By Mayor Cameron Smyth
Is there anything better than this time of year, when our summer and fall heat has subsided into lovely cool days and chilly evenings? I know at my house, November and December are special months because the holidays always bring our family and extended loved ones together. I cherish the time we spend together around the dinner table, chatting in front of the fire or out enjoying the many holiday events in our community.
It is this spirit that makes me excited to once again invite you all to “Light Up Main Street,” the City’s annual holiday extravaganza and tree-lighting ceremony, on Saturday, November 18 on Main Street in Old Town Newhall. I like to think of it as the unofficial start to the holiday season in the Santa Clarita Valley. Not only will Old Town Newhall be transformed with lights and holiday decorations along Main Street, the night will also feature special festive performances from local groups.
If you’ve never attended Light Up Main Street, or if you are new to the area, I highly recommend doing so. Thousands of Santa Clarita residents descend upon Main Street for the event each year, which culminates in the official lighting of a 23-foot-tall Christmas tree in front of the Old Town Newhall Library. The event program begins at 6 p.m. and the switch will be flipped and the lights will light up at 7 p.m.
But wait, there’s more! In addition to seeing the overhead lighting displays down Main Street and listening to fun and festive music, attendees will also be able to check out some deliciously sweet and/or savory options from food trucks. You also won’t want to miss out on your chance to take a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will fly into town on their sleigh for pictures from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Parking is available at the Old Town Newhall Library, the Newhall Community Center and various lots in the Newhall area, but there will not be any parking spots open along Main Street. I encourage you all to come down to the area early and not just to beat the traffic and find a great parking space. From 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. a number of merchants in Old Town Newhall will once again hold their annual “Sip N’ Shop” event. As a reward for getting to Light Up Main Street early, you’ll get to take advantage of special sales and discounts while enjoying appetizers, wine and non-alcoholic beverages. Check out the City of Santa Clarita’s events list or search “Sip N’ Shop” on Facebook to see participating businesses so you can plan out your afternoon.
The City of Santa Clarita is already getting into the holiday spirit and the 2017 Light Up Main Street event promises to be a joyous occasion once again. I look forward to seeing you and your family there – making holiday memories in Old Town Newhall.
Mayor Cameron Smyth is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council and can be reached at [email protected].
