Photo courtesy of Christmas on the Pecos.
Christmas on the Pecos expansion elevates Carlsbad’s stature as Christmas Town
Carlsbad is already well-established as one of the nation’s great Christmas Towns, but the city went ahead and expanded its annual Christmas on the Pecos celebration, anyway.
The 32nd event begins right after Thanksgiving, and will for the first time offer activities on both sides of the river. Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway described the scene as a “Christmas wonderland on both sides of the new footbridge.”
Along with the usual boat tours, the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce is adding a 15-20 minute journey on a 16-passenger kiddie train along the river sidewalk, with participants purchasing golden tickets as boarding passes, akin to boarding “The Polar Express.”
That train will travel in part through “elf town,” which consists of nine small facades of houses resting on top of snowy mountains, according to Janway. Other activities include a light maze and light tunnel. A 20-foot tall-lighted dome will house various vendors, and a life-sized snow-globe will provide opportunities for family photos. Another cool feature: the lights on the event’s 26-foot musical Christmas tree sync to holiday tunes.
Here are upcoming Christmas on the Pecos events to note (location: 711 Muscatel Ave.):
Nov. 24-25: Shopping Under the Stars, magical opportunity for Christmas shopping.
Nov. 25: Tree Lighting Ceremony: The 26-foot musical Christmas tree will light up the night sky in the beach area. The ceremony will take place after the Electric Light Parade. Food vendors, music and a speech from the mayor are planned.
Dec. 1-2: Music Fest (Tentative)
Dec. 8-9: Winter Wine Festival
Dec. 15-16: Hot Air Balloons
Dec. 22-23: Movie Weekend (The Polar Express and Saving Santa shown both nights)
Dec. 30-31: Gaming Weekend (jump houses, video game truck, corn hole, mini golf, face painting, music and more)
Dec. 31: Fireworks Show presented by Chevron.
For more information and to purchase boat ride tickets, visit the Christmas on the Pecos website here.
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