DAVIS, Calif. — The Downtown Davis Holiday Celebration, which includes the annual Children's Candlelight Parade and Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, is set for Dec. 7.
This holiday celebration is huge and expansive. While many of the activities center around E Street Plaza, the festive holiday spirit extends across all of Downtown Davis. Don't forget to wear your ugly sweater!
Parade
The festivities begin with the Candlelight Parade. For more than two decades, a large group has gathered at the Davis Food Co-op, where free candles with safety cups are passed out to the children.
Marchers illuminate the streets of Davis until the end of the parade at E Street Plaza. Immediately following, there will be a Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, set to start at 6:30 p.m.
Participants begin lining up at 5:30 p.m. in anticipation. They set out at 6:00 p.m., following a Unitrans double-decker bus and a historic fire engine. Walkers, strollers, wagons and decorated bicycles are all welcome. Festive lights are encouraged, too.
Activities
Santa is coming. I repeat! Santa. Is. Coming.
Beginning at 6:40 p.m., under the lights of the holiday tree, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will greet visitors. This is the perfect opportunity for your little one to finalize their gift wish list, as the Claus' will receive visitors until 8:15 p.m. before flying back to the North Pole.
Hold your horses! Just across the street at Armadillo Music, free horse-drawn carriage rides will be departing every 10 minutes from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Food
Davis High School Cheer Team members will be selling holiday treats and refreshments during the event. The concession booth will be located at the E Street Plaza.
Merrymaking
A number of groups will be providing entertainment:
- The Davis Children’s Choir
- The Davis High School Jazz Band
- The Davis High School Madrigal Singers
- Mariachi Del Valle
- Davis Musical Theatre Company Young Performers Theatre
- Watermelon Music Jazz Cats Band
Ugly Sweater Contest
Get ready to get ugly. Prizes will be awarded for the best Ugly Sweater at the entertainment state near E Street Plaza at 6:40 p.m.
Photos
Capture a fun holiday picture with a free photo booth. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., head over to The Tahoe Photo Bus Booth at Armadillo Music.
Movies
Varsity Theater will be screening the Christmas classic "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" television broadcast for free. There will be multiple viewings of the film, with showtimes at 6 p.m., 6:40 p.m., and 7:20 p.m.
Live Shows
A free-for-all-ages "Thursday Live Holiday Music Show" will begin at 7:30 p.m. (doors open 7 p.m.) at the Odd Fellows Hall at 415 Second Street. The evening will include a variety of local groups performing their holiday music selections and a special appearance by good old St. Nick.
Window Shopping
Davis Downtown is holding its 8th annual Window Decorating Contest. Vote for your favorite downtown store window here.
Toys for Tots
The Davis Chamber of Commerce will host a “Toys for Tots” drop-off in their 604 Third Street office during the Candlelight Parade. All new, unwrapped toys and funds donated will help the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots Foundation provide toys for children who would otherwise go without a gift on Christmas morning.
RELATED:
FREE ABC10 APP:
►Stay In the Know! Sign up now for ABC10's Daily Blend Newsletter
WATCH MORE: Holiday Toy Safety
