Santa Claus comes to Old Town Novato: City celebrates season with tree lighting festival

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.