Photos by John McEvoy Del Norte celebrated 150 years of Christmas on Friday with their annual Parade of Lights and holiday celebrations! The evening was a smash hit for all who attended and ended with fireworks and a visit from Santa at the High Valley Community Center.

DEL NORTE — The booming sound of fireworks bounced along the low foothills surrounding Del Norte on Friday night, Dec. 16, as people looked to the sky to watch the delightful display after the Parade of Lights.

Grande Avenue was packed with people despite the cold temperatures Friday night which were held at bay with bonfires lining the street as spectators waited for the parade to begin. Local businesses opened their doors and welcomed holiday shoppers throughout the evening, greeting them with warm beverages and sweet treats just before 6 p.m. when the parade made its way down Grande Avenue.

Holiday music could be heard streaming from open doorways, and children laughed and danced along as floats tossed out candy and other treats for all to enjoy. It was an evening of holiday cheer the town has not seen in many years. Bright holiday lights and displays formed the perfect backdrop for the evening’s events and everyone who attended had a great time.

In the 1874 San Juan Prospector, the editor at the time spoke about the first Christmas in Del Norte as a huge event. Holiday gatherings took place for almost two weeks prior to the Christmas holiday and families enjoyed social gatherings at some of the town’s newest establishments including the newly built Whitsett House now known as the Windsor Hotel. “There was much frivolity and speaking as a guest, so much holiday fun was had by all.”

As the parade and fireworks came to an end, families gathered at the High Valley Community Center for a chance to see the big man himself and his joyous elves who listened to Christmas wishes from children of all ages.

Winners of the parade and the lighting contest will be released as soon as results are available.