PRESS RELEASE: Release Date: Nov. 15, 2024
CHARLESTOWN, Ind. – More events. Fresh Train. The City of Charlestown is poised to boost holiday cheer on Friday, Nov. 29 with Light Up Charlestown, which takes place at 5 p.m. in Greenway Park.
“It’s always a joy to welcome our families and visitors to our annual holiday celebrations,” said Mayor Treva Hodges. “Our staff members work hard to help put you in the holiday spirit, and we hope everyone enjoys our longstanding traditions as well as the new features we’ve added this year.”
Light Up Charlestown kicks off the season with performances by Drake Dance Academy, the Pleasant Ridge Elementary Choir, and the Charlestown Middle School Choir. Charlestown High School teacher Melissa Stewart will be the honorary light switcher at 6 p.m. From that point on, three of the city’s parks – Greenway Park, the Family Activities Park, and the City Square will glow through Dec. 31.
The 2024 holiday season in Charlestown features new events, returning favorites, and a freshly designed Charlestown Express Train. Sporting a new paint scheme and enhanced decals, the train was refurbished by the team at Dan Cristiani Excavating. Train rides depart from the Family Activities Park (1000 Park Street) on Wednesdays-Saturdays from Nov. 29 through Dec. 21 from 6-10 p.m.
Several special events are slated throughout the holiday season, including a trio of debuts. The Holiday Music Showcase, a collection of local musicians performing festive tunes, takes place on Saturday, Nov. 30 from 6-8 p.m. at the Arts & Entertainment Center. The Jingle Bell 1K Walk welcomes participants to wear their favorite holiday attire for a family-friendly stroll through Greenway Park on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 5 p.m. Also debuting is the Gingerbread and PJs event for families to build candied gingerbread houses on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 3-5 p.m. at the A&E Center.
“We have added special events for people of all ages to enjoy,” said Charlestown Parks Director Carrie Basham. “Every weekend we have opportunities for visitors and residents to bask in the joy of the season while taking time to see our many light displays throughout the city.”
Other events include the “Silent Night, Deadly Night” Christmas Mystery Dinner Party (Saturday, Nov. 23), Charlestown Paints (Sunday, Dec. 15), Light Up the Night Holiday Party for families with someone with special needs (Friday, Dec. 6), and Live Reindeer Visit + Characters (Monday, Dec. 23). Tickets and information for all events can be found online at www.CharlestownParks.com.
Overall, the city has three parks to visit – Greenway Park, the City Square, and the Family Activities Park.
Greenway Park (400 Market Street), the central park of the city, twinkles with bright lights surrounding the 55-foot tree serving as the centerpiece. Visitors can stroll the paved path, winding through a pair of covered bridges to enjoy the Hallmark-like scenery. Concessions at Greenway Park will be open on Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 29-Dec. 21 from 6-10 p.m.
At the Family Activities Park (1000 Park Street), the Charlestown Express Train offers tours of the city lights. The family-friendly park features the Winter Holiday Market, filled Wednesdays-Saturdays with local vendors selling gifts, holiday decor, handmade crafts, and more. Visitors can play a holiday-themed 18-holes of mini golf, write a letter to Santa, play in the playground, visit characters, and hangout at The Depot.
Train rides are $8 each and mini-golf is $5 per person, ages 2 and up. Tickets are sold on site at the admission window. In addition to Wednesdays through Saturdays, train rides will be offered on Dec. 23 from 6-10 p.m. Characters will make appearances each day at no charge. Select nights will feature Santa, The Grinch, and Buddy the Elf and Jovie.
At the City Square (Main and Main Cross Streets), the animated light show takes place nightly from Nov. 29 until Jan. 1 from 6 to 10 p.m. Tune in to 87.9 FM to hear the music synced to the light show.
A host of sponsors help make Charlestown shine during the holidays, including North Pole Sponsor, Jacobi, Toombs and Lanz.
MEDIA CONTACT INFORMATION
Brian Smith
Director of Communications & Multimedia, City of Charlestown
304 Main Cross Street, Charlestown, IN 47111
Office: (812) 256-3422 ext. 312; Mobile: (502) 631-2506
www.CityofCharlestown.com
