The Downtown Encinitas MainStreet Association and its members present L8 Nite Thursdays, a series of Thursday evenings where dozens of retail stores will stay open until 8 p.m. during the holiday season.

Dec. 9, 16 and 23 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., visitors can come do holiday shopping in downtown Encinitas and take advantage of special sales, food and refreshments at participating stores.

Musicians will perform live in front of Hansen Surfboards, Lacy’s Boutique and Coast Hwy Traders. In addition, carolers will stroll up and down South Coast Highway 101. Santa Claus also be on hand to welcome kids in The Lumberyard Plaza from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. every night.

L8 Nite Thursdays was organized by DEMA in order to promote holiday shopping in the downtown district and provide a safe late-night atmosphere, according to a DEMA news release.

More information: 760-943-1950 and www.encinitas101.com