- December 7, 2025
Dominic, 5, and Alexia Robertucci, 10, of Ormond Beach visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus during the 40th-annual Christmas Gala at Rockefeller Gardens on Friday, Nov. 30. Photo by Anthony Boccio
A mother and child stand at the base of the Christmas tree during the 40th-annual Christmas Gala at Rockefeller Gardens on Friday, Nov. 30. Photo by Anthony Boccio
Two-year-old Maverick Altes, of Ormond Beach, is more interested in eating holiday cookies rather than decorating them during the 40th-annual Christmas Gala at Rockefeller Gardens on Friday, Nov. 30. Photo by Anthony Boccio
A tree of lights on the Halifax River shines across the water on Friday, Nov. 30.
Ryan Barrows, 7, of Ormond Beach, has his face painted during the 40th-annual Christmas Gala at Rockefeller Gardens on Friday, Nov. 30. Photo by Anthony Boccio
Merrill Handler works the ice cream sundae station during the 40th-annual Christmas Gala at Rockefeller Gardens on Friday, Nov. 30. Photo by Anthony Boccio
Cruz Aletes, 4, of Ormond Beach, carefully adds some sprinkles to his Christmas cookie during the 40th-annual Christmas Gala at Rockefeller Gardens on Friday, Nov. 30. Photo by Anthony Boccio
Molly Mergener, 4, of Ormond Beach, and big brother Mason, 10, visit with Santa Claus during the 40th-annual Christmas Gala at Rockefeller Gardens on Friday, Nov. 30. Photo by Anthony Boccio
The crowd marveled as the tall Christmas tree in Rockefeller Gardens came to life at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30, marking the beginning of the three-day 40th-annual Christmas Gala at The Casements.
This year's theme, "A Ruby Red Christmas," decked the grounds of The Casements and neighboring gardens with ruby red decorations to capture the holiday spirit. The gala featured face painting, cookie decorating, musical entertainment and guest appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, all meant to invoke a traditional Christmas experience.
The gala has been held every year since 1979 by The Casements Guild to honor John D. Rockefeller's Christmas tradition, which started in his home in 1920. This year, the event was free thanks to the late Mara Gourley, a former docent of the Guild.
