The city of Atascadero hosted the annual Light Up Downtown Holiday Celebration Friday night, to kick off the holiday season and bring exposure to local business owners.
The event started with the regular Art and Wine tour, people tasted wine from 15 merchants set up in local shops that were decorated for the holidays.
At 6 p.m., the city counted down the tree lighting and Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus rode in on a Firetruck.
Local groups performed and the city gave free hay and firetruck rides.
Business owners said the event is a great way to connect with the community.
“It’s kind of good exposure for us because a lot of the times half of the people don’t even know we exist until they come to the art and wine walk,” said Babies Babble owner Gabrielle Regaldo. “It’s a fun event, you get to meet a lot of people and a lot of the customers come back.”
The Art and Wine tour is a regular event hosted by the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce.
