Tehachapi Christmas Tree

The Tehachapi Christmas tree has been lit and is now available for the public to take family photographs and welcome in the holiday season!

In the past 15 years the official lighting of the Christmas tree at the Historic Depot in Downtown Tehachapi has followed the annual Christmas Parade and a visit by Santa. Due to the pandemic and restrictions on large gatherings the City of Tehachapi felt it was best to assemble the tree and light it without any announcement.

"This has not been a normal year. I'm so happy to get it up and lit for everyone to enjoy. The Christmas tree is a sign of joy and I hope everyone has a fantastic holiday season," said Mayor Susan Wiggins.

The Public Works Department for the City of Tehachapi worked very hard to set up the Christmas tree earlier than in years past. Mike Pera from the Public Works Department has been assembling the Christmas tree every year for the City. "I'm known as Mr. Christmas. I do this because I love to do it. It's what a small town is all about. When I see it, it makes me feel warm," said Pera.

While he was working on the tree lighting this week two 12-year-old boys on bicycles asked him to take their photo in front of the Christmas tree, a constant request he has had over the years.

"This is about spreading holiday cheer during some tough times," said Greg Garrett Tehachapi City Manager. "Families take their annual Christmas card photos next to the tree every year. We didn't want that tradition to be lost to the pandemic as well."

The Tehachapi Christmas tree is 25 feet tall, filled with thousands of lights in the tree, illuminated decorations, and the star on top was built by our Public Works construction team. Because Santa Claus won't be in town until Christmas Eve, the Santa and presents were added this year for the kids to enjoy. The Christmas tree is located at the Historic Tehachapi Depot at 101 W. Tehachapi Blvd. in Downtown Tehachapi.