The holiday season in Charlestown kicks off with Light Up Charlestown on Friday, Nov. 25 at 6 p.m. in Greenway Park.
Gather for sounds of holiday music and the flipping of the light switch by Beckham Goodale at 6:30 p.m. From that moment forward, the City of Charlestown will glow with lights at Greenway Park, the City Square and the Family Activities Park.
Visitors flock to not only gaze at the thousands of bright lights, but to ride on the Charlestown Express Train, shop at the Winter Holiday Market, play mini-golf, and sing along to the light show on the square.
The three parks offer a distinct charm and spirit at each location.
Greenway Park, the city’s central park, will glow with Hallmark-card worthy lights, including from a 55-foot tree. Visitors can enjoy a stroll through the paved park, which includes a pair of covered walking bridges. The Greenway Park concession stand will be open on Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 25-Dec. 17 from 6-10 p.m.
Special guests, live reindeer, will visit Greenway Park on Wednesday, Dec. 21 from 6 to 10 p.m.
At the Family Activities Park (1000 Park Street), the Winter Holiday Market returns after a smashing success in 2021, featuring vendors selling holiday décor, gift items, hand-made crafts and more. The Family Activities Park will be open Thursdays through Saturdays from 6 to 10 p.m. from Nov. 25 through Dec. 17. (Market will be open from 6-9 p.m. on Thursdays)
Rides on The Charlestown Express take off from the FAP, giving a unique tour of the Charlestown lights. Plus, the FAP offers an opportunity to play mini-golf in a festive environment. Train rides and mini-golf are $5 per person, ages 2 and up. Tickets are sold on site at the admission window. In addition to Thursdays through Saturdays, train rides will be offered on Dec. 19-21 from 6-10 p.m.
Santa visits are free on Nov. 25, Nov. 26, Dec. 2, Dec. 9, Dec. 16, and Dec. 17. A new visitor, The Grinch, sits in Santa’s chair on Dec. 1, Dec. 3, Dec. 8, Dec. 10, and Dec. 15. Kids’ activities hosted by the Charlestown Parks Dept. will be in the party rooms. The concession stand will be open, selling snacks, including your seasonal favorite hot chocolate!
At the City Square (Main and Main Cross Streets), the animated light show takes place nightly from Nov. 25 until Jan. 1 from 6 to 10 p.m. Tune in to 87.9 FM to hear the music synced to the light show.
A host of sponsors help make Charlestown sparkle during the holidays, including North Pole Sponsor, Jacobi, Toombs and Lanz.