Decorations are going up around Santa Clarita and stores around town are crowded with shoppers. The warm weather has finally given way to crisp and cool days, which means you can finally wear your favorite sweater. This is a special season, one that is about cherishing quality time and celebrating the holidays with family, friends and loved ones. As we count down the days to the end of the year, the time has come to get into the holiday spirit at Light Up Main Street!
Light Up Main Street, which is the city’s annual holiday celebration and tree-lighting ceremony, is taking place this Saturday in Old Town Newhall. This year’s event will be the most festive yet, as Main Street will truly transform into a winter wonderland. Kids of all ages will get into the spirit of the season as they frolic in real snow that will blanket a portion of the street. Plus, rumor has it that real reindeer are flying in from the North Pole for the occasion!
This event is the unofficial kickoff to the holiday season in Santa Clarita and it is a magical night that you won’t soon forget. Those who attended Light Up Main Street last year know that Main Street in Newhall will be shining with sparkling lights, festive displays and joyous holiday decorations.
This year, the event area is expanding to bring even more winter activities and holiday fun! The city would like to thank community partners Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, Re/Max of Santa Clarita, Snow Orthodontics and Valencia Auto Center for their support of Light Up Main Street.
The event will begin with the annual “Sip N’ Shop,” which is put on by business owners in Old Town Newhall. Sip N’ Shop will run from 2 to 6 p.m. and allow shoppers to take advantage of amazing discounts on high-quality, handcrafted gifts.
At 6 p.m., residents from throughout Santa Clarita will gather for the beginning of Light Up Main Street. Attendees will be treated to festive music and performances, and have the chance to take a photo with Santa Claus. I will be joined by my fellow City Council members at 7:30 p.m. in front of the Old Town Newhall Library, where we will flip the switch and light up a 23-foot tall Christmas tree.
But that’s not all! Following the tree lighting at 7:30 p.m., popular blues and funk band Prussia will take the stage for a special concert to keep the merriment going. If you attended the SENSES Block Party as part of Thursdays@Newhall in September, or went to their show at The MAIN earlier this year, you already know that this performance is something you won’t want to miss!
Parking for Light Up Main Street is available for free in the new city-owned parking structure on Railroad Avenue and 9th Street, as well as at the Newhall Community Center and in various lots around Newhall. I encourage you to come down to Old Town Newhall early so you can beat the traffic and participate in Sip N’ Shop.
While you are there, be sure to stop by one of the many businesses and restaurants that will be open during the event, or get a quick bite to eat for dinner or dessert at one of many food trucks.
The city of Santa Clarita is already getting into the holiday spirit and Light Up Main Street will once again be the highlight of the season. Here’s to making memories with your family that will last a lifetime!
Bob Kellar is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council and can be reached at
[email protected].
