COLUSA, CA (MPG) — For nearly three decades, Christmas Tyme in Colusa has brought Main Street to life with lights, laughter, and the familiar sound of holiday cheer. This year, organizers say the event’s magic is rooted not just in the festivities, but in the collaboration that keeps it alive.
The annual celebration returns Friday, Dec. 5, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., led by co-chairs Susan Meeker of the Colusa Rotary Club and Jack Cunningham of the Colusa County Chamber of Commerce, with help from the Colusa Lions Club and the City of Colusa.
After last year’s event, organizers met to reflect on what worked and what could be improved. The result is a redesigned layout linking Main Street and Market Street into one continuous, walkable holiday experience. The plan adds lighting, seating, and space for families to gather, while helping visitors explore the full event.
This year centers on bringing back the heart of a true hometown Christmas. A highlight will be the return of free horse-drawn carriage rides, fully sponsored by local donors, with the route travelling along Market Street, offering new views of the festivities and a few surprises along the way.
The Colusa County Chamber of Commerce will open vendor applications early next week, available online at colusachamber.org. Booth fees remain $50 for vendors and $100 for food vendors, reflecting the additional requirements for on-site kitchens and trucks.
Cunningham said the Chamber has redesigned the vendor layout to improve visibility and foot traffic, moving booths to the center of Main Street and creating open space on both sides for visitors to browse.
The Chamber will also debut new Food Courts, offering seating areas and printed maps to help guests find their favorite vendors.
“The goal is to create a better experience for attendees and vendors alike,” Cunningham said. “A smoother layout, better lighting, and a welcoming design make the event more enjoyable for everyone.”
Entertainment will fill the evening with performances from Stardust Dancers, local schools, musicians, and carolers. A Kids Zone and Santa’s Village will return with activities for children, while community performers and volunteers spread cheer throughout downtown.
Organizers say the event continues to grow each year, with the help of volunteers who see Christmas Tyme as more than a street fair: it’s a reminder of how Colusa comes together.
Anyone interested in performing, volunteering, or helping with setup can contact Susan Meeker at (530) 701-0923. Vendor details are available through the Colusa County Chamber of Commerce at (530) 458-5525 or visit https://www.colusachamber.com/christmas
As planning continues, Meeker said the committee hopes to give visitors “a reason to smile, gather, and reconnect under the lights.”