It’s been a Bridgeport holiday tradition for 15 years, but this year’s Light Up Night is taking a different format.

 

“We know how much this event means to our community members, but due to pandemic guidelines, it just wasn’t possible to host our traditional event,” said Doug Marquette, president of the Associated Businesses of Bridgeport board of directors. “Yet, we didn’t want to just scrap it. Our board has been meeting for weeks, brainstorming about how to go forward with Light Up Night, make it interactive and keep it safe for our residents.”

 

On Thursday, Dec. 3, the 22-foot-tall city Christmas tree at Benedum Civic Center will be lit up. Though people cannot gather to watch that happen in person, they can watch live via WDTV.

 

But that isn’t the only holiday lighting event scheduled. Individuals all over the city are asked to light up their homes and places of business on that evening.

 

“Let’s add a new element to our traditional Light Up Night,” said Lisa Lang, ABB board secretary. “Plan to flip the switch on your own lights and decorations, then take pictures and send them to us.”

 

Those photos can be sent to info@connect-bridgeport.com. They will be posted to Connect-Bridgeport and a winner will be chosen.

 

But there’s more for the community. Following the Dec. 3 tree lighting, motorists are invited to drive through the Main Street Corridor and take in the lights and sights. Main Street businesses are asked to amp it up this year and there will be live performances. There are also some surprises in store.

 

The drive-thru Light Up Night experience will be captured on video and shared on the Connect-Bridgeport Web site.

 

The ABB welcomes sponsorships for this year’s event. To serve as an event sponsor or to join forces with the organization by becoming a member, email galbds@aol.com or hilary@kaufmanrealty.com.

 

More details and confirmed times are forthcoming. Stay tuned to Connect-Bridgeport. In the meantime, gather those holiday lights and plan to decorate by Dec. 3.