Carolers sing during a previous Lighting of the Night celebration in Galt. Photo courtey of the city of Galt

GALT, CA (MPG) – The city might get a bit brighter in December.

Galt is bringing back the Lighting of the Night festival for another year Dec. 4 and 5 and the festivities include a tree lighting, holiday market, movie, visits with Santa and parade, city officials said.

“This is a new spinoff that we’re doing,” said Jackie Garcia, deputy director of the Parks and Recreation Department.

Doors will open at 4 p.m. for the Dec. 4 tree lighting festivities at City Hall, according to the city. Then at 4:30 p.m. at the Littleton Community Center, bands and choirs – four in all – will begin performing, Garcia said.

Cheer squads from Galt and Liberty Ranch high schools will perform dance routines on the Civic Drive main stage near the holiday tree, she said.

And free photos with Santa will be available at City Hall where visitors and residents can see crafts and decorate cookies. The tree on Civic Drive will be lit at 6:30 p.m., Garcia said.

A fire truck makes a turn in a previous Lighting of the Night celebration in Galt. Photo courtey of the city of Galt

A Christmas movie will be shown from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the flea market grounds, she said.  

The parade takes place Dec. 5 starting at 6:30 p.m. at the market grounds and travels along Chabolla Avenue, E Street, Fourth Street, B Street, C Street and Civic Drive before returning to the grounds.

The holiday market will start at 4 p.m. Dec. 5 along historic Fourth Street. The market, including food vendors, will operate there until 8 p.m., according to the city.  

The city is soliciting vendors for the market, but space is limited, according to the city. The vendor application is available online at https://www.cityofgalt.org/our-city/community-events/lighting-of-the-night/-fsiteid-1#!/. 

The deadline for applications to participate in the parade is Dec. 2 and can be found at the same web address. It’s free to apply.

“We are looking for families, community groups, churches, businesses, bands, dance troupes, karate classes, etc., to be part of this fun event,” city officials said on the website for the event. “Create your own unique holiday scene on your designated float or vehicle.”

“Really our goal is to bring the traditions to families in the area,” Garcia said.