Thanksgiving weekend may just be the most magical time of the year to be in Highlands. Our community gathers to celebrate the start of the holiday season with the much-loved Light Up the Park festivities on Saturday, November 29, from 6:00–8:00 P.M. at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park.
Each year, young and old eagerly await this cherished tradition, where the park is transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland. Thousands of glittering Christmas lights dance among the trees, Santa’s sleigh shines in the glow, and the ice-skating rink offers a picture-perfect backdrop for laughter and memories.
The evening is brimming with holiday cheer. Families and friends sip steaming cups of hot chocolate, nibble on Christmas cookies, and lift their voices together in timeless carols, joined by the City Carolers who will be on hand helping with the program and filling the entire evening with festive song.
A special guest will read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas as excitement builds for the arrival of the guest of honor-Santa Claus himself.
Anticipation grows as Santa nears. Listen for a hearty HOHOHO as he arrives atop a fire truck. In a heartbeat, the jolly old elf joins the crowd, takes hold of the switch, and with a flick of his wrist, the park and Main Street come alive with lights.
Thousands of lights shimmer and sparkle across the park and through downtown, casting a radiant glow that will brighten the town throughout the holidays and into the New Year. It’s a scene so enchanting you’ll want to return again and again during the season to soak in its beauty during quieter moments.
The magic doesn’t end there. Be sure to stroll through downtown Highlands to admire the holiday window displays lovingly created by local merchants. Their creativity and festive spirit add even more charm to the town.
Naturally, this is also the perfect time to do a little holiday shopping. When you choose to shop local, you’re not just checking names off your gift list-you’re giving back to the community and bringing smiles to the people you love.
The Light Up the Park celebration is more than an event – it’s a memory-making tradition, a chance to gather in joy and fellowship, and the perfect way to usher in the holiday season.
For more information on Light Up the Park and other holiday events, call the Highlands Welcome Center at (828) 526-2112 or visit their website at highlandschamber.org.
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