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Christmas on Commercial Draws Record-Breaking Crowd to Downtown Lebanon
Downtown Lebanon’s annual Christmas on Commercial celebration, sponsored by Lake Regional Health System, reached new heights in 2024, drawing over 6,000 attendees, a 23% increase from the previous year. The event, a longtime holiday tradition, transformed downtown into a festive winter wonderland, bringing families, friends, and visitors together to celebrate the season.
This year’s event featured live entertainment and festive activities that filled the streets with holiday cheer. The annual lighted UTV parade, hosted by the City of Lebanon, once again stole the show, with a record-breaking 149 UTVs dazzling the crowd with creative holiday displays as they made their way down Commercial Street.
Local businesses saw a boost in foot traffic, with many reporting record sales for the evening. The festive atmosphere encouraged visitors to explore shops, grab a bite to eat, and take in the beautifully decorated storefronts. Santa Claus made his much-anticipated appearance, welcoming children for photos and holiday wishes at Cackle Hatchery.
For those who couldn’t make it in person, Downtown Lebanon live-streamed the event in conjunction with Lebanon Now and Ozark Fiber, allowing even more people to experience the holiday magic from home. You can watch the full event recap here:
“Our goal with Christmas on Commercial is to create a magical holiday experience while also supporting our local businesses,” said Downtown Lebanon Executive Director Sarah Angst. “Seeing thousands of people fill the streets, shop local, and celebrate together was an incredible way to wrap up the year.”
As Downtown Lebanon continues to grow, so does the impact of its signature events. With plans already in motion for next year’s Christmas on Commercial, organizers hope to build on this success, offering even more festive fun for the community.
