Holiday Tree Will Be Lit, But Rest of Annual Bash Moved Indoors

It's still on. Organizers have decided to forge ahead with an altered plan for the annual Downtown Novato Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, with Novato City Hall being opened up as shelter from the anticipated storm.

"Rain or 'moonlight, the Novato Downtown Tree Lighting will go on as planned," Councilwoman Jeanne MacLeamy said after a meeting of the volunteers on Thursday morning.

Many of the usual festival offerings will be moved inside Novato City Hall, including the stage performances, vendor booths and Santa's Workshop. The lighting of the tree just across Sherman Avenue from City Hall will take place whether it's raining or not.

MacLeamy commended event committee members for making the adjustment on the fly as the second wave of a storm system moves into the North Bay. They are "having to go above and beyond the call of duty, but the children of Novato will love it," she said.

The street party is a highly anticipated holiday season bash that is among the top family-friendly Novato events of the year. It attracts about 1,000 people, sometimes more, and showcases local musical talent. People come from all over the Bay Area to check out Santa’s Village for the children and watch the massive tree get illuminated.

There are great family photo opportunities in addition to music, caroling, hot cider, community fun and, of course, the lighting of the big tree at the corner of De Long and Sherman avenues.

Date: Dec. 1

Time: 4:30-8 p.m.

Location: Sherman Avenue, downtown Novato

Schedule:

• Holiday-flavored music starts at 4:30 pm with Swing Set
• Santa arrives at about 5:45 p.m.
• Tree lighting countdown commences with Mayor Denise Athas shortly after Santa arrives.
• Lots more singing and dancing
• Booths with baked goods, hot chocolate, hot apple cider and many more goodies.

Contact the Downtown Novato Business Association if you'd like to help set up or clean up.

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