Light Up the Night brings holiday charm to Pleasant Hill
PLEASANT HILL, CA (Nov. 22, 2024) — There are a number of ways to tell the turning of the seasons here in California. We know we are heading into the holiday season, because the morning air has more of a chill, the hills start getting greener, and we have replaced the Halloween decorations with more colorful and festive décor.
For me, another telltale sign that the holiday season is upon us is the annual Light Up the Night Holiday Festival. This fun, family-oriented event has been a highlight in Pleasant Hill for years. For 2024, the event is set for 4:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23.
Partnering with Downtown Pleasant Hill, we are pleased to offer a great evening full of music, dance, free hot chocolate, crafts, goodie bags and more.
Bring the family down to take a ride on the Holiday Express Train, as it goes up and down Crescent Drive. Or enjoy a variety of performers, with two stages at the event.
Dancing, a magician and hot chocolate, oh my!
The main stage, on the north end of Crescent, will have performances by local dance groups, including miniMODE, Teatr Skazka, Ballet Folklorico and the Studio A Dancers.
The Kids Stage, located on the south end of Crescent, will feature Unique Derique, Harmony Monsters, magician Brian Scott and storyteller Kirk Waller.
Enjoy free hot chocolate and other goodies while visiting the many booths lining the street. Hosted by the city’s commissions and local service organizations, the booths will give kids the opportunity to do crafts, play games or even write a letter to Santa.
Speaking of which, don’t forget to join me and Santa in the plaza near Jack’s at 5:30 p.m. as we bring the magic of the season to life during the annual lighting of the Christmas tree. Santa will stay to chat and pose for pictures.
Fire dancers
Be sure to stick around ’til the end, as we have something brand new this year. We plan to conclude this year’s Holiday Festival by really lighting up the night with a performance by the Sacred Fire Dancers. At 7:10 p.m., they will take over Crescent Drive to put on an amazing show.
Help us get the holiday season off to an amazing start by joining us on Nov. 23 as we Light Up the Night.
Let me finish by saying that in this season of thanks, I am grateful for my family, friends and the wonderful residents of Pleasant Hill. Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Contact Matt Rinn at Mrinn@plesanthillca.org.