A bit of small-town Americana still lives in the heart of Central Washington. For the past 30 years, the Friday following Thanksgiving has drawn hundreds of people into downtown Ellensburg to mark the start of the holiday season – literally – with a flip of a switch. When darkness falls, many of Ellensburg’s historic downtown buildings come alive with more than 10,000 Christmas lights outlining their facades. The lighting ceremony marks the highlight in a weekend full of family-friendly events designed to usher in the holiday spirit.