In Steamboat Springs, there are a few signs that mean winter is finally here.
One could be the amount of snow covering the streets in the past few weeks or perhaps the opening of the mountain for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts.
However, the event known as Light Up the Night is one that many said is the true kickoff for the holiday season in Steamboat.
“This is one of those events that makes Steamboat, Steamboat,” said Kelly Landers, owner of Creekside Cafe and Grill who helps supply the cookies and hot chocolate at the event. “It’s snowing out, there are cookies, hot cocoa and even people singing. It’s not only a kickoff of the holiday season but winter, too, for the town.”
On the Routt County Courthouse lawn Friday, there will be an opportunity for the community to sing carols, have hot chocolate and cookies and count down the lighting of the community trees from 6 to 7 p.m. Toys for Tots also will be in attendance for those wishing to give toys as donations.
There also will be a chance to win Downtown Dollars with the popular pingpong ball drop. Balls will fall like snow as they are dropped from the top of a fire truck ladder with each ball displaying a special offer from one of the many retailers or restaurants downtown.
Dustin Lindahl, with Christmas Decor, said the event is one Steamboat is known for, adding a festive touch to the downtown demeanor during the holidays.
On the 104 trees downtown, there are about 50,000 total lights along Lincoln Avenue, and Lindahl and his wife, Elise, have worked diligently all week to prepare for the event.
“It feels like this will be a great winter for Steamboat, and this is the perfect way to kick off what we hope will be a good season,” Lindahl said.
Starting this weekend and ending Christmas weekend, Santa will be in his house on the courthouse lawn from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday. He also will attend the Light Up the Night event for kids hoping to list their Christmas wishes.
Light Up the Night brings holidays to forefront of Steamboat Springs | Steamboat Pilot & Today.
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