As the holiday season gets closer every year, the town of Newhall comes to life with holiday spirit. Light Up Main Street took place on November 16, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m, offering dozens of activities all throughout the 5 blocks of Main Street, including live entertainment, photo opportunities, and holiday shopping. We were fortunate enough to attend this event. From the moment we arrived, we knew we were in for a night full of unforgettable memories.
When we first arrived, we walked to the center stage near the library, where the Mayor of Santa Clarita, Cameron Smyth, was giving a speech. Fortunately, we had the honor of interviewing him to hear his perspective on the event.
He emphasized how the event has become a beloved tradition, saying, “It’s something the city and residents really look forward to, regardless of the weather.”
He mentioned how thousands of people mark it on their holiday calendars each year, noting its importance in kicking off the season and supporting local businesses along Main Street. The Mayor described it as a free, multi-generational gathering that brings the community together in a joyful way, setting the tone for the holidays.
Soon after his speech, a countdown began to light up Main Street. Dazzling lights adorned the storefronts, vendors, and landmarks all around Newhall, filling the streets with holiday cheer. Looking around, we could see the joy it brought to families and friends gathered together, creating a vibrant atmosphere for celebration. The tree-lighting ceremony was just the beginning, marking the start of an unforgettable night of festivities.
The next thing we did was walk around the different blocks and explore all of the vendors and shops. Throughout the event, there was a wide variety of different activities for all ages. There were kids sitting with Santa Clause, families taking photos in themed backgrounds, arts and crafts stands, and much more. There were even interactive experiences such as ice princesses walking around on stilts, and snow machines creating a winter-like atmosphere around Main Street.
One of the best things we noticed about the event is that they support small businesses and community organizations of all kinds. Around the streets, we saw boutiques, restaurants, and different vendors set up. Some of the businesses hosted holiday themed activities in their storefronts, or offered special discounts to try and promote themselves. We noticed a variety of small businesses scattered throughout the event, most selling candles and soaps, or clothes and accessories. Additionally, there were also some donations for food and toy drives, giving attenders the opportunity to contribute to good causes. One vendor that we had a chance to meet and speak to at the event was Suzy James.
“I have been a vendor at this event for 6 years,” stated James. “Being a part of the community, a lot of our customers are local so this brings us all together and it gives me a lot of exposure, which expands my business.”
It was inspiring to see how the event created a platform for local entrepreneurs like James to thrive while fostering a sense of community. Events like these not only support economic growth for small businesses but also strengthen connections among neighbors through shared experiences and meaningful interactions.
Over the years, Light up Main Street has become one of the most beloved holiday traditions in Santa Clarita, for friends and family to enjoy. What started as a small event, grew into a citywide celebration drawing families and friends to experience the magic of Christmas. We think that whether you’re visiting, or already a Santa Clarita resident, this event is truly a must-see that expresses joy and giving. Attending this with our friends was a perfect start to the holiday season.
