Around Town

VIDEO: See Del Ray’s annual Christmas Tree and Menorah lighting

By James Cullum
The Del Ray Christmas tree was lit on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

The weather was crisp and cool as hundreds of revelers sang holiday carols at the annual lighting of the Del Ray Christmas Tree and Menorah on Sunday night.

The 36-foot-tall tree is the tallest ever in Del Ray. It was donated by “Mango” Mike Anderson and Bill Blackburn of the Homegrown Restaurant Group.

Santa Claus was joined onstage for the countdown by Mayor Alyia Gaskins, City Council members R. Kirk McPike and Jacinta Greene, as well as Sheriff Sean Casey and School Board Chair Michelle Rief.

Enjoy the video!

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.