ALL LIT UP FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Anaheim ushered in the holiday season this weekend with two tree lightings. West Anaheim kicked off the celebrations Friday night with its fifth annual event. The West Anaheim Neighborhood Development Council hosted the festivities at Twila Reid Park on Orange Avenue, between Beach Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue. About 500 people were on hand to watch children light the tree, which will stand through New Year's Eve. Even Santa Claus was on hand to give out 300 bags filled with goodies. Students from Maxwell and Pyle elementary schools sang for the audience. Downtown also flipped the switch with its own celebration Saturday. The Downtown Anaheim Association, the city and the Anaheim Ballet put together the program. Nearly 600 people attended the day's events, according to DAA director Joe Honescko. It included songs from the combined choirs of Anaheim's high schools, performances from "The Nutcracker" by the Anaheim Ballet and a holiday village and craft fair. Santa also made an appearance Downtown.