Thousands watched in awe as the Santa Clarita City Council flipped on the lights for a 25-foot Christmas tree and accompanying decor down Main Street in Newhall Saturday night.
The ceremony was part of the 3rd annual Light Up Main Street event, hosted by the city of Santa Clarita.
“This is what hometown is all about,” said Gail Morgan, the city’s Communications Manager. “Having an event where people come together to kick off the holiday season and enjoy good old fashioned fun and entertainment right in their neighborhood.”
A section of Lyons Avenue near the Newhall Library—as well as most of Main Street was closed Saturday night to accommodate the event, which over 5,000 people attended.
After the lighting, attendees were able to pace the newly illuminated street and shop at local businesses and food trucks.
Santa Claus also made an appearance to take photos with people at the event.
Valencia resident Beth Zuk brought her family out to celebrate the holidays.
“We thought it would be fun for them to come out to the tree lighting and welcome in the holiday season,” she said.
Eight-year-old Kayla, who was at the event with her parents, grandmother and cousin, thought the ceremony was pretty.
“It was cool because the family is here and I have been dying to see my cousin,” she said.
Kayla also mentioned what she wants for Christmas this year—a scarf for her toys.
Light up Main Street has grown quite a bit throughout its three-year existence, only 500 people turned out to the event in 2014.
Watch The Signal’s live stream of the ceremony here.