Lights twinkled and holiday music filled the air as merrymakers made their way from shop to shop in Sebastian, spreading good cheer during the 33rd annual Light Up Night hosted by the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce.
The event, developed initially as a community-wide celebration to promote small businesses, saw more than 40 businesses from Roseland Road to Riverview Drive decking their halls to offer shoppers discounts, prizes, food and fun.
For many families, the evening has now become a tradition that signals the official start of the holiday season, sparking their holiday spirit while also providing an opportunity to shop local for those one-of-a-kind gifts.
Shoppers enjoyed hot cocoa, candy canes, chili and more as they perused the festively decorated businesses. After oohing and aahing over the Christmas village and decorations at the GFWC Sebastian Junior Woman’s Club, youngsters relished the chance to share their Christmas wishes with Santa and Mrs. Claus, before heading home for the night. More than a few nodded off as their parents carried them away, while “visions of sugar plums danced in their heads.”
The event is just one of the ways that the Sebastian Chamber has been serving the Sebastian River Area since 1958, promoting businesses, tourism and quality of life.
Next up, on Jan. 30 the chamber will present an inaugural Great Chamber Chowder Challenge at Capt. Hiram’s, with local restaurants competing and the public deciding the winner.
For additional information, visit sebastianchamber.com.
Photos by Kaila Jones
