DEL NORTE — The Del Norte Chamber of Commerce is preparing to light up the town for the holiday season and has a night planned that can be enjoyed by family and friends.

On Dec. 16, beginning at 6 p.m., Grand Avenue will be transformed into a winter wonderland for the annual Parade of Lights. This year’s theme is 150 years of Christmas!

There will be warm beverages offered by open businesses, fireworks on top of D Mountain after the parade and a chance to visit with the big man himself — Santa Claus — at the High Valley Community Center, also after the parade and fireworks.

Along with the parade on Dec. 16, residents and businesses of the small town can participate in both the Lighting Contest with participants needing to register by Dec. 9 and the Business Passport Program. Anyone interested in participating can register by contacting the chamber at www.DelNorteChamber.org and will have a chance to win prizes for both best business and best residential.

The Business Passport Program is an opportunity and initiative to shop local. Local businesses offer passport cards that can be picked up in several locations throughout town. Shoppers collect stamps at each of the participating businesses and have a chance to win a prize at the end of the contest on Dec. 25. Cards will need to be turned in at the High Valley Center before the end date.