16th Annual Night of Holiday Lights 2026: Celebrate the Magic of Christmas in Downtown San Carlos
16th Annual Night of Holiday Lights 2026: Celebrate the Magic of Christmas in Downtown San Carlos
Get ready to welcome the holiday season at the 16th Annual Night of Holiday Lights in Downtown San Carlos! On Friday, December 4, 2026, families, friends, and visitors are invited to gather along Laurel Street for an unforgettable evening filled with festive lights, live musical performances, family activities, holiday treats, and magical seasonal surprises.
Running from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., this free community event brings the spirit of Christmas to the heart of San Carlos, California. With a spectacular entertainment lineup, children’s activities, arts and crafts, and special appearances by Santa Claus and the Snow Queen, Night of Holiday Lights promises an exciting celebration for visitors of all ages.
Event Details: Night of Holiday Lights 2026
Date: Friday, December 4, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Downtown Laurel Street, San Carlos, California
Event Area: Laurel Street, from San Carlos Avenue to Cherry Street
Main Stage: Cherry Street
Admission: Free community event
For official event information, visit the City of San Carlos Night of Holiday Lights page.
Experience the Magic of Christmas in Downtown San Carlos
Night of Holiday Lights is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the holiday season with the local community. As downtown San Carlos comes alive with festive decorations and sparkling lights, visitors can enjoy an evening filled with entertainment, seasonal activities, and the cheerful atmosphere of Christmas.
The event transforms Laurel Street into a festive gathering place where families can explore holiday attractions, enjoy delicious treats, and experience the excitement of the season together.
From children enjoying special activities to adults appreciating live performances and the beautifully illuminated downtown area, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Best of all, admission is free, making this an excellent opportunity for families to create lasting holiday memories without paying an entrance fee.
Enjoy Family Fun, Arts, Crafts, and Holiday Treats
Visitors can look forward to a variety of activities designed to make the celebration enjoyable for all ages.
Families with children can explore the kids’ activities, while arts and crafts provide opportunities to appreciate creative holiday-themed displays and handmade items. These activities add to the festive atmosphere and make the event especially appealing to families looking for a memorable Christmas outing.
Food and drink options will also contribute to the evening’s holiday charm. Guests can enjoy hot chocolate and holiday goodies while exploring the event area. Beer and wine sales will provide additional options for adult visitors.
One of the anticipated highlights is the combination of festive lights and snow, bringing an extra touch of winter wonderland magic to downtown San Carlos. Whether you are visiting with young children, meeting friends, or enjoying a seasonal evening with loved ones, the event offers plenty of ways to embrace the Christmas spirit.
A Spectacular Lineup of Musical Performances
Music takes center stage at the 16th Annual Night of Holiday Lights, with a diverse lineup of performers bringing energy, talent, and holiday cheer to the celebration.
Lori & RJ: Opening the Celebration
The festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. with event emcees Lori & RJ, who will kick off the evening and help welcome visitors to the celebration. Their opening appearance sets the stage for an exciting program of entertainment throughout the night.
Learn more about the performers at Lori & RJ Music.
Wild Child: Live Music From 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Rock fans can look forward to Wild Child, scheduled to take the stage from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Their performance will provide an energetic soundtrack for the evening as visitors gather downtown to celebrate the holidays.
Visit the Wild Child official website to learn more about the band.
More Performers to Enjoy
The entertainment lineup also features several talented groups and special acts, adding variety to the evening’s festivities.
- The Tide Note Singers, led by Emily Bender, bring young voices together through musical performance. Discover more at Emily Bender’s website.
- Broadway Babies & Kids will add youthful talent and theatrical flair to the program. Visit Broadway Babies & Kids.
- San Carlos Children’s Theater represents the local performing arts community. Learn more at San Carlos Children’s Theater.
- Peninsula Lively Arts adds another dimension to the evening’s celebration of the arts. Visit Peninsula Lively Arts.
- Tap Dancing Christmas Trees promises a festive performance with a creative holiday twist. Explore the group at The Tap Dancing Christmas Trees.
- A Tribute to Stevie Wonder will bring a musical celebration inspired by the legendary singer’s memorable songs.
Together, these performers help make Night of Holiday Lights more than a traditional holiday gathering. The program celebrates music, creativity, and the talents of the wider community.
Meet Santa Claus and the Snow Queen
No Christmas celebration would be complete without a little holiday magic. Visitors can look forward to special appearances by Santa Claus and the Snow Queen, two beloved seasonal characters who add excitement to the festivities.
Children can enjoy the enchanting atmosphere, while families have an opportunity to share in the wonder and anticipation that make this time of year so special.
The combination of holiday lights, festive entertainment, and magical characters creates a memorable setting for families looking to celebrate Christmas together.
Plan Your Visit to Night of Holiday Lights 2026
To make the most of your evening, consider arriving early enough to explore the event area before the main entertainment gets underway. Families may want to prioritize children’s activities and holiday treats before gathering near the main stage on Cherry Street.
Because the event takes place outdoors in December, wearing comfortable shoes and bringing warm layers is a sensible way to prepare for the evening.
Visitors should also check the official event page for any updated schedules, activity details, or announcements before attending.
Celebrate the Holiday Season in San Carlos
The 16th Annual Night of Holiday Lights promises an exciting evening of community spirit, live entertainment, festive decorations, and Christmas magic. From the opening celebration with Lori & RJ to Wild Child’s evening performance, the talented lineup and family-friendly attractions offer plenty of reasons to visit downtown.
Mark your calendar for Friday, December 4, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and join the celebration along Laurel Street, from San Carlos Avenue to Cherry Street.
Bring your family and friends, enjoy the holiday goodies, experience the festive lights and snow, and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at Night of Holiday Lights in Downtown San Carlos!
For the latest event details, visit the official City of San Carlos event page.
See other interesting events in San Carlos. You may also check the main calendar for the dates of these, or to save them on your personal calendar.
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About Mark and Viv
Mark Martinho and Viv Kelvin are the owners of Vabrato Real Estate
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