Illustration of a santa visit scene (36th Annual Lights on Celebration)
Other Christmas Activities

36th Annual Lights on Celebration

Join the 36th Annual Lights On Celebration in downtown Hollister for a magical community event. The festivities include a "The Nutcracker" themed parade, a vibrant Lights On Boutique with artisan vendors, face painting, and letters to Santa. Over 30 decorated trees will be on display, with many donated to local families. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and support local businesses.

What to Expect

Annual "The Nutcracker" themed holiday parade and community celebration.

Event Details

Duration

Evening event

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Hollister

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Hollister Downtown Association

Food & Drink

Food trucks and beverage vendors available

Get Tickets

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families and community members

Vibe

Festive and community-oriented

Energy Level

Low to medium

Budget

FREE

Photo Friendly

📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Medium

Location

Downtown Hollister
San Benito Street
Hollister, CA
95023

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: FREE – Get tickets
  • Parking: Park and walk to enjoy the event.
  • Pets: No pets allowed

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot for the "The Nutcracker" themed parade, as it begins promptly at 5:30 PM.
  • Bring canned food or toys for donation to support local families; collection points will be available.
  • Explore the Lights On Boutique for unique artisan crafts and food vendors before or after the parade.
  • Consider visiting downtown merchants before or after the event to enjoy their decorated storefronts and support local businesses.
  • Check the Dec-A-Tree application for details if you're interested in decorating a tree for donation to local families in need.

Special Events & Promotions

  • "The Nutcracker" themed parade
  • Dec-A-Tree project with donated trees for families in need
  • Lights On Boutique with artisan vendors and kids' activities
  • Wreath sponsorship opportunities

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the theme of the parade?

This year's Lights On Celebration parade theme is "The Nutcracker."

Are there opportunities to donate?

Yes, the community is encouraged to bring canned food or toys to donate, which will be collected at the Hollister Downtown Association office.

What activities are available at the Lights On Boutique?

The Lights On Boutique will feature over 30 artisan food, craft, and goods vendors, along with coffee and cocoa. For kids, there will be face painting, balloons, crafts, and letters to Santa.

How can I sponsor the event?

General sponsorship opportunities and a wreath sponsorship program are available. Details and applications can be found on their website.

Where can I find more information about entering a parade display?

For more information about entering a display in the parade, you can call 831-636-8406 or email events@downtownhollister.org.

Tags

community celebrationparadesSanta visitsfamily friendlyfree eventholiday traditionfestive foodholiday shoppingartisanal products

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Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Sep 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team