As part of Disney’s ongoing $15 million commitment to help Los Angeles recover from the devastating wildfires that affected thousands in the area in January 2025, we joined hands with the Christmas Tree Lane Association to ensure one of Altadena’s most cherished traditions — the annual Lighting Ceremony — continues to shine bright. Disney directed $100,000 to help replace lights lost in the fires and strengthen infrastructure so the Lighting Ceremony remains a joyful experience for generations to come.
This past weekend, Disney was on hand to support the community during this beloved annual tradition. ABC News’ Good Morning America was also on hand to document the story.
“We were so honored to be a part of this cherished community celebration and have the chance to bring a little Disney holiday magic and joy to families — particularly during a year when this community has gone through so much,” Lisa Haines, SVP of Disney Corporate Social Responsibility, said. “We have called Los Angeles home for more than 100 years and we are committed to doing what we can to bring hope to the community as it continues to recover.”
The Christmas Tree Lane Lighting Ceremony was first organized in 1920 and is the oldest large-scale outdoor Christmas light display in the US. This year marked the 105th Lighting Ceremony and Winter Festival, and Disney was honored to bring a touch of magic through the Disney VoluntEARS Village.
In the months leading up to the event, Disney VoluntEARS worked side by side with the Christmas Tree Lane Association to build and string lights in trees. On December 6, more than 7,500 guests walked through the Disney VoluntEARS Village, where 80 VoluntEARS, some of whom lost their own homes, hosted family-friendly activities designed to uplift and give back.
To give back even more to the community, Disney helped organize guests packing thousands of snack packs for the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, benefitting students at Altadena schools. And, to make the event even more special, Disney donated more than 1,300 toys to kick off the collection with Toys for Tots and the Altadena Sheriff’s Department, ensuring local families in need receive holiday gifts.
It wouldn’t be an event that Disney was a part of without some character magic, as Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, and Stitch greeted families and spread holiday cheer. While among those characters, families inside the Disney VoluntEARS Village painted a mural for the Christmas Tree Lane Association and decorated Mickey and Minnie-shaped ornaments to take home.
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“We worked hand-in-hand with the Christmas Tree Lane Association to ensure our presence added to the spirit and long-cherished tradition of this event,” John Breckow, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility for Disney Experiences, said. “And the impact of our VoluntEARS activities — from the food kits assembled and toys collected to the mural painted by guests — will stay right here in Altadena, supporting the community that makes this night so special.”
Altadena’s Christmas Tree Lane was also a stop on the Disney Holiday Magic Tour, where Stitch is traveling the world to share holiday magic (and mischief) with schools, children’s hospitals, nonprofits and local communities where kids and families can use a little holiday happiness.
