Charlestown Lights 2025
Christmas City kicks off in Charlestown Nov. 28
Charlestown, Ind. — Millions of lights will glow, and some will dance when the City of Charlestown flips the switch at Light Up Charlestown on Friday, Nov. 28.
Held in Greenway Park, the Light Up Charlestown event commences at 5 p.m. with music by the Charlestown Elementary Choir, Dalton Hester, Eva Thompson, and Jules White. Harrison Adams, a dedicated volunteer in the city, will be the honorary light switcher to throw on the power at 6.
“Celebrating Charlestown Christmas City is the highlight of every year,” said Charlestown Mayor Treva Hodges. “Light Up night is everything that makes our community feel special. Our team works hard to make sure that residents and visitors have a joyful time sharing the love of the season, and it’s truly a joy to continue this longstanding tradition.”
Once the lights come on, visitors can visit one of three illuminated parks – Greenway Park (400 Market Street), the City Square (Main/Main Cross Streets), and the Family Activities Park (1000 Park Street).
The largest park in the city, Greenway Park, twinkles with a bright 55-foot tree as the center gathering space. With a Hallmark feel, the park features covered walking bridges and paths. Concessions at the park will be open Thursdays-Sundays from 6-10 p.m.
Popular for its energetic holiday music and synchronized lights, the City Square is home to the animated lights show. The 20-minute spectacle runs nightly from 6-10 p.m. Visitors can walk through the experience, or sit back in a vehicle and take in the sights and sounds on 87.9 FM.
The Family Activities Park is filled with bustling activity. The Winter Holiday Market opens Light Up night. It runs from Thursdays-Sundays with 20 local vendors selling gifts, decor, crafts, baked goods, and more. Visitors can also challenge friends to an 18-hole mini-golf experience, write a letter to Santa, or visit with Santa or The Grinch (schedules available online at www.CharlestownParks.com).
One of the most popular attractions, the Charlestown Express Train, gives riders an experience of rolling to each of the parks to see the lights. Tickets for Charlestown Express Train rides ($8 each, ages 2-up) and mini-golf ($5) are sold on site nightly at the Family Activities Park admission window. The park is open for rides and golf Thursdays through Sundays through Dec. 21 (along with Monday, Dec. 22).
Also open at the Family Activities Park will be The Depot, a hangout spot featuring yard games and the Depot Café, offering various coffees and snacks. Live music nights at The Depot during the season include The Marshall Sanborn Band (Nov. 28), Amilia and Eli (Dec. 5), and John Hogan Music (Dec. 19). The park also features the Trail of Trees, a short trail of trees decorated by sponsors.
Several special events and experiences are planned throughout the Charlestown Christmas City season, including – Holiday Music Showcase (Nov. 29), Holiday Cookie Decorating (Nov. 29), Flying Pancakes with Chris Cakes (Nov. 30), Ornament Decorating Party (Dec. 5), Jingle Bell 1K Walk (Dec. 6), Movie Night “Polar Express” (Dec. 7), Trivia Night (Dec. 12), Cousin Eddie Costume Contest & Movie Night “Christmas Vacation” (Dec. 13), Charlestown Paints “Mrs. Claus” (Dec. 14), Gift Wrapping (Dec. 19-20); Live Reindeer (Dec. 22).
