Posted by: travadmin on Dec 02, 2003 – 05:09 PM
nightlife Excitement returns to historic downtown Nassau this month as the town lights up with the launching on Saturday of Nassau Nights: Christmas on Bay.
For 10 special days in December, visitors and residents will be able to enjoy a festival of lights, sounds, shopping, food and libations and the chance to win a $2,500 shopping spree.
More that 80 retailers and restaurants, Festival Place craft vendors and the Straw Market will participate in the holiday season festival which kicks off on Dec. 6, continues on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 12-13, and runs from Friday, Dec. 19 to Christmas Eve, concluding on the weekend of Dec. 26 -27.
Sidewalk entertainment will liven up Bay Street beginning this Saturday. The launch officially kicks off with the Christmas Tree Illumination ceremony on the northern side of Rawson Square, across from Festival Place, where the Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band, the National Children’s Choir, the St. Ann’s School Choir, and the Wesley Methodist Bell Ringers will participate in a musical prelude and the illumination ceremony beginning at 5:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend.
Santa is scheduled to make a special visit at the conclusion of the ceremony, which culminates with a Junkanoo Rush to Bay Street, brief fireworks, and the “lighting” up of the town at 7:00 p.m.
Bay Street in particular promised to shine. Over 100,000 lights will sparkle as businesses compete in the “Light Up The Town” exterior display contest. A winner will be selected for the best large property lighting display and the best property display.
In addition to ongoing strolling entertainment, an exciting programme of Junkanoo rushes, surprise visits by Santa, block parties, and special promotions in stores, restaurants and nightclubs will take place throughout the month. The drawing for a chance to win a $2,500 shopping and dining spree takes place on Tuesday, Dec. 23. Entry forms are available with purchase from participating stores and restaurants. Full details of the December programme are available on the worldwide web at http://www.nassaunights.com or in brochures at participating retailers and restaurants.
Nassau Nights: Christmas on Bay is sponsored by the Nassau Tourism & Development Board, in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism and ClearChannel Bahamas.
The Nassau Guardian