Christmas Begins in Colton by Breeanna Jent - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Christmas Begins in Colton

By Breeanna Jent, Staff Writer
December 4, 2014 at 01:11pm. Views: 89

With full cups of hot chocolate warming their hands, hundreds cheered as the switch was flipped and Colton City Hall came alight, draped in colorful lightstrings as the holiday season officially began in the city. Monday evening, Dec. 1 marked the annual tree lighting ceremony tradition presented by the city of Colton and was highlighted with carol-singing and dance performances, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, a holiday movie screening and, not to be outdone, the time-honored lighting of the tree, a towering pine near the corner of La Cadena Drive and D Street flanked between decorations spelling out "Seasons Greetings." Residents gathered in front of City Hall to enjoy free hot cocoa, coffee and cookies from the Colton Chamber of Commerce, while the evening began with performances by Colton High School's choir and dance crew, as well as Door Christian Fellowship's caroling band and kid's choir. Now the city's former mayor, Sarah Zamora welcomed the crowd and introduced Colton officials including city councilmembers, new councilmembers, the city's newest mayor, the city clerk, the city treasurer and the Colton Chamber of Commerce. Zamora also thanked various city departments for the evening, including the Colton Recreation, Parks and Facilities, Public Works, Police and Fire departments. City leaders then led the crowd in the countdown to the tree lighting before Santa and Mrs. Claus made their entrance via a fire truck, escorted by Colton firefighters. Heidi Strutz, recreation coordinator, said the event is the beginning of the holiday season in the area. "I think people look at it as a kickoff to the holidays. A lot of other cities do something like this and it's nice to have a hometown event where people can come out, see the lights and enjoy visits with Santa." "The event has grown little by little each year," Strutz said. Public Works spends about two weeks getting the lights up, covering City Hall and the Colton museum just down the street. This year children and parents alike gathered around to watch a screening of Sony Pictures' "Arthur Christmas." A long line of children and parents also stretched down the length of the street as they waited to share their Christmas wishes with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and get a picture. Monica Martinez and her mother, Esther Rosas, both long-time Colton residents who have been coming to the event for 14 years, brought five children along to enjoy the festivities Monday night. They said their favorite part of the event was getting to see Santa. "No, when the lights go on," chimed Esther. "That's why I come." The festive lights down La Cadena Drive are lit every evening at dusk, said Strutz.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 12:47pm. Views: 587

A quote that inspires Escess comes from the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant: “The moment you give up is the moment you let someone else win.” To learn more about Escess Coony and his philosophy…

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.grandterrace-ca.gov/government/elected_officials/city_council

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 659

Councilman Doug Wilson, serving Grand Terrace and seeking another term in the November 2026 election, read more about him and his values.

Photo Courtesy of: Margie Miller

By Margie Miller, Publisher, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:46am. Views: 590

Timber Ridge Steakhouse brings a familiar landmark back to life in San Bernardino, welcoming diners to enjoy hearty meals, warm hospitality and a locally operated dining experience. Step inside and read more below about the people and vision behind Timber Ridge’s newest chapter.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 356

Hope, strength and community come together during Breast Cancer Awareness Month as survivors, families and supporters wear pink to remind others that early detection can save lives. Learn about the warning signs, screening and simple steps that could make a life-saving difference—read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 607

San Bernardino is putting local business in the spotlight as entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders prepare to connect, share ideas and discover new opportunities for growth. See how the upcoming Business Summit could help shape the city’s economic future, read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 764

Colorful traditions, music and dance come alive during Hispanic Heritage Month as communities across the Inland Empire celebrate the generations of Hispanic and Latino residents who have helped shape our region. Discover the stories, culture and contributions behind this month-long celebration—read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 724

Young readers made a splash during the County Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program, discovering new books, building reading skills and celebrating a summer filled with learning and imagination. Read more below to see how local readers made waves this summer.

Photo Courtesy of:

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 896

Moreno Valley residents of all ages can turn their time and talents into meaningful community impact, with volunteer opportunities that bring neighbors together while helping keep the city clean, connected and thriving. Read more below to see how volunteering gives residents a chance to take an active role in the community they call home.

Photo Courtesy of:

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 594

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 566

Lady, a two-year-old, female white Shepard mix who is is a sweet easygoing girl who enjoys being around people and making new friends.
Could Lady be the one you’ve been waiting for? Stop by the shelter and meet your new best friend.

Photo Courtesy of: Kaiser Permanente

By Carol Soudah, Contributing Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 835

Dozens of volunteers from Kaiser Permanente and its partners at Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service, a non-profit organization that services families in Riverside County. The one-day project strengthened the nonprofit’s ability to serve local families by improving community spaces, expanding capacity for the programs and resources local families rely on throughout the year, read more to find out how you can help.

Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 408

Since 2014, the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign has helped generate more than $245 million for Feeding America and local partner food banks across the country and has helped secure more than 2.4 billion meals* for people facing hunger. A volunteer packs food boxes for families in need, helping local hunger-relief organizations provide nutritious meals and essential resources to neighbors throughout the Inland Empire.

--> -->