On the day after Thanksgiving 2005, I joined what seemed like most of Littleton at the annual Candlelight Walk. By the time I made it to Main Street, it was dark and chilly, which only added to the atmosphere. I strolled down the south side of the street first, stopping to enjoy Christmas carols rendered by several musical ensembles dressed in Victorian costumes (well, some of them were).

Most of the retailers were still open and were serving cider and cookies. I ate and drank my way down the street. Everyone was in a jolly mood, and I could feel the anticipation grow for Santa’s arrival.

I talked to several thirty-something parents who said they had been attending the Candlelight Walk since they were children. I also saw lots of older couples, some dressed in period costumes, who were enjoying themselves as much as the kids. Obviously, I was taking part in a Littleton Tradition, with a capital “T.”

Everyone was in a jolly mood, and I could feel the anticipation grow for Santa’s arrival.

Town Hall was blazing with lights and bustling with people. I maneuvered my way to where I could buy a candle, complete with wax catcher, for 50 cents.

Once back out on the street, I saw many people had brought their own candles. They had tapers with Dixie cups cut to fit on the candle to catch the wax. I decided I would bring my own next year, and I would find a way to make some kind of hurricane lamp to protect my flame from the breeze that kept trying to snuff it out. (I noticed a couple of children with clear plastic cups on their candles to prevent this, but the flame was melting the cup.
On my way back up the north side of the street, I stopped several times to listen to the various caroling groups. I found myself singing along, as were many in the crowd. I felt a camaraderie with everyone there.

Anticipation for Santa’s visit became an almost audible buzz as the clock wound it’s way to six-thirty. The streets got more and more crowded as parents, many with toddlers on their shoulders, jockeyed to get their children in a good spot to see Santa as he passed.

I lit my candle, feeling my own excitement rising. I really had no idea what to expect. Then a collective “Ohhh” floated on the cold air. By this time, I was on the corner of Curtice and Main Street. I looked east and had to jump up to see over the shoulders of the people around me (okay, so I’m on the short side). Finally, I noticed that all of the trees were lit up on the first block. Santa was on his way!

As Santa passed Prince Street, all the tree lights came on for the next block. It was quite a sight. I smiled when a small boy, sitting on his father’s shoulders, clapped and laughed out loud.

I didn’t get a glimpse of Santa until he crossed Nevada and all the lights on that block lit up. He and his sleigh full of gifts were perched on top of a white pick-up truck. He waved and Ho Ho Ho-ed his way down the street. I wasn’t near him by the time he got to the end of Main Street, but I would like to think that he exclaimed as he drove out of sight, “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!”

The excitement of the children around me (not to mention many of their parents), the quiet joy of the older couples, and the spectacle of the lights coming on an entire block at a time made my first Candlelight Walk a magical night.

Best of all, I didn’t run into even one Grinch!

23rd Annual
Candlelight Walk and Tree Lighting

November 24, 2006
Historic Downtown Littleton
Main Street will be closed to traffic shortly after 5 p.m. and Santa will begin his march down Main Street starting at the Courthouse at 6:30 p.m.
Santa will be followed by thousands of carolers holding candles and flashlights.

Free Hot Cider and Music
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
At Town Hall Arts Center, Bega Park, or Bradford Auto Body candles will be available for 50 cents.
Donations of non-perishable food for Interfaith Community Services will be accepted, as will toys for the Arapahoe Santa Claus Shop.
Entertainment provided at various Main Street locations while we wait for Santa to arrive. Many downtown merchants will be hosting open houses.

Photo with Santa
Bring your camera for a photo with Santa at Town Hall Arts Center or Santa’s reindeer at 2659 West Main Street. The reindeer appearance is generously sponsored by Bradford Auto Body, Inc. and Western Welcome Week.
The event culminates at the west end of Main Street where Santa will throw the switch on the huge live trees.

Free parking is available at Arapahoe Community College.

For more information, call 303-795-3863.