For two talented kids, the holiday season comes with a big responsibility – lighting the huge community Christmas Tree in downtown Santa Barbara.

The Christmas Tree lighting process is one of many downtown Santa Barbara holiday traditions. It starts with young artists (grades K-6) who are invited to submit a drawing depicting the year’s theme Downtown for the Holidays. Kids can create their pictures on any sheet of paper no larger than 11 inches-by-17 inches.

To download a copy of the application, click here.

After the judging process, calls are made to the two winning artists with the proclamation: “You have been chosen to light the Christmas tree!”

To enter the contest, young artists can download the application, then drop off an entry at the Downtown Santa Barbara Office, 27-B E. De la Guerra St.

The Prince & Fairy application deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17; winners will be announced on Nov. 22.

Those who enter the drawing contest must be able to participate in the Christmas Tree Lighting & Block Party, 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1.

To learn more about the Downtown Santa Barbara schedule of Holiday events or to participate in the Prince & Fairy Art Contest, email Claire Rudderow, Tree Lighting coordinator at Claire@downtownsb.org.

Consumer Fire Products, Inc. (CFPI) will return as the Presenting Sponsor and will again donate the Community Christmas Tree to be installed in the middle of State Street.

“We at CFPI are thrilled to be the Presenting Sponsor of this year’s downtown holiday festivities,” said Irene Rhodes, owner/CEO of CFPI.

“Every year, we look forward to lighting up Santa Barbara’s holiday season with the State Street Christmas Tree. It’s an exciting time of year, and we’re grateful for the chance to support the community in such a joyous event.”