In Photos: Tree Lighting Sparks Christmas Cheer

The Christmas season is officially underway in Union City!

The city celebrated the holiday spirit with the annual Trees of Angels for Hospice tree lighting at the Nakamura Clinic Wednesday night.

Presented by the Washington Hospital Healthcare Foundation in partnership with the Union City Chamber of Commerce, the event helped raise funds and awareness for hospice care. Events are also held in Fremont and Newark.

Now in its 16th year, the annual events have raised more than $400,000 for hospice care in the Tri-Cities, according to Ellen Cuozzo, director of hospice services for Washington Hospital.

Cuozzo also announced that Washington Hospital will soon launch its own hospice program to provide comprehensive end-of-life services and family support.

"This is one more way we can extend the Washing Hospital patient-first ethic," Cuozzo said.

Dozens gathered on the windy Wednesday evening to share the holiday cheer.

As they've done for several years, the James Logan Jazz Singers kicked off the night by performing Christmas songs, including "Deck the Halls" and "Jolly Old St. Nicholas."

The event also featured a Chamber of Commerce mixer with snacks, warm beverages provided by Paddy's Coffee House and a raffle contest.

Check out the highlights from the tree lighting in our photo gallery above.