Sledding is part of the activities on Dec. 5’s Culver City holiday kick-off. (photo by Anthony Velbis)

Downtown Culver City is welcoming its residents and neighbors to the 2024 Holiday Tree Lighting Sled-tacular on Thursday, Dec. 5. The Sled-tacular – this year with 50 tons of fresh snow, almost twice as much as last year, starts at 5 p.m. followed by the tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m., a show featuring 250 local students and a countdown led by the mayor, City Council, the board of the Downtown Business Association and other special guests.

This beloved annual tradition, entering its third decade, has been enjoyed by thousands of attendees and participants. The holiday season will once again be magically ushered in with a winter wonderland. Expect lots of family fun, laughter and memories with sledding, snow play, and carnival games. Santa will be making his first appearance of the season in Culver City and will be there to meet all the children in front of the historic Culver Studios mansion.

“We’re thrilled to welcome our friends and neighbors to this joyous community celebration Downtown and throughout the holiday season,” said Darrel Menthe, executive director of the Culver City Downtown Business Association. “This year’s event is bigger and better than ever with more snow, more treats, more community partners, and improved access to downtown. Come join us as we light up the season together.”

Free sweet treats and warm drinks will be offered on Town Plaza courtesy of Downtown Culver City businesses throughout the evening. Dozens of downtown restaurants will also be ready to welcome families before or after all the fun.

The Tree Lighting Ceremony will also be live streamed at 6 p.m. with the recording available online at downtownculvercity.com.

It all takes place at Town Plaza, 9400 Culver Blvd., Culver City. Snow play is on adjacent Main Street. Free pre-registration for snow sledding waivers available on social media and at anc.apm.activecommunities.com/culvercity/activity/search/detail/53551?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true.

For parking and transportation details, visit downtownculvercity. com/getting-here.