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Benicia’s Popular Annual Holiday Open House This Friday Evening
December 1st, 2008 categories: Benicia, Local Stuff
I’ve always said that there are two times a year when newcomers need no introduction or reading material 
about Benicia. All they have to do is show up and they’ll experience our small-town atmosphere and neighborly spirit first-hand.
One of those times is this coming Friday (Dec. 5), when Benicia hosts its annual Holiday Open House (casually known as the “Walk on First Street”). Most of the businesses on First Street stay open until 9 pm this one night a year, and serve complimentary refreshments the thousands of townspeople who descend on First Street.
The evening begins with annual lighting of the City’s Christmas Tree at 6 pm. After that, people wander up and down First Street in a joyous, holiday atmosphere. Every few steps, it seems, you bump into a neighbor, long-lost friend, or someone you haven’t seen since, well, last year’s Holiday Open House.
The streets are filled with musicians, carolers and entertaining youth groups. Benicia’s Main Street Program, which hosts the event, also offers wine tasting at several different locations as a fundraiser. You can buy your commemorative glass at any of the three wine tasting booths and then get a refill at one of the other locations.
Most of the businesses along First Street stay open for the annual event and offer all sorts of holiday treats and goodies, from hot apple cider to cookies to hot chocolate, candies, and other tempting holiday goodies. Our office (Coldwell Banker, 900 First Street — at the corner of First and I Streets) is always a popular stop, thanks to our two popcorn carts, which allow us to hand out bags and bags of free popcorn. And for those with little ones, we also offer complimentary photos with Santa in our lobby.
It always seems like the entire town shows up on First Street this one night a year. Everyone is always in a jovial holiday mood as they stroll from business to business and catch up with their friends and neighbors . The whole atmosphere, coupled with Benicia’s quaint downtown setting, makes it feels as if you’ve just stepped into the pages of a warm Dickens’ novel. You almost half expect to see a repentent Ebeneezer Scrooge dancing down the street.
As you might expect, parking is always at a premium this one night a year. So if you’re planning to join in the festivities and experience Benicia at its best, be sure to arrive early…and be prepared to park 4-5 blocks away.
Oh…and that other time of year when Benicia also pulls out all the stops? July 3rd & 4th, when Benicia’s Main Street program puts on its annual Torchlight Parade, Picnic in the Park and evening Fireworks. Show up for Benicia’s Holiday Open House in December or the Independence Day festivities in July and you’ll experience Benicia at its best.
