Don’t be surprised if you find yourself walking along an unfamiliar street in downtown Provo this Christmas season.

Mayor Lewis Billings announced Monday night that Center Street, the city's main downtown drag, is getting a new name just in time for the holiday. Through the end of the year, the street will be designated -- by official resolution, no less -- Christmas Street. Large signs at 500 West and University Avenue will welcome Provo residents to the new avenue. It's a new part of WinterFest, the annual campaign to gussy up Provo's downtown with lights, garlands and special window displays. The celebration has been going strong for more than a dozen years, but may take on special significance to some residents this year, said JaNel Grim, recreation supervisor for the city's Parks and Recreation Department.

"We want the community to be able to come together and remember this holiday season for the spirit of giving that it is," she said. "Maybe take a break from the stresses of what's going on right now at their jobs, or in life in general -- especially with the economy the way it is -- and be able to come and do something with their families."

Billings and Santa Claus sprinkled magic dust from the North Pole on the city's Christmas tree, lighting it up in a flash. In truth, it took city employees about two months to string all the lights across downtown. "You will be amazed at the display of color that surrounds you," Grim said. "Provo city crews ... have been working around the clock to make this year's light display more festive than ever before."

The city also unveiled special holiday displays in storefronts throughout downtown. Joel Wallin, executive director of the Downtown Business Alliance of Provo, said local businesses have put extra effort into their displays this year.

"There's not a whole lot of places that do what we do," he said. "Especially in these economic times, people don't really want to go to Salt Lake to see the lights up there. So we're creating a scene so they can stay."

WinterFest activities continue throughout the month with a live nativity scene running Thursday through Saturday at the Provo Tabernacle. A parade boasting 50 community groups and businesses will take to Christmas Street on Saturday morning at 10. To finish off the year and ring in 2009, Provo will celebrate First Night from 6 p.m. to midnight Dec. 31 at the Provo Towne Centre mall. The event will include food, games, a singing contest and two fireworks displays at 9 p.m. and midnight. More information is available on the city's Web site at www.provo.org.

• Ace Stryker can be reached at 344-2556 or astryker@heraldextra.com.

WinterFest 2008

Dec. 4-6 -- Living Nativity. Provo Tabernacle. Shows begin at 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m. Free.

Dec. 6, 10 a.m. -- Santa's Candy Land Christmas Parade. Begins at 500 West and Center Street and moves east toward University Avenue. Free.

Dec. 31, 6 p.m. -- First Night Provo 2009: Party Under the Big Top. Provo Towne Centre Mall. Includes performers, games, fireworks and food. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for children under 13, free for children under 4. Pre-purchase at Towne Centre customer service or the Provo City Parks and Recreation Office for a $1 discount per person.