Lighted Parade, Carriage Rides Coming to Downtown Wheaton

SOURCE: City of Wheaton

Shopping isn’t the only thing that will be happening right after Thanksgiving. downtown Wheaton will come alive with lights as the city celebrates an annual tradition: the Dickens of a Christmas Celebration.

Lighted Holiday Parade

A tree-lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, 2013 at Martin Memorial Plaza (on Front Street just west of Main Street) will kick off the holiday season, lighting the downtown tree and turning on thousands of lights throughout the downtown. The Lighted Holiday Parade will follow, featuring costumed characters and lighted floats will march down Front Street. A special visitor from the North Pole will conclude the parade and welcome the holiday season to Wheaton.

The Dickens of a Christmas Celebration will continue with a number of activities. Watch this video to hear from Downtown Wheaton Association Executive Director Paula Barrington about these events.

Visits with Santa & Carriage Rides

On Saturdays, Nov. 30 through Dec. 21, visits with Santa will be at Martin Memorial Plaza (on Front Street just west of Main Street) from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and carriage rides will be available from noon to 3 p.m. starting at Martin Memorial Plaza.

Dickens of a Christmas Stroll

On Saturday, Dec. 7, all downtown Wheaton stores will offer holiday treats from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. during the Dickens of a Christmas Stroll. Find roasted chestnuts, cider, hot chocolate, ice carvings, caroling and much more during this one-day event.

For more information, visit the Downtown Wheaton Association’s website.