels. (Simple adjustment/inexpensive fix.) We heard numerous complaints at various locations during the event… as well as from people leaving DURING the event due to these factors… based on their muttering, as they passed. Looking forward to next year’s event!
The grandkids loved the Tree Lighting, as always, singing Christmas songs etc.
I must mention Santa dismissively speaking of Covid and his multiple kudos to Richard Taylor.
This took place while the masses, including children of all ages, were positioned behind white plastic chains with blue signs designating VIP and DACA seating. I get special seating for people with issues, but VIP seating was a bit much. The area aroung the stage should be open for all.
Christmas IS for kids not VIPS.
My husband and I noticed the same thing. Santa spent so much time praising the emcee that he forgot to say HoHoHo