Winter Lights Brings Thousands to Downtown

More than 5,000 community members RSVP’d and turned out on the Friday after Thanksgiving for Winter Lights, the annual downtown tree lighting celebration that kicks off the holidays in Courthouse Square. This year’s theme – "I Believe in Santa Rosa" – could not have been more appropriate as evidenced by the turnout and enthusiasm of families coming together for the festivities. (view more photos)

Supporting Our Community

A new addition to this year’s celebration was the Toys for Kids toy drive operated by the Santa Rosa Firefighters Local 1401. Donations from attendees filled a number of barrels, but firefighters are anticipating a larger than normal need due to the North Bay fires. If you would like to help us with Toys for Kids, you can drop off new unwrapped toys at the Chamber offices through December 22.

Supporting Local Business

The holiday festival was also the launch of two programs aimed at supporting local business. A holiday passport offering deals and discounts for downtown retailers, service providers and restaurants were distributed at Winter Lights. These passports are also available to pick up at participating businesses, local hotels, the California Welcome Center in Railroad Square and at the Chamber’s downtown office. Many of these businesses are also participating in the SMART Business Relief Pass program, giving a free pass on the SMART train to customers for every $25 spent.

Winter Lights is an annual event produced by the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber and local volunteers with the support of our sponsors.

Golden Ring Sponsors: Pacific Gas & Electric Company | Sutter Care at Home & Hospice; Starlight Sponsor: Exchange Bank; Sugar Plum Sponsors: Bradley Real Estate | La Rosa Tequileria & Grille | Mary's Pizza Shack | Portobello Hats; Stage Sponsors: Labra & Buckner Real Estate Associates | LACO Associates; Media Sponsors: Froggy 92.9 | KSRO | The Press Democrat