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Downtown Elkin will light up with Christmas spirit Dec. 7.

Light Up Night, an annual Christmas event and tree-lighting ceremony, will begin at 5 p.m. on Dec. 7. The event has been a Christmas tradition in Elkin for nearly 20 years.

This year’s Light Up Night will be filled with Christmas events for all ages including horse carriage rides down East and West Main Street, Christmas stories told by Santa, dance performances by several dance groups, warm cider and fun give-aways.

Carriage rides will kick off the evenings festivities, beginning at 5 p.m. The carriage rides are free for everyone. “Downtown Elkin has paid for everything,” said Vicki Roberts of Downtown Elkin Inc. “There will not be a cost for any of the events that evening.

Mayor Lestine Hutchens will light the tree at 6:30 p.m. in the Hippo Lot across from the Humane Society and the tree will stay lit until the end of the holiday season.

Following the lighting, Santa will read “A Christmas Story,” and children are welcome to take pictures with Santa.

Dance performances begin at 6:45 and will include performances from Pamela Myers Wurdeman’s Academy of Dance and Performance, Yadkin Valley Cloggers and Rhythm on Main.

Drawings for Downtown Bucks will begin at 7:45 in front of Reeves Theater. Downtown bucks will be given away for $50,$75 and $100.

Sales of the Commemorative Elkin Ornament will help fund Light Up Night in Downtown Elkin.

The porcelain bisque ornament by John Furches will be sold by Downtown Elkin Inc. in front of Reeves Theater on the evening of Light Up Night, Dec. 7 for $10.

Sales of the Commemorative Elkin Ornament will help fund Light Up Night in Downtown Elkin.The porcelain bisque ornament by John Furches will be sold by Downtown Elkin Inc. in front of Reeves Theater on the evening of Light Up Night, Dec. 7 for $10.

“This is a special event for the community because it helps people realize you need to shop local and support your local merchants but it also reminds you to enjoy the Christmas spirit,” Roberts said.

Reach Darcie Dyer at 835-1513 or ddyer@heartlandpublications.com.