THE ANNUAL Novato Holiday Tree Lighting Festival kicked off the winter holiday season this past weekend by closing off the intersection of Grant Avenue and Sherman Avenue to host dozens of vendors, arts and crafts stations, cookie decorating, a visit from Santa Claus, and a full stage featuring live music and dance performances.
Old Town streets in downtown Novato were closed Saturday evening for the annual festival. The celebration was packed with vendors selling gifts, popcorn, tamales and cocktails. From face painting to cookie decorating, artists hosted craft projects for kids in an effort to bring the community together and spread the holiday spirit. Dance performances from community groups shook the stage as kids lined up for a chance to meet Santa Claus.
The Novato Fire District escorted Santa Claus to where his elves awaited him to hear all the kids’ wishes and take photographs. The line stretched down the street as kids waited for a chance to meet Santa. Surrounded by Christmas trees filled with ornaments and lights, Santa’s village glowed through the night.
A flip of a switch revealed that the giant pine tree rooted across the street from City Hall was decorated with rows of colorful lights, sending a roar through the crowd as everyone clapped and cheered to ring in the holiday season.
Local cheerleaders and dance troops took the stage as community dancing went on for the rest of the evening. The choreography was accompanied by traditional Christmas songs, with some routines adding in their own twist followed by an applause from the audience.
Restaurants and shops in the downtown area kept their doors open for visitors strolling through the festival looking to take home some gifts or a chance to warm up. Outdoor heaters provided a sense of relief from the crisp winter air as a chilly breeze made its way through downtown.
Kids ran around the festival playing as old friends greeted one another, spreading holiday spirit and bringing the community together.