Tree Lighting Ceremony & Santa Parade

Santa makes a quick trip to the Marketplace during his busy season to kick off the annual Holiday Parade on the Church Street Marketplace the day after Thanksgiving. The parade starts at 12 noon on City Hall Block and ends on the Mall Block. Lots of festive seasonal entertainment will follow the parade, sponsored by Xfinity.

At 5:30PM we officially begin the holiday season with a classic rendition of the stage production, “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Beautifully costumed and professionally presented, this humorous and delightful performance brightens the eyes of children and gladdens the hearts of young and old alike.

Carolers will sing on the Marketplace prior to the show and all are invited to sing along. The performance culminates with the illumination of 250,000 LCD lights on Church Street, a cherished tradition. Official lighting time is 6PM SHARP! Our 50-foot holiday tree is lit with thousands of colored LCD lights in shades of red, gold, tangerine, blue and green. It shines the full length of the Marketplace, a beacon to all lovers of the holiday season.