State College kicked off the holiday season Thursday night with reindeer, trolley rides, hot cocoa and more during the annual Light Up Night celebration.
Held on South Allen Street and Fraser Street’s MLK Plaza, Santa was the star of the Downtown State College Improvement District’s event. After taking photos with children and families, Santa and his helpers made their way to the stage near The Corner Room, where hundreds of community members helped him count down to the tree lighting.
Santa and trolley rides will also be part of December First Friday events downtown from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 5. A holiday light show in MLK Plaza will continue 5-8 p.m. nightly. Visit downtownstatecollege.com/light-up-downtown for more information about events.
Below is a look at scenes from Light Up Night:
People fill Allen Street to see Santa and shop vendors during Light Up Night on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Micah and Bennett Dalton see how heavy reindeer antlers are from Spruce Ridge Reindeer during the State College Downtown Improvement Districts’ Light Up Night on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025. Visitors Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
The Penn State Trombone Choir plays holiday music during Light Up Night on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Youngsters visit with Santa during Light Up Night on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
People fill Allen Street to see Santa and shop vendors during the State College Downtown Improvement Districts’ Light Up Night event on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
People gather in the MLK Plaza during Light Up Night on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025. The holiday light show will run 5-10 p.m. nightly. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Young art vendors fill Calder Way during Light Up Night on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
Santa takes the stage in front of hundreds during Light Up Night in downtown State College on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2025. Jessica McAllister jmcallister@centredaily.com
