Christmas preview kicks off Oroville’s events
OROVILLE » Downtown Oroville is ringing in the holidays with several festive community events.
Downtown Oroville’s holiday celebrations kick off at 4 p.m. Nov. 20 with the annual Christmas Preview. Shops will be staying open late and ballerinas from North State Ballet will be performing in select shop windows. Horse and carriage rides will be available starting in front of Nelson’s Footwear, 1949 Montgomery Street. The ride cost is $5 per person and children 3 and younger ride for free. There will also be live music. The event runs until 8:00 p.m.
“It’s always a really fun evening with lots going on. Santa might even make an appearance,” said Lexie Ramsey, event coordinator.
At 7 p.m. Dec. 3 the annual city Christmas tree lighting will take place in front of the Oroville Convention Center, 1200 Myers St. Horse and carriage rides will be available and many of downtown stores will be open until 8 p.m.
“There’ll be hot cocoa and caroling too. It’s a great time for the community to start the Christmas season together,” said Ramsey.
“Christmas Around the World” is the theme for the 25th Annual Parade of Lights starting at 6 p.m. Dec. 11. While the parade took a hiatus in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ramsey said it will be back “bigger and better” this year. In 2019 an estimated 3,500 people lined the parade route on Lincoln, Bird, Huntoon, High and Myers streets.
All downtown restaurants will be open before, during and after the parade which is expected to last at least 30 minutes, said Ramsey.
“The parade is just a fun time to come downtown and see friends and all the fun floats the children’s’ groups, businesses and nonprofits put together,” said Ramsey.
Float registration is $35 and sign-up applications are available at the Oroville Chamber of Commerce, 1789 Montgomery St.