36th Annual Lights on Celebration
Visitors can gather downtown to watch the community holiday parade featuring performers, floats, and themed displays along San Benito Street. Guests can also view decorated storefronts and stroll through the Dec-A-Tree display in front of the Veterans' Memorial Building.
What to Expect
Holiday parade and community tree display themed around The Nutcracker.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Hollister
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Hollister Downtown Association
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and community-minded visitors
Vibe
Festive and community-focused
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free.
- Hours: Parade starts at 5:30 PM.
Tips & Advice
- Bring canned food or toys to donate; they're collected at the Hollister Downtown Association office at 350 Sixth St, Suite 102.
- Walk through the Dec-A-Tree display in front of the Veterans' Memorial Building, where more than 30 trees decorated by nonprofits are on display all day.
- Eat and shop at the downtown merchants before or after the parade, and enjoy the decorated storefronts along San Benito Street as you go.
- Read the Jaime the Elf story with your kids beforehand, because it asks children to think of acts of kindness that help light up downtown Hollister.
- Groups, businesses and performers who want to take part should register a parade entry, or call 831-636-8406 with questions about entering a display.
Special Events & Promotions
- This year's parade theme is The Nutcracker.
- This year the parade is on San Benito Street.
- Lights On Boutique runs November 27 and 28, with more than 30 artisan food, craft and goods vendors, plus face painting, balloons, crafts and letters to Santa for kids.
- Sponsor a lighted wreath on the San Benito Street light poles for one or two years, with a personalized gift tag.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
How can my group or business be in the parade?
Community groups, businesses and performers can register a parade entry. For questions about entering a display, call 831-636-8406 or email events@downtownhollister.org.
What is this year's parade theme?
The Nutcracker. Ray Pulver of Upbeat Parade Productions provides displays and surprises.
What should I bring?
Bring canned food or toys to donate. They're collected at the Hollister Downtown Association office at 350 Sixth St, Suite 102.
What is the Dec-A-Tree display?
Local nonprofit groups decorate more than 30 trees, which stay on display all day in front of the Veterans' Memorial Building at 649 San Benito Street. Bourdet's Christmas Trees donates the trees, and after decorating they go to San Benito County families in need.
Who is Jaime the Elf?
Jaime the Elf is the parade mascot, from a story by local artist Kathleen Sheridan. The story encourages children to think of acts of kindness that help Jaime light up downtown Hollister.
More Christmas Events Near Hollister
More Christmas Events near Hollister
Always check the official website for the most current information.
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