WATSONVILLE — When the holiday season truly starts is a matter of perspective. Some would say the day after Thanksgiving. Others would wait until December itself. For others, it is whenever they first hear Mariah Carey crooning “All I Want for Christmas is You.”
In Watsonville, the answer traditionally has been a little more certain: whenever the city hosts its annual Holiday Tree Lighting in City Plaza. This year, it was supposed to be Friday, but Mother Nature decided to be a Grinch and schedule a heavy downpour of rain that day.
However, rather than postponing the event, the city has opted to bring the holiday cheer a day earlier. The annual tree lighting will go on as planned Thursday evening.
City Plaza is already decked out in festive cheer, with reindeer on display, the artillery cannons strung with lights, pipes decorated to look like candy canes, and the tree itself has already been decorated with lights and ornaments. Come Thursday night, the tree will be lit up, bringing a festive light to downtown Watsonville for the holiday season.
The annual festival will also feature a visit from Santa Claus and Olaf from “Frozen.” Parks & Community Services’ Recreation Supervisor Jessica Beebe said there will not be on-site vendors this year, but visitors are encouraged to support local businesses by shopping and eating downtown during or after the festivities.
The free event is 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday at the City Plaza, 358 Main St.