EXPLORE
CHARLESTOWN hristmas
DOES
RIGHT
Annual holiday display to be bigger , better PHOTOS BY JACKIE MILLER | TWINMOM PHOTOS
THE RETURN of the Charlestown Express and the debut of the Winter Holiday Market highlight a jam-packed Christmas season in the City of Charlestown .
To kick off the holidays , Light Up Charlestown took place Nov . 26 at Greenway Park , where revelers gathered for sounds of holiday music and the flipping of the light switch . Since then the City of Charlestown has glowed with lights at Greenway Park , the City Square and the Family Activities Park . Here ’ s what you can expect :
GREENWAY PARK : The city ’ s central park glows with Hallmark-card worthy lights , including from the 55-foot tree . Visitors can enjoy a stroll through the paved park . Horse-drawn carriage rides return this year , taking place 6 to 10 p . m . Dec . 17 and 18 , giving riders an intimate tour of Greenway Park and the City Square . No reservation is needed and cost is $ 10 per rider ages 2 and up . Tickets ( cash only ) are sold at the Greenway Park concession stand .
FAMILY ACTIVITIES PARK : Debuting this season is a Winter Holiday Market featuring vendors selling holiday décor , gift items , handmade crafts and more . The Family Activities Park will be open 6 to 10 p . m . Thursday through Saturday each week . In addition to the Market , rides return on The Charlestown Express and 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 . Santa visits are free , as are kids ’ activities hosted by the Charlestown Parks Department . The concession stand will be open , selling snacks including seasonal favorites : hot chocolate and hot apple cider .
CITY SQUARE : The animated lights show at the Charlestown City Square takes place nightly from 6 to 10 p . m . until Jan . 1 . Some nights will feature appearances by favorite Christmas characters .
Sponsors of Christmas in Charlestown include NWSB ( New Washington State Bank ), Bobcat , Dale Robinson - State Farm Insurance , C3Tech , and Duke Energy .
18 EXTOL : WINTER 2021