Light Up Night is Tomorrow in Downtown Bridgeport
By Julie Perine on December 03, 2025
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Wintry weather is on tap for Thursday and ABB board members are transitioning into elves to bring the community the 21st Annual Light Up Night. Santa and Mrs. Claus are coming, and it is the committee’s wish that you will be too.
Though the main event is the 7 p.m. lighting of the city Christmas tree, there is so much more in store. Music by the BHS Jazz Band will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the BHS Choir. About 50 ABB businesses and organizations will set up festive booths along Main Street, offering free seasonal refreshments and other holiday goodies.
Christmas is the ideal time, said ABB President Jaclyn Rominger, for Bridgeport businesses to give back to the public who supports them throughout the year.
Performing at Main and Center streets will be hip-hop students of Studio 9 Dance Academy. Performing in front of the Benedum Civic Center just prior to the tree lighting will be the BMS Dance Team, BHS Dance Team and combined elementary choirs of Bridgeport schools.
Josh Oldaker will perform in front of Bridgeport Fire Department and LeRoy & Giggs will provide entertainment in front of Winnie’s Café. Located in the parking lot between Murray, Queen & Co. and the former About You Monograms building will be the live nativity portrayal by Middleville Baptist Church.
“We are really looking forward to it and sharing Jesus and the Christmas message with Bridgeport,” said Gina Sharps of MBC.
The church won’t be holding the drive-thru nativity at the church this year, so this will be the only opportunity to see the extravagant portrayal that the church puts so much love and effort into.
As the 7 p.m. hour nears and dancers and young vocalists conclude their performances, attention will turn to emcee Mark Povroznik who is not only enthusiastic, but sure to bring plenty of holiday whimsy to the stage.
“Light Up Night is like a Christmas potpourri! Bridgeport’s perfect combination of community giving, holiday cheer, music, student entertainment and a time for holiday reflection,” he said. “Emceeing the event is a gift of trust to help assure the night delivers upon its promise…and that all enjoy being a part of something magical on Main.”
Chosen as this year’s tree lighters are Trina Britcher and John Wilson, both who said they are truly honored to be part of the city’s most magical night of the year.
“John Wilson has been Bridgeport’s biggest fan. You can always find him at sporting events, cheering on the community and, of course, as a faithful servant of Bridgeport City Council," said ABB President Jaclyn 
Rominger. "Trina has spent her entire career as an advocate for the visually impaired and has been honored over the years for her work, including her recent induction into the Space Camp Hall of Fame.
Rominger. "Trina has spent her entire career as an advocate for the visually impaired and has been honored over the years for her work, including her recent induction into the Space Camp Hall of Fame.
As the guests of honor trigger the lighting of the tree on the Civic Center lawn, the traditional fireworks display will light up the sky.
Main Street will be closed from Virginia Avenue to Philadelphia Avenue from 5:15 p.m. to shortly after 8 p.m. when the event concludes.
The ABB is open to all businesses which pay business and occupation tax to the City of Bridgeport. Dues are $95 per year. In addition to Light Up Night, member businesses can participate in Scarecrows on Main Street and Summer Kickoff. To become a member or obtain more information, reach out to Hilary Gonzalez at hilary.gonzalez@kaufmanrealty.com
