Sebastian businesses and residents got into the holiday spirit as thousands of twinkling lights lit the way during the 29th annual Light Up Night last Friday evening, hosted by the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce and its members.

Holiday music poured out from businesses lit with festive lights along the decorated streetscape, ushering in the holiday spirit and good cheer. The sidewalks bustled with activity as thousands of people got started on their holiday shopping while taking advantage of exclusive discounts, prizes, giveaways and plenty of good food.

“The excitement building up to Friday night has been palpable,” said Beth Mitchell, Sebastian Chamber president/ CEO. “The level of participation from our businesses in Sebastian is extraordinary. Everyone partners up or joins in to help usher in the holiday season and promote our local businesses. Sebastian really shines with this favorite local event, and judging by the throngs of people who fill our streets and storefronts, there is an eagerness to celebrate the holidays and our beautiful community.”

Many attendees started their luminous journey at the chamber, grabbing a map before continuing on their way. Others began lining up for the lavish spread at the Sebastian River Medical Center by 4:30 p.m. before heading south and hitting the other 48 participating businesses.

Quite a crowd gathered at Vintage 2 Vogue to enjoy live music by the Bobby Owen Band, kiddies sat on Santa’s lap at the GFWC Sebastian River Junior Woman’s Club, and still others took pictures with the Grinch at KE Insurance.

To keep energy levels high as people worked their way from one participant to another, there was chili to sample, cookies and s’mores to nibble on, and hot cocoa and eggnog to sip. While mom and dad shopped, the little ones were kept busy playing games, making crafts, decorating cookies, mailing letters to Santa and singing Christmas carols.

Britney Melchiori, the chamber’s communications and marketing director, said Light Up Night is a great way for participants to thank the community while also enabling new customers to discover their businesses.