Celebrate the Season at the Santee Holiday Lighting Event on Friday

Get the kids in the winter jackets, 30% chance of rain predicted Friday night

City of Santee Press Release

Ho-hum is not in Santee’s holiday vocabulary. Each year since 2003, the city has launched the holiday season by hosting its Holiday Lighting Celebration at Santee Trolley Square.

This year’s celebration --5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22-- will include booths, music and activities guaranteed to ensure a fun outing for the entire family.

It’s a light-hearted event where some participants parade around in elf hats, snow gear or faux reindeer antlers.

Live music will be provided at the amphitheater stage by the Bayou Brothers, recent winners of “Favorite Blues Band” at the San Diego Music Awards. Also performing will be roving carolers dressed in period costumes and a community theater group singing holiday tunes.

In place of the previous years’ simulated ice skating rink, Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps will spray snow-like foam to create a winter wonderland. Spray times are 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Participants are advised to bring towels.

The Holiday Lighting Celebration is focused around the lighting of a 20-foot artificial tree decorated with ornaments and ribbon.

At the penultimate moment, the master of ceremonies leads the audience in a countdown before pointing a magic wand at the tree. As the lights come on, there’s a flash of pyrotechnic special effects that looks like giant sparklers.

Horse-drawn carriage rides will be available for $2 per person, except for children 3 years or younger, who may ride for free on a lap of an adult. There will be two carriages to reduce the waiting time.

Children will be able to confide their wish lists to Santa. Professional photos with the jolly guy will be available for $10.

Community groups and businesses are donating free holiday treats and hot drinks. They’re also offering kids a chance to make reindeer ornaments, marshmallow snowmen and to decorate cookies. They’ll have holiday games with prizes and a photo booth. Lowe’s will return with its popular holiday craft booth.

For a small fee, kids can get their faces painted or a hand-made balloon animal.

Those donating an unwrapped toy to the nonprofit Santee Santas will receive a free meal coupon.

Title sponsor for the event is Waste Management. Other sponsors include California Coast, Credit Union, Santee Trolley Square, Daphne’s California Greek, Fireworks America, Metropolitan Transit System and KSON radio.