On December 7, 2024, residents and visitors gathered to enjoy a community event brought to you by Love Catalina Island Tourism Authority. The event dubbed Shop Catalina Holiday Kickoff, has been staged for the past 30 years.
This year 30 merchants participated offering refreshments, discounts and drawings. Love Catalina Island brought the Jingle Singers to town for a Wrigley Stage performance as well as strolling entertainment stopping at each participating place of business. Catalina Kid Ventures and PLAY Preschool brought their talents to the stage for a kids concert of Christmas Carols. The Avalon Community Theater Players staged a scene from “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” which they will be performing for the public December 13-15 at the Avalon Casino Theater.
In partnership with the City of Avalon, new and returning holiday decorations were placed throughout downtown Avalon and a Winter Wonderland of merchant arts and crafts booths, kids entertainment popups were added enhancements courtesy of the Catalina Art Association.
As the sun set, the crowd gathered to welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus who were escorted by Avalon Fire Department personnel and the Lancer Football team and cheer squad who recently took a championship title. The team helped Santa flip the switch to light the Community Christmas Tree.
Once again the Catalina Island Company illuminated the Casino in red and green lights and businesses competed for best decorations, with First Place going to Catalina Charlies, second place to the Naughty Fox and third place to perennial winner, Lloyds of Avalon Confectionery.
In advance of the celebrations, promotions were aired on KNBC’s California Live show, and morning news host Henry DiCarlo of KTLA gave some shoutouts encouraging visitors to head on over to the island.
Discounts are offered in participating merchants’ stores through December 24 and shoppers can continue to complete their online Treasure Cards until December 14 with a special code word discoverable at each merchant. Completed Treasure card entrants are entered to win Love Catalina Island Gift Certificates valued at up to $125.
Special thanks to the hardworking City staff, Love Catalina team, many community members and the Hotel Metropole, Catalina Canyon Inn and the Catalina Island Inn for supporting hosted media and entertainers.
