The Grove’s holiday tree lighting ceremony attracted a number of celebrities. (photos by Robin Eckenroth)

Award-winning retail, dining and lifestyle destination The Grove welcomed thousands of Angelenos to its 22nd annual “Christmas at The Grove” tree lighting ceremony on Monday, Nov. 13. Presented in partnership with Fisker, Afterpay and Hallmark Channel, the beloved celebration signified the start of a momentous holiday season and featured the arrival of Santa Claus, live musical entertainment by celebrated artists, cheerful sing-alongs and much more to get into the festive spirit.

The dazzling evening began with a star-studded red carpet at AMC The Grove 14, followed by on-stage performances by David Foster, Katharine McPhee, Tori Kelly, Gavin DeGraw and acapella group Kings Return. Red carpet appearances included AJ McLean, Jonathan Bennett, Lacey Chabert, Mario Lopez, Marc and Heidi D’Amelio and Team USA Olympic athletes Rai Benjamin, Sarah Hughes, Ezra Frech and Kelly Cheng, along with the show’s featured performers.

The holiday spectacular included a captivating drone show of holiday animations by Celestial, and culminated in the lighting of The Grove’s iconic 100-foot-tall white fir Christmas tree by Santa himself, boasting 15,000 sparkling lights and 10,000 decorative ornaments. The tree illuminated Southern California’s night sky, while guests delighted in The Grove’s first snowfall and a fireworks show finale. The Grove’s majestic Christmas tree will be up through the end of the season, after which the tree’s branches will be recycled for use as mulch and firewood, and 10 new white fir trees will be planted in its place in Mt. Shasta.

The Grove is located at 189 The Grove Drive. For information, visit thegrovela.com.