2026 CHRISTMAS CENTRAL INFORMATION STATION
Welcome to Charlestown Christmas City!
LIGHT UP CHARLESTOWN, FRIDAY, NOV. 27, 2026 • 5 PM
To kick off the holidays, Light Up Charlestown takes place Friday, Nov. 27, 2026 at Greenway Park, starting at 5 p.m.
Gather for sounds of holiday music, food trucks and the flipping of the light switch at 6 p.m. From that moment forward, the City of Charlestown will glow with lights throughout the holiday season at Greenway Park, the City Square, and the Family Activities Park.
Performance Schedule at Doug Coyne Pavilion:
Charlestown Elementary Choir – 5:00-5:25
TBA – 5:30-5:45
Charlestown Middle School Choir – 5:45-5:55
Tony Jackson, honorary light switcher – 6:00
Food trucks at Light Up Charlestown in Greenway Park will be Driving You Donuts and Taqueria Hernandez along with park concessions.
GREENWAY PARK
The City’s central park will glow with Hallmark-card worthy lights, including from the 55-foot tree. Visitors can enjoy a stroll through the paved park featuring three bridges (two covered) and plenty of fun features.
The Greenway Park concession stand will be open on Thursdays-Sundays from Nov. 27-Dec. 20 from 6-10 p.m. and during the live reindeer event on Dec. 22.
LIVE REINDEER at Greenway Park on Tuesday, Dec. 22 from 6-10 p.m.
FAMILY ACTIVITIES PARK & THE DEPOT
The Family Activities Park will be open Thursdays through Sundays from 6 to 10 p.m. from Nov. 27 through Dec. 20. The Winter Holiday Market returns featuring vendors selling holiday décor, gift items, hand-made crafts and more. The Market will be open Thursdays-Saturdays.
Rides on The Charlestown Express are offered, along with an opportunity to play Holiday Mini-Golf in a festive environment. Train rides are $8 per person, ages 2 and up while unlimited mini-golf is $5 per person, per night. Tickets are sold nightly on site at the admission window. In addition to Thursdays through Sundays, train rides will be offered on Tuesday, Dec. 22 from 6-10 p.m.
FREE CHARACTER VISITS, 6-10 PM:
SANTA – Nov. 27, Nov. 29, Dec. 3, Dec. 6, Dec. 10, Dec. 13, Dec. 17, Dec. 20 (plus Dec. 22 at Greenway Park)
THE GRINCH – Nov. 28, Dec. 4, Dec. 5, Dec. 11, Dec. 12, Dec. 18, Dec. 19 (plus Dec. 22 at Greenway Park)
Kids’ activities are hosted by the Charlestown Parks Dept. in the party rooms. The concession stand will be open, selling snacks, including your seasonal favorite hot chocolate!
The Depot is a hangout area with an entertainment area, cafe, games, fire pits, and more.
CITY SQUARE & THE COMMONS
The animated lights show at the Charlestown City Square takes place nightly from Nov. 27 until Jan. 1 from 6 to 10 p.m. The 20-minute show plays on a loop with a short break between the end and the start.
Tune in to 87.9 FM to hear the music synced to the light show!
NEW for 2026 is The Commons, a greenspace off the city square offering added holiday experiences and added seating to watch the light show!
BUY CHRISTMAS CITY APPAREL!
Ericka Johnson of Red Headed Princess Designs created an awesome design to get your 2026 Charlestown Christmas City apparel – Hoodies and Crewnecks! Items will be sold at the City of Charlestown tent at the Winter Holiday Market, Greenway Park concessions, and City Hall during regular business hours.
SPECIAL EVENTS!
CHARLESTOWN PAINTS! – Holiday Ornament
SUNDAY, NOV. 15 from 3-5 p.m. at the Arts & Enrichment Center
Join us for a community painting party led by Red Headed Princess Designs. Great for families, groups, and individuals. Cost is $35 per person and includes the art to take home. REGISTRATION LINK
PAJAMAS & PANCAKES! FLYING PANCAKES WITH CHRIS CAKES
SATURDAY, NOV. 21, 8-11 a.m. at the Arts & Enrichment Center
Chris Cakes serves up pancakes with flair and an attitude! Wear your Christmas pajamas and join us for a unique breakfast experience. Tickets are $10/adult, $5/kids 12 and under and includes all you can eat pancakes, sausage, and drinks.
LIGHT UP CHARLESTOWN
FRIDAY, NOV. 27 at 5 p.m. at Greenway Park
Gather for sounds of holiday music, food trucks, and the flipping of the light switch at 6 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.
HOLIDAY MUSIC SHOWCASE
SATURDAY, NOV. 28, 4-6 p.m. at the Arts & Enrichment Center
Music artists from Charlestown and the region gather to sing and perform holiday sounds. This event, in partnership with Charlestown Ensembles, is free. Concessions will be open, offering hot chocolate, cookies, and more. Doors open at 3:30.
TEDDY BEAR MOBILE
SUNDAY, NOV. 29 from 6-9 p.m. at The Depot/Family Activities Park
Create your own teddy bear or animal stuffy at the Teddy Bear Mobile. Prices start at $30 and include the stuffing process, take-home bag, and certificate. Clothes and accessories are also available for the stuffed animals.
TRIVIA NIGHT
FRIDAY, DEC. 4 at 6-8 p.m. at the Family Activities Park
Brush up on your knowledge of holiday movies, songs, traditions, and more as we spend the evening quizzing visitors of the park. Questions will be open to everyone in the park, with prizes to be won, sponsored by Centra Credit Union!
TRIVIA NIGHT
SATURDAY, DEC. 5 at 6-8 p.m. at the Family Activities Park
Brush up on your knowledge of holiday movies, songs, traditions, and more as we spend the evening quizzing visitors of the park. Questions will be open to everyone in the park, with prizes to be won, sponsored by Centra Credit Union!
MOVIE NIGHT: DOLLY PARTON'S CHRISTMAS OF MANY COLORS: CIRCLE OF LOVE + TOBOGGAN AND GLOVE DRIVE
SUNDAY, DEC. 6, 6 p.m. at Arts & Enrichment Center
Join us for Dolly Parton's deeply heartwarming tale drawn straight from her inspiring real life and music in this holiday classic film. Attendees are encouraged to give back to the community by donating new winter gloves and hats. This is a free event featuring free pizza, popcorn, and drinks.
CANDLE MAKING EXPERIENCE – 1808 CANDLE COMPANY
FRIDAY, DEC. 11, 7 p.m. at the Arts & Enrichment Center
Create your own wooden candle vessel for the holidays. Choose your vessel – Christmas Tree or The Grinch! This is a relaxing, fun, and festive experience with 1808 Candle Company. The cost is $45 per person and includes all materials (vessel, wood wicks, wax). This event caps at 20 registrations! REGISTRATION LINK
COUSIN EDDIE COSTUME CONTEST &
MOVIE NIGHT "CHRISTMAS VACATION"
SATURDAY, DEC. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at The Depot/Family Activities Park
You Serious Charlestown? Yes! We're throwing a Cousin Eddie Party and playing the classic holiday comedy "Christmas Vacation." Costume contest begins at 6:30 with the movie to follow at 7.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE DEPOT WITH THE MARSHALL SANBORN BAND
SUNDAY, DEC. 13 from 7-9 p.m. at The Depot/Family Activities Park
Come rock with The Marshall Sanborn Band at The Depot, located at the Family Activities Park. Enjoy the music, warm drinks, and see the lights of the park while the Charlestown Express Train escorts people around the city.
DJ BLUE SUEDE & FREE PHOTO 360 BOOTH
SUNDAY, DEC. 20 from 6-9 p.m. at The Depot/Family Activities Park
DJ Blue Suede will be spinning a mix of fun music along with Christmas favorites at The Depot. Come dance and sing along as we count down the final days before Christmas. Plus, Tank Entertainment will offer a free opportunity to take home a memorable photo with a 360 photo booth.
LIVE REINDEER VISIT + CHARACTERS
TUESDAY, DEC. 22 from 6-9 p.m. at Greenway Park
This free event offers visitors to see live reindeer near the massive Christmas tree in Greenway Park. Plus, Santa and The Grinch make one last appearance in Charlestown before the big day. Concessions and food trucks (The German Corner and Glazed Over) will be on hand. Our friends from Mix 106.9 and Q103.1 will be on location providing music!
SPONSORS
North Pole Sponsor
Holiday Hero Sponsor
Mistletoe Sponsors
Denton Floyd – Forrest Edge Apartments
Gingerbread Sponsors
Candy Cane Sponsors
Additional Sponsors
McRae Enterprises (Winter Holiday Market - Facade Donation)
