HARLINGEN – For many Rio Grande Valley communities, special Christmas events are a tradition. But for merchants in downtown Harlingen, it marks their first Christmas lighting of downtown.

People are gathering and stores are opening their doors in anticipation for the big night. Santa is even making an appearance at the event.

“Today, we’re having the lighting of downtown. It’s the first annual lighting and we’re having a great turnout, and so we’re very excited,” Rebecca Lopez said.

Their main attraction, they said, is that they are all unique shops and it is one way to discover and explore the downtown.

“It’s very good for the community and it’s very nice for downtown Jackson Street,” one woman said.

“We’re a new business, so we’re glad with all the people and everybody’s real nice downtown,” a man said.

Santa took his place and asked the children what they wanted for Christmas. Also, they're even carolers and anyone was welcomed to join.

“Santa’s inside and we’re out here singing carols and could not be better. We love the downtown for doing this,” another woman said.

It was planned for three consecutive Wednesdays, so people still have this Wednesday to join the fun.

“Because a lot of our downtown businesses close early, between 3, 4, 5, before people get out of work, so we wanted to give them some nights to enjoy,” Lopez said.

This year is the first lighting ceremony for Harlingen downtown area.

“Hope everybody is doing good and I’ll see you on Christmas Eve,” Santa said as he bid farewell.

You can catch Con Mi Gente segments Tuesdays and Thursdays on CHANNEL 5 NEWS THIS MORNING and CHANNEL 5 NEWS at 5.