Light Up Flagler Avenue, the festive annual New Smyrna Beach beachside holiday celebration, will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4. Look for Santa at the corner of Flagler Avenue and Cooper Street. Santa and his sleigh will visit the avenue, courtesy of the Dream-A-Wish Foundation.

Santa and his sleigh will be at the intersection of Flagler and Pine at Light Up Flagler, courtesy of the Dream-A-Wish Foundation. Photo by Sandi Carroll

The merchants, in full holiday regalia, will be holding a  “Holiday Open House” and will be serving refreshments. They will also be competing for “Best WindowDisplay” and “Best Building” during the evening, with judging by three local dignitaries.

Everyone is invited to come out for an evening of holiday cheer. There will be lots of live entertainment by local youth groups and area choruses at different venues along the avenue. Groups performing will  including the Dance Factory, Coronado Methodist Chancel Choir Singers, American Martial Arts, NSB High School Jazz Ensemble, Edgewater Public School Primary Chorus, Black Belt Academy and East Coast Cheer, NSB Middle School Stingray Stingers Dance Team, Indian River Elementary School Chorus, as well as strolling carolers from the Marine Discovery Center the Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach.

The Grand Lighting will be held at 6 p.m. and the Merchants Association winners for “Best Window” and Best Building” will be announced by DJ Dennis at 7 p.m. at the Gazebo.

Flagler Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic from Peninsula Avenue to Atlantic Avenue (just west of the Beacon Restaurant) from 5-8 p.m.

For more information about Light Up Flagler, call 427-2256, or e-mail merchantsofflaglerave@gmail.com.