This invite-only event will give foster children and their families, along with children and families from local shelters, an evening filled with games, fun, food, and Christmas cheer. Our hope is to create a meaningful community event that these families will remember for years to come.

In partnership with the San Fernando Valley Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Shepherd Church, and other community organizations, we are hosting Light Up the Night on December 11 from 5:30–8:30 p.m. at Shepherd Church in Porter Ranch.

We anticipate welcoming many foster children and their families from across the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys, along with approximately 100 children from local family shelters who will be transported to the event by bus. In total, we expect approximately 3,000 children and family members to attend.

Let’s finish 2026 strong by loving, serving, and celebrating these children and their families.

Shepherd Church has hosted this event since 2019, with attendance reaching as many as 2,700 people. Light Up the Night features giveaways, including a massive toy giveaway and personal blankets, along with great food, music, snacks and refreshments, our beautiful 55’ Christmas tree, Clydesdale horses, inflatable jumpers and slides, a 15-foot snow globe, Stormtroopers, train rides, go-karts, holiday cartoons on the plaza, and a snow bubble show. A Department of Children and Family Services staff member has described it as the largest event of its type in the State of California.