Grey's Anatomy star back home for 2025 Christmas tree lighting

*Mayor-elect Christal Watson posed with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Festival on Friday.*

Memorial Hall buzzed and twinkled with holiday spirit Friday evening as thousands gathered for the 2025 Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Festival, an event that marked both the beginning of the season and the end of an era for Kansas City, Kan.

Anthony Hill, the festival’s grand marshal, grew up in KCK and now stars as Dr. Winston Ndugu on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy. Hill returned to his hometown to help light the city’s Christmas tree alongside the families of two fallen law enforcement officers: Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Deputy Elijah Ming and Kansas City, Kansas Police Officer Hunter Simoncic.

“I get to hit the switch for a Christmas tree in a city that I love, and you just can’t beat that,” Hill told the crowd during an interview with local television personality and event emcee Sandra Olivas.

*Actor Anthony Hill talked with Sandra Olivas about life in LA, growing up in KC, favorite barbecue joints, and how he memorizes complicated medical terms on set.*

From KCK to Hollywood and back

Hill, who was born in Springfield, Mo. but raised in Kansas City, Kan., spoke warmly about his childhood memories of cruising through neighborhoods with his family to see elaborate Christmas light displays. He attended Oklahoma State University, where he played football for the Cowboys while starring in numerous stage productions before moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting.

Now in his sixth season on Grey’s Anatomy, Hill revealed he still has Kansas City barbecue shipped to him regularly in California, specifically Gates and Arthur Bryant’s. He also confirmed what Chiefs Kingdom wanted to hear — he continues to represent his hometown team even out on the west coast.

“Kansas City Chiefs? That’s no joke,” Hill said when asked about his football allegiance. “I had to find a place at the bar that only Chiefs fans go to in LA, and we all gather there and wear our gear.”

His parents, proudly wearing Chiefs sweatshirts, were in attendance to watch their son take the stage.

*Singer/songwriter Chris Stewart blended gospel, country, and holiday favorites on stage at the festival.*

Musical showdown

The evening’s entertainment took an unexpected turn when the Battle of the Bands, featuring the Sumner, Schlagle, Wyandotte and Washington high school marching bands, proved so spirited that the groups continued their musical duel well past its scheduled time.

In the words of Don McLean, “the [dancers] tried to take the field, the marching band refused to yield,” with neither Washington nor Wyandotte willing to let the other have the last word, unfortunately cutting into the performance time for Ms. Lyndz’s Dance & Acrobatics students.

Local singer/songwriter Chris Stewart wowed the crowd with some soulful country and gospel songs, and KC favorite Stranded in the City had Olivas, along with KCK Mayor Tyrone Garner, dancing on stage with its Latin-infused sound.

Inside Memorial Hall, performances included the KCKPS Honors Orchestra, Heartland Ringers, and the Salvation Army Brass Band.

*Emcee Sandra Olivas praised Mayor Garner’s decades of public service as he received a loud ovation from the crowd.*

Passing the torch

The event was Garner’s final public celebration as the city’s chief executive. Garner announced in November 2024 that he would not seek reelection after his single four-year term.

“This is my last event with you all,” Garner told the crowd, his voice filled with emotion. “It’s been a great but quick four years, Kansas City, Kansas — Wyandotte County. It has been such an honor and a pleasure and a privilege to serve you all.”

Garner, who spent nearly 40 years in public service, including decades with the KCKPD where he rose to deputy chief, thanked the community for allowing him to serve.

Standing beside Garner on stage was Mayor-elect Christal Watson, voted to lead the Unified Government just two days earlier.

“I look forward to serving you over the next four years,” Watson told the crowd. “It’s going to be fantastic, and we’re going to come with new energy and we’re going to come engaged and we’re going to come ready to work.”

Watson, who currently serves as executive director of the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools Foundation for Excellence and previously worked as deputy chief of staff to former mayor David Alvey, campaigned on a platform of “reset, renew, and rebuild.”

Watson will also figure prominently at Garner’s State of the Unified Government address on Dec 2, and she will be sworn in on Dec. 15.

*The mayor’s Christmas tree twinkled as the municipal building shone red and green in the background.*

Community tradition

The festival, which ran from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., featured local vendors, food trucks, activities with Santa and Mrs. Claus, face painting, holiday movies, and book giveaways. The event has become a cherished tradition that kicks off the holiday season.

KCK native Olivas, who emceed the event, formerly worked as a reporter for KCTV5 for 14 years before transitioning to community banking and now serves as Community Development Director at First Federal Bank of Kansas City. Throughout the evening, she emphasized themes of family, community, and togetherness.

“I feel like we’re a big, big, big family here,” Olivas said during her interview with Hill. “What does the holiday mean to you?”

Hill’s response captured the spirit of the evening. “I think back when I was a kid growing up in Kansas City and the memories are magic. That’s the best word for it. And now I see why that is. It wasn’t presents, it wasn’t even the snow, the lights, it was the family togetherness and the time we spent together.”