Carlsbad getting ready for Christmas holiday season

Dale Janway
·2 min read

It really is beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Carlsbad’s Night of Lights and Electric Light Parade were both a huge hit over the weekend, while Calico Christmas also drew a great crowd and Christmas on the Pecos is off to another successful season.

Night of Lights took place at the Halagueno Arts Park with Creative Carlsbad’s Dianne Joop, DJ G Money (Anthony Alanzo) and actor Michael Harrelson leading the celebration. Chevron sponsored the event, which included crafts, vendors and musical entertainment. The lighting of the tree took place a few minutes before the start of the parade. Creative Carlsbad and the arts council also organized a fun run in support of the United Way.

The Electric Light Parade kicked off at 7 p.m. and was organized by Carlsbad MainStreet (Kat Davis) and Keep Carlsbad Beautiful (Mary Garwood). We had one of the highest turnouts in many years.

Congratulations to all of this year’s parade winners, including the “Bussin Buddy” School Bus, which won Best in Show. Carlsbad RV Services, “Son of a Nutcracker” and “Medina Christmas 1967” also received special recognition and prizes. The “Buddy’s Favorite” award went to Berkshire Hathaway.

Santa and Mrs. Claus danced in the street and rode in the parade, but Buddy the Elf was probably the star of the show. Played by Mark Joop, Buddy excitedly interacted with every passing parade float and drew laughs and smiles from so many residents and guests. DJ Jose Ornelas also served as DJ in front of the county courthouse, while Red Rocket broadcast the event. Thanks again to the many volunteers who made all of this weekend’s activities possible.

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More holiday celebration is on the way, including Carlsbad Community Theater’s “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (& then some), which is directed by Dianne Joop and Barbara Hodgson. It’s a comedy performance that begins Dec. 2. Instead of performing Charles Dickens’ play, a troop of actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told, at about the same time. The play also features Christmas carols and Christmas traditions from around the world.

Tickets may be purchased online at: https://www.carlsbadnmtheatre.com/events/every-christmas-story-ever-told-then-some. Western Commerce Bank is also helping sponsor this performance.

Also this weekend, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is beginning its “Rock of Ages” Historic Lantern Tour. Reservations can be made by calling 575-236-1375 . The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce is hosting “Foodie Weekend” Dec. 2 and 3 at the Pecos River Village.

Sincerely, Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway

This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Carlsbad getting ready for Christmas holiday season