Light show
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limpses of glimmering light and everything bright are an annual occurrence in towns and cities across the United States. And the Central Coast is no different. Although our region lacks the snow, California’s coastal residents like to doll it up for the holiday season, putting on shows that bring in tourists and comfort locals every December. This year, we decided to take ourselves on a little tour of the magic that happens from Cambria to Solvang— and we’re happy to share. The festivities aren’t all over yet, though. You can still catch a little cheer in Solvang through Jan. 3 if you’re feeling feisty. Check out solvangjulefest.org to learn more. ❍
CLASSIC CAMBRIA: Mari Tess and Brett Provence take photos in the Cambria Christmas Market’s iconic tunnel of lights.
—Camillia Lanham
SECRET SANTA: A portion of the money made from visits with the Cambria Christmas Market’s Santa went to the Homeless Animal Rescue Team in Cambria.
The Central Coast puts up holiday cheer every year PHOTOS BY JAYSON MELLOM
ORNAMENTAL: Scott and Nicole Davis from Pismo get their photos taken in the ornament at the Cambria Christmas Market on Dec. 12.
THIS TREE IS LIT: Nipomo celebrated the Olde Towne Nipomo Family Christmas on Dec. 8, sprinkling a 20-foot Christmas tree with 14,000 glowing bulbs of holiday cheer.
BAH HUMBUG: Ebenezer Scrooge talks to the crowd gathered below as part of the annual Vine Street Victorian Christmas Showcase, which took place on Dec. 14 in Paso Robles.
TOURIST TRAP: Julefest (pronounced “yule-fest”) makes Solvang one of the top 10 “Christmassy” towns in America, according to solvangjulefest.com. Lights will be shining bright downtown until Jan. 3, when you can head to the annual Christmas tree burn from 5 to 7 p.m. at Old Mission Santa Ines.
PHOTO FRIENDLY: Alyssa Alley, 9, and Ellie Horton,10, pose for a photo at Olde Towne Nipomo Family Christmas on Dec. 8.
FIRST TIMER: Six-week-old Madison Lammers hangs with Santa in the Olde Towne Nipomo Family Christmas Candyland Village.
NEWBIES: Ryan and Beth Minkus’ home won the best decorated rookie category for Santa Maria’s 2019 Lights, Sights, and Holiday Nights contest.
NOBODY’S LEAVING: Jim Zubia’s family won the 2019 Clark Griswold category for Santa Maria’s Lights, Sights, and Holiday Nights contest.
GAWKERS: Climbing the barrier for a better view, kids watch the Holiday Parade in downtown SLO on Dec. 6.