Wanda Buck is the 2025 Honorary Holiday Tree Lighter

Celebrating its 114^th 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. 5 in Central Park, this event includes the special proclamation of an official "Holiday Tree Lighter". The City is proud to announce Wanda Buck as the 2025 Honorary Holiday Tree Lighter.

Wanda Buck is a long-time Santa Clara resident whose remarkable dedication to service has strengthened and inspired our community for decades. As a passionate advocate for older adults, she has served with distinction on the City’s Senior Advisory Commission, including as Chair, where her leadership advanced age-friendly City initiatives and expanded opportunities for seniors to stay active, connected, and supported. Wanda’s commitment also includes her involvement as 2nd VP and Membership Chair of the Santa Clara Women’s League, with the Santa Clara Senior Center, and with SCU’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, where she continues to promote lifelong engagement and wellbeing.

Her impact reaches far beyond senior services. Wanda has been a tireless volunteer in the Santa Clara Unified School District as both a PTA board member and a classroom volunteer from kindergarten through high school. She has also provided dedicated leadership to the Salvation Army Advisory Board, where she served as Chair, and to the Santa Clara–San José League of Women Voters as a member and volunteer. Through these roles, along with her involvement in many nonprofit and community organizations, Wanda has created a lasting legacy of generosity, civic spirit, and heartfelt service.

Don’t miss the non-stop entertainment on the Holiday Stage! Check back later for our full lineup.

Check out the Holiday Market featuring local artisans — the perfect opportunity to get some gift shopping done!

Check back later for a list of sweet treats!

Interested in sponsoring the event? Visit the sponsorship page to view the available packages.

Free Parking

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

Permit Parking

• Community Recreation 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.

Free Speech groups include, but are not limited to, religious, political, social, and charitable organizations. The Free Speech area is designated outside the venue perimeter.

The Free Speech application will be available soon.

Contact prcommunications@santaclaraca.gov with any questions.

• Are pets allowed?
  • To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees – and your pets – please leave animals at home.
  • Only service animals are allowed at the event. Service animals, including trained service dogs, assist people with disabilities and must not pose a threat to the health or safety of event guests. Under California law, falsely representing an animal as a trained service animal is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000 (Penal Code Section 365.7(a)).
• Can I smoke at the event?
  •  No, smoking is prohibited in the park.
•  Who do I contact for media inquiries?
  •  The City Manager's Office Communications Team, David Knight at dknight@santaclaraca.gov and Tyler Freitas at tfreitas@santaclaraca.gov.