Laughter and conversation filled the air in downtown San Carlos during the Night of Holiday Lights, a tradition created for residents to celebrate the holidays together.
Each December, the City of San Carlos hosts this holiday celebration that people of all ages enjoy. The event used to take place in City Park but has since been moved to Laurel Street in order to accommodate the increasing attendance and provide more space for people to connect.
“The Parks and Recreation Department puts this on every year for a street tree lighting and a festival for the kids,” said San Carlos Police Officer Steve Petit. “It’s the best form of networking to have everyone together and talking to each other.”
Many people appreciate the effort San Carlos puts into this event to create a fun and festive atmosphere. This year, the festival included children’s rides, food stands, and a concert featuring Santa.
“It’s cool to see all the work put into this. Compared to years past, they really stepped up,” said Gregory Parmer-Lohan, an eighth-grader at Central Middle School.
The Night of Holiday Lights is seen as an opportunity for people from the community to unite and celebrate the holidays.
“It brings people together. It brings community happiness through the holiday spirit,” said sophomore Taylor Meeks.
Members of the Carlmont Key Club volunteered at the celebration in order to contribute to the season’s festivities and create an enjoyable night for the children.
“It helps the kids. I like seeing the smiles on their faces,“ said Tri Vu, a Carlmont sophomore and Key Club member.
Some attendees see the event as a time to reunite and bond with loved ones.
“It’s fun to get with family. Since I don’t really see my grandpa that much, we got together. It’s nice.” said Nathan Barnes, a seventh-grader at Central Middle School.
People appreciate the event as a chance to come together as a city and to celebrate the holidays as one.
“It’s cool because it brings the community together. San Carlos is very good at that,” said Carlmont Senior Carrie Welter. “It’s fun to get the kids out and get in the Christmas spirit.”
