The holidays are in full swing and filled with two million Christmas lights in Cambria.
On Friday, the 7th annual Cambria Christmas Market opened to thousands of guests.
The drizzle of rain didn’t damper the attendance or mood.
“It’s awesome, it’s packed,” said one man who brought his family to the event. “Everyone is filled with joy. We’ve got the kids out, we’ve got hot chocolate flowing.”
The hours of toil paid off. Staff begin preparations for the displays began in September with crews working up until opening day to make everything right.
The Cambria Christmas Market will put you in the holiday spirit. Incredible to see the hard work of putting 2 million lights on display for thousands of guests opening night. #BeOnKSBY @KSBY pic.twitter.com/V9hZOc7UeF
— Dustin Klemann (@Djklemann) November 24, 2018
“Then I see the lights on for the first time and I’m woah, take a step back. It is all worth it,” said Karissa Peterson, assistant event coordinator. “It is so beautiful here and it’s definitely worth it to see the people and how they react to it. And I work here and see it every day and I react to it so strongly because it is so beautiful.”
Tens of thousands of people are expected to visit throughout the next month, checking out the lights, food, and maybe even finding a present.
For Paso Robles small business owner Kevin Pisor, his Spincopters have delighted children and adults, and helped build the business to a bigger audience.
“We’ve gotten in to about 1,000 stores nationwide now and I really attribute it to being here and starting three years ago in Cambria,” he said.
Whether people come for the shopping, lights, music, or hot cocoa, the German-themed event aims to remind people what joy the holidays can bring.
“That’s really the most important part to us is people get to enjoy the holidays and really slow down a little bit,” Peterson said.
Photos with Santa are a fundraiser for H.A.R.T. Animal Rescue. All proceeds directly benefit the group’s mission of rescuing and caring for animals.
You can see times and tickets by visiting Cambria Christmas Market here.
