Eight-year-old Kalani Figueroa pressed toward the street on Saturday night, playing with the other kids along Broadway in the glow of the Santa Maria Christmas Parade of Lights.

“I liked all the dances,” she said, adding that this Christmas she’s hoping for “clothes and shoes and some plushies."

"My favorite thing is spending it with my family and opening presents,” she said.

Kalani was one of thousands who lined Broadway bundled in blankets, sweaters, and blinking necklaces to experience the annual holiday tradition that transforms the city into a kaleidoscope of music, color, and community warmth.

Stretching from Stowell Road north along Broadway to the Macy’s entrance at the Town Center Mall, the parade offered a glowing procession of 102 entries.

Classic cars, trucks and vintage V

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