On Friday, December 2, 2022, at 4:30 p.m. Nederland residents began to gather in front of Town Hall. Local musician and business owner Doug Armitage, of Brightwood Music, strummed his guitar and led the growing crowd in singing familiar and beloved Christmas carols, as children posed for pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The snow steadily fell as the sun set and the stinging cold of night swept in. The people of Nederland huddled together for warmth, with their mitten-covered hands gripping cups of hot chocolate. They were waiting for the countdown to begin, for the moment that would signify Nederland’s holiday spirit and, as per Mayor Billy Giblin’s own words, signify a positive outlook for 2023 and beyond.

“Thanks for being here today. I’m excited for what’s coming in the new year. We’ve had a bumpy few months but we’re moving forward and optimistic that next year we’re really going to evolve in a good way. I’m happy for so much that’s happened in the last few months,” Mayor Giblin said to the crowd at the 2022 Nederland Holiday Lighting Ceremony. Giblin stood in front of Town Hall with his children alongside him and he spoke about gratitude.

“I’m grateful for my wife, who is working unfortunately right now and not here, and grateful for my daughter and my son. Grateful for families. Grateful for the great community that we are, that we have,” Giblin said.

Once the Thanksgiving holiday came to a close, Town staff began working diligently, like Santa’s elves, to deliver holiday cheer to the center of town. The Parks Department spent days stringing up lights and setting up candy canes and other decorations and Town staff dressed up the inside of Town Hall into a cozy and colorful holiday scene.

On the night of the ceremony, the Town Hall became packed with residents looking for a little refuge from the snow. Everyone was welcomed inside and treated to hot chocolate, gingerbread cookies, and other holiday confections prepared by Peter Cacek, Administrative Support Manager.

Nederland Sustainability Coordinator Eryka Thorley was also present for the event, promoting solar energy programs from US Solar. Thorley spoke to the crowd of the savings for the average energy user from switching to solar energy, and mentioned that those who sign up that night would receive a $100 gift card and a $50 donation to be made to either the Nederland Food Pantry or Wild Bear Nature Center.

“Lastly, I want to thank Miranda and all the town staff! All of our amazing departments are filling up with great people who are working together in building a great culture; a great place to work and a great place to live,” Mayor Giblin concluded his speech and Parks Manager Nicki Dunn led the crowd in the countdown. Dunn is also the main event organizer for the lighting event each year.

The dazzling display was lit to the cheers of the crowd, who then followed, caroling behind Santa and Mrs. Claus as their sleigh was pulled by Murray the Yak down East 1st Street and circling back up to Town Hall.

The 2022 Nederland Holiday Lighting Ceremony was made possible by the hard work of dedicated Town staff in the Parks and Streets Department and in the Town Hall itself. This event was made all the more special by the collaborative efforts of those who organized and participated, and by the presence and radiant holiday spirit of the community who attended.