By Delilah Rippee
The holidays are quickly approaching, and with them all of our beloved classic holiday traditions. Decorating cookies, putting up Christmas lights, and buying a Christmas tree are all familiar Christmas traditions. In Benicia, our biggest holiday tradition is the annual tree lighting. Every year, people gather on First Street to watch the giant Christmas tree light up.
But watching the tree get lit isn’t the only thing to look forward to! There is plenty of food, music, and shopping to be done. Benicia High student Elise Fernandez says, “I’m looking forward to walking with my friends, seeing the lights and staying up late. My favorite part is getting to eat popcorn while listening to the live music.” The music this year will be provided by Kris Kringle & The Mistletoes, along with carolers singing christmas classics. For the younger demographic there will be costumed characters that will be walking around for kids (and adults) to meet and take pictures with. First Street merchants will be offering beverages and treats to customers, while also selling their holiday goods.
Plenty of food will be ready to be consumed in the various restaurants found on First Street. There will also be a beer and wine station available to those attending. The treats at Fox and Fawn Bakery are crowd favorites. Jaslene Ortega, a Benicia High student, said, “I usually go with my friends or my family. My favorite part is warming up with Fox and Fawn’s hot chocolate and bundling up in blankets while I drink it!” The event will be on First Street on December 6th from 6-9 pm. The street will be completely blocked off to traffic so you can enjoy freely strolling. A free shuttle bus service to and from City Park will be provided by SolTrans.
The Tree Lighting is definitely an event you do not want to miss, so put on your Christmas sweaters, grab your friends and family members, and head on down to enjoy the music, shopping, and cheery atmosphere. The Christmas spirit is in the air!
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