Wheaton Welcomes the Holiday Season

Wheaton ushered in the Christmas season on Friday with its Lighted Holiday Parade, heralding the arrival of the Dickens of a Christmas festivities, the Daily Herald reports.

Friday’s activities, as outlined by the city of Wheaton, included a tree-lighting at 6 p.m. at Martin Memorial Plaza to turn on thousands of lights throughout downtown Wheaton. Afterward came the Lighted Holiday Parade, which featured costumed characters and lighted floats moving along Front Street, and an appearance by Santa.

According to the city’s website, 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.

• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, through Dec. 21 — Visits with Santa at Martin Memorial Plaza (on Front Street just west of Main Street)

• Noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays, through Dec. 21 — and carriage rides will be available starting at Martin Memorial Plaza.

Dec. 7 Dickens of a Christmas Stroll

From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, all downtown Wheaton stores will offer holiday treats 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.

Let Patch save you time. Our free newsletter can be delivered directly to your inbox. Fast signup here. Then like us on Facebook at WheatonPatch and follow us on Twitter at @WheatonPatch.