The inaugural 55th Christmas Eve Celebration on the Promenade in historic downtown Grass Valley is scheduled to take place the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 24 at 6 p.m.
Christmas on the Corniche will continue every Friday until Christmas: November 24, December 1, December 8, December 15, and December 22 from 6-9pm every night.
At the opening ceremony, a town crier will sing for the crowds to disperse, making room for the holiday parade including Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Christmas Tree Lady and her toy soldier companion, along with other holiday characters.
The official tree lighting ceremony in the 100 block of Mill Street will light up the plaza immediately after the parade at approximately 6 p.m.
Main Street will be closed to traffic at 4pm along the 100 block in front of Foothill Flowers to the Holbrooke Hotel in the 200 block every Friday.
Vehicular traffic will be diverted to surrounding neighborhood streets, according to Mary Ann Boyer, administration, membership and event support coordinator for the Grass Valley Downtown Association (GVDA).
Visitors should arrive early and plan an extra 15 to 20 minutes to find neighborhood parking and walk downtown to reach the tree lighting by 6 p.m.
Public parking on South Auburn Street, Richardson/North Auburn Street, Church Street and Neal/Bank Street could also be an option.
“Some people use the parking lot on Colfax Avenue (and Cherry Lane near Prosperity Lanes bowling) and drive into town,” Boyer said. “We don’t have a shuttle.”
Drop-off locations for ADA guests are located in front of the Del Oro Theater and at the entrance to the Church Street parking alley, according to Boyer.
Event restrooms are located in the South Church Street parking lot and remain open until 9 p.m., and the restroom at 125 Neal Street remains open from 10 a.m. until dusk.
The Grass Valley Downtown Association (GVDA) and the GV Chamber will have holiday beverage booths located at Mill and Main Street in Clocktower.
This year, patrons can wander the event area with drinks purchased from beverage kiosks at the GVDA and GV Chamber, specifically Main Street from Church Street to South Auburn, and Mill Street from Neal to Main Street.
“Security and signage will be at each exit from the event area, but guests can consume adult beverages while strolling and shopping,” Boyer said.
On the steps of the historic Union Building, the Cornish Carol Choir is scheduled to perform the nation’s traditional Christmas carols, along with other touring musicians, choirs and performers up and down Main Street and Mill Street.
Downtown shops will have extended hours for shoppers, and quality craft vendors will have unique gifts available for shoppers.
Restaurants and food vendors will be available as well as paleo fare.
Craft vendors and food vendors will be consistent each week, but the entertainers may change slightly each Friday for repeat visitors, according to Boyer.
Youth choirs, bagpipers, vendors, performers and many visitors will dress in 1800’s Cornish Christmas costumes to bring history and tradition to life.
