Light Up Main Street Bringing Holiday Magic to Old Town Newhall

Did you know that one of the most beloved holiday traditions in Santa Clarita takes place right in the heart of Old Town Newhall? Each year, thousands of residents gather for Light Up Main Street, presented by DrinkPak, the City of Santa Clarita’s annual tree lighting celebration that transforms five blocks of Main Street into a dazzling winter wonderland.
This year’s event will take place on Saturday, November 15, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. As the sun sets, families and friends will join the Santa Clarita City Council for the countdown to the official tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. The moment the switch is flipped, the street comes alive with thousands of lights twinkling overhead, ushering in the holiday season with magic and joy.
Throughout the evening, the community can enjoy live entertainment from local performers, including choirs, carolers and theater groups that showcase the incredible talent of Santa Clarita’s residents. Over the years, these performances have become a tradition in themselves, with families returning each season to cheer on local schools, community groups and children as they take the stage. Kids can also take part in holiday-themed arts and crafts, write letters to Santa, explore the Polar Playground and more. Thanks to a partnership with the Include Everyone Project, the event will also feature a “Chill Zone,” a sensory-friendly space designed to be quiet, calm and inclusive.
The atmosphere of Old Town Newhall during Light Up Main Street is unparalleled. Beautiful lights strung across the blocks create the perfect holiday backdrop for photos with family and friends. New this year, the Pumpkin King Pub will offer an on-street bar with festive drinks from Eighth and Rail, along with live dueling piano entertainment. Visitors can also stop by a special block featuring pets available for adoption from the Castaic Animal Care Center.
Light Up Main Street also plays an important role in supporting the small businesses of Old Town Newhall, especially during the holidays. With thousands of visitors walking the blocks during the event, shops and restaurants see a steady stream of customers discovering new favorites or returning to longtime staples. Guests can also explore the Maker’s Marketplace, a holiday market featuring handmade goods and one-of-a-kind gifts from 20 local artisans. The event reminds residents to shop local during the holiday season and shows just how much of an impact supporting neighborhood businesses can have. Many families make it a tradition to grab dinner at a restaurant before the lights come on or to pick up a unique gift from the market or a boutique while enjoying the festivities.
What began in 2013 as a way to bring holiday cheer to the community has now become one of the City’s most anticipated events of the year. Light Up Main Street is more than just a tree lighting—it is a celebration of togetherness, tradition and the start of a season filled with joy. By gathering under the glow of the lights, residents create memories that will last long after the holidays end, making this annual event a true hallmark of Santa Clarita’s community spirit. For more information please visit OldTownNewhall.com.