This past Saturday, December 6th, The Mills Marketplace proudly hosted the first annual Lincoln Holiday Lights, and what a remarkable beginning it was. The community turned out in full force, filling the Marketplace with a vibrant, joyful buzz that carried through the entire evening. From families bundled in festive scarves to visitors exploring The Mills for the first time, the excitement was unmistakable. The energy, the lights, and the laughter made The Mills feel more alive than ever.
Festive Activities
Before the sky lit up with fireworks and the tree sparkled to life, The Mills Marketplace was already buzzing with holiday cheer. Guests were welcomed with a variety of festive activities designed to spark joy, bring people together, and set the stage for an unforgettable evening. From cozy treats to creative competitions, the event offered something special for every age and interest.
S’mores Firepit: The crackling firepit became an instant gathering spot. Guests toasted marshmallows to golden perfection, assembled s’mores, and swapped stories while enjoying the crisp winter air.
Photos with Santa: Santa’s arrival brought waves of excitement. His jolly greetings and festive charm made photo time extra special for the little ones and for more than a few adults, too.
Chorus Performance: The Lin-Wood School Chorus performed in the lobby of the Mills. Their voices echoed through the hallways with vibrant, melodic sound.
Tree Decorating Contest: The Lincoln Woodstock Rotary Festival of Lights tree decorating contest brought out the artistic side of the community. Businesses across town dedicated time into crafting themed trees, each one bursting with personality. Visitors at the Mills got to cast their votes for their favorite tree and Santa celebrated the winners minutes before the tree lighting. Congratulations to the top three trees:
– 1st Place: MDW Plumbing & Heating
– 2nd Place: Snowfish Sushi
– 3rd Place: Northwoods Spray Foam
Giveaway Winners: Throughout the night, we also awarded five giveaway prizes to lucky attendees, adding an extra burst of excitement to an already festive evening.
The Main Event: Tree Lighting and Fireworks
As dusk settled over the mountains, anticipation built for the most magical moment of the night. Santa and Mrs. Claus stepped onto the Basecamp Brewing deck, waving to the crowd and greeting visitors with cheerful holiday warmth. From their festive perch, they thanked everyone for coming out to celebrate the very first Lincoln Holiday Lights and helped build the excitement for what was to come.
Before the countdown began, Santa and Mrs. Claus proudly announced the winners of the Tree Decorating Contest and the evening’s giveaway, drawing cheers from the crowd. Then, with everyone gathered around the towering holiday tree, Santa led the crowd in a booming countdown. When the switch was finally flipped, the tree burst into dazzling brilliance. The crowd erupted in applause as the glow washed across the Marketplace, illuminating smiling faces and the snowy backdrop.
But the enchantment didn’t end there. Directly following the lighting, the sky above The Mills exploded into a spectacular fireworks show. Color after color cascaded overhead, shimmering vividly against the winter sky. The tree was dazzling, but the fireworks were the true showstopper, lasting several breathtaking minutes and ringing in what we hope will become a cherished new tradition for years to come.
Looking Ahead
The overwhelming success of our first annual Lincoln Holiday Lights fills us with gratitude and anticipation. This event showcased the very best of our community. Connection, creativity, and shared celebration. We hope this becomes a cherished winter tradition for locals and visitors alike, a place where new memories take root each December.
As we look toward next year, we’re excited to make the event even more magical. And with winter settling in, there’s even more to look forward to in Lincoln.
Plan Your Winter Getaway at South Peak Resort
For those hoping to stay close to the action, South Peak Resort offers the perfect home base. With luxurious rentals just moments from The Mills Marketplace, and steps from the mountain, it’s an ideal spot for families, couples, and adventure-seekers. Whether you’re here for the holiday festivities, the cozy winter atmosphere, or the thrill of outdoor adventure, South Peak puts you in the heart of it all.
And with ski season just around the corner, the excitement is building. The trails will be opening soon, making now the perfect time to book your stay and experience everything Lincoln has to offer this winter.
