For decades, the Arcata Chamber of Commerce has lit up the Arcata Plaza each holiday season. It’s a welcoming place to gather, and a reason for neighbors and visitors to shop, dine, and celebrate locally.
This year the tradition grows into something bigger: a nearly four-month Season of Wonder & Light. Here’s what to expect, what to put on your calendar, and how your business can be part of it.
What’s different this year
In 2026 the lights don’t wait for December.
- October: orange and purple lights turn the Plaza into a festive celebration of the spooky season.
- Holidays: the display changes over to the classic twinkling lights that have become a cherished part of Arcata’s winter.
- Into the new year: the lights stay up through mid-January.
That means more evenings on the Plaza, more reasons to linger downtown, and more foot traffic for the shops and restaurants around the square.
Four community events to save the date for
The Chamber is hosting four events over the season. Bookmark this list, or see the Season of Wonder & Light page for the latest details.
Halloween on the Plaza
Saturday, October 31 · 4–7 pm · Arcata Plaza
Trick-or-treating at downtown businesses, local vendors, performances by The Dead Drops and the Dancing Witches, aerial performances, and more. Local makers and businesses can apply to vend (opens in a new tab).
Holiday Open House Sip + Shop
Saturday, November 14 · 3–6 pm · Downtown Arcata
Local beverage makers team up with downtown shops for an afternoon of sipping and shopping. It’s an easy, festive way to start your holiday list close to home. Get tickets (opens in a new tab).
Holiday Mixer at Redwood Capital Bank
Thursday, December 3 · 5:30–7 pm · Redwood Capital Bank
Networking, raffle prizes, great food, and wonderful community energy. If you’ve never been to a Chamber mixer, this is a good one to start with. Learn more about First Thursday Mixers.
Season of Wonder & Light Celebration
Friday, December 11 · 5–7 pm · Arcata Plaza
The big night: Santa, the Snowflake Queen, and local choirs light up the Plaza. Bring the family, bring a friend, and stay for dinner downtown.
Make a night of it
Every one of these events happens on or around the Plaza, which makes it easy to turn an hour into an evening. Grab a bite at a member restaurant, pick up a gift from a downtown shop, and walk the square once the lights come on.
Not sure where to start? The Chamber member directory (opens in a new tab) lists food, shopping, and lodging businesses, and the Member Map (opens in a new tab) shows who’s nearby.
How local businesses can help light up the Plaza
The lights are a community effort, and sponsorships keep them glowing all season. There are four levels:
| Package | Investment | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Community Cheer | $100 | Thank-you social media post; shout-out at the Holiday Mixer and the Season of Wonder & Light event |
| Spirit Sponsor | $500 | Everything above, plus your logo on the Season of Wonder & Light and Halloween on the Plaza posters |
| Sparkle Sponsor | $1,000 | Poster logos, recognition at all three community events, a banner at each event, and three monthly newsletters |
| Illuminate Arcata | $2,000 | All of the above, plus press-release recognition, a logo and link on the Chamber website for three months, and booth space at one event |
The full list of what each package includes, and the online sign-up form, are on the Season of Wonder & Light page.
A big thank-you to this year’s Illuminate sponsors, Vero Fiber, Redwood Capital Bank, and Coast Central Credit Union, for helping us light up the Arcata Plaza.
Stay in the loop
Event details sometimes change as the season gets closer. The best ways to keep up:
- Check the Events page and the Chamber calendar (opens in a new tab).
- Subscribe to the monthly newsletter.
- Follow the Chamber on Instagram (opens in a new tab) and Facebook (opens in a new tab).
See you on the Plaza.
