There’s a special kind of magic that settles over Newcastle every December. You can feel it in the twinkling lights, the sound of carolers echoing through crisp night air, and the unmistakable warmth that spreads when neighbors become friends and strangers feel like family.

At the heart of it all are Robyn and Chris Brown, known lovingly by the community as Mrs. Claus and Santa. For the past five years, they’ve donned the red velvet suits and snowy-white beards, not just for fun—but as a living, breathing embodiment of what it means to show up for your community with full-hearted joy.

But their story didn’t start at the North Pole.

It started right here, in Newcastle, with a simple idea: What if the holidays could feel like a Hallmark movie—not on TV, but on your own street?

Ten years ago, the Browns began quietly spreading cheer by caroling at local retirement communities—bringing music, smiles, and connection to those who needed it most. Over time, that joy blossomed into something bigger: Candy Cane Lane, a beloved hometown tradition hosted right in their own home, where guests are greeted not only with cookies and cocoa, but with an open invitation to feel like they belong.

Guests have called it magical. We call it Newcastle.

The Browns remind us of something we often forget in the busy blur of the season: Kindness doesn’t need to be big to be powerful. It just needs to be genuine.

In a world that often celebrates status over sincerity, it’s easy to forget that character is who you are when no one’s watching. It’s how you treat someone who can’t do anything for you. It’s standing up for someone who doesn’t have a voice, and choosing integrity even when it’s inconvenient.

There’s a kind of intelligence that doesn’t show up on a test—one rooted in empathy, humility, and the courage to do the right thing. Research confirms it: kind people often demonstrate high emotional and social intelligence. They're not naive—they're wise enough to understand that how we treat each other is what truly shapes a community.

When we show up for one another, consistently and with care, we build something stronger than tradition—we build trust.

Want to experience the magic in person? Don’t miss these upcoming community events:

Saturday after Thanksgiving – November 30

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there to spread cheer and support local makers!

Newcastle Fruit & Produce 

Saturday, November 30 – Evening

A hometown favorite! Come for the lights, stay for the music and community spirit.

Candy Cane Lane (In partnership with Derek & Aly Tu): December 6th

This year, the Browns along with their friends family & Neighbors are also rallying support for Treehouse, an organization that empowers youth in foster care across Washington. While many of us are gathered with family this season, there are young people navigating the world without that sense of belonging. Treehouse steps in with essentials, mentorship, and the resources every child deserves.

At Candy Cane Lane and other events, you’ll have a chance to contribute to this cause—because kindness isn't just about holiday cheer. It's about showing up for those who need us, all year long.

Robyn and Chris Brown aren’t just playing Santa—they're reminding us what it looks like to live with purpose and joy. They're not running a spectacle; they're offering a seat at the table.

So this season, whether you're hosting a gathering, holding the door, or just holding space for someone who's had a rough year—be the light. Choose character when no one's watching. Be kind, even when it's not easy. And don’t wait for someone else to lead with love. Be the one who goes first.

Because Newcastle doesn’t just feel like a Hallmark movie. It feels like home.