Lighting of Woodstock Square
Start your holiday season with an enchanting evening on the historic Woodstock Square! Join us the Friday after Thanksgiving as Woodstock officially ushers in the season with its beloved annual lighting ceremony. With a flip of a switch, tens of thousands of white lights will illuminate the Square’s Victorian-era buildings and park trees, creating a magical, twinkling display that celebrates the spirit of Christmas.
Enjoy festive activities for all ages, from visits with the Grinch and Santa, to a gingerbread walk, tree displays, and holiday crafts. Savor seasonal treats from local food trucks and enjoy live music from brass choirs, Dickens carolers, and the community choir, filling the air with your favorite holiday melodies. You’ll even have the chance to snap a holiday photo at a special 360° photo booth, and little ones can marvel at fire trucks on display!
As night falls, join the crowd around the Bandstand for the highlight of the evening: the lighting ceremony, when the Square comes alive with the glow of thousands of sparkling lights. Voted one of the TODAY show’s “Merriest Main Streets” in 2022, Woodstock offers the perfect setting to make cherished holiday memories with friends and family!
Schedule of Events
4:00–7:00 PM
Grinch N’ Greet – at the Old Courthouse Center hosted by the Recreation Department
4:00– 8:00 PM
Tree Walk – at the Opera House
Gingerbread Walk – at the Old Courthouse Center presented by Friends of the Courthouse
Cocoa, Carols & Christmas Tales – at Stage Left presented by the Woodstock Public Library
Stuff the Squad Police Department Toy Drive – In front of Read Between the Lynes presented by the Woodstock Police Department
Food Trucks – E & W Jackson St
5:00 PM
Santa’s Arrival
5:00–6:30 PM
Brass Choir Performance – at the Bandstand
5:00–9:00 PM
360 Photo Booth (weather permitting) – At the northeast corner of the Park in the Square presented by Real Woodstock
5:00–6:30 PM
Dickens Carollers – Walking Around the Square
5:15–6:45 PM
Santa Visits – on Benton Street near Santa Hut presented by Rotary Club of Woodstock
5:15–7:00 PM
Touch-a-Truck – on Benton St./ Old BMO location presented by Woodstock Fire Rescue District
5:30–7:00 PM
Free Donuts – at the Spring House donated by Woodstock Heating and Cooling
6:35–6:55 PM
Community Choir Sings – at the Bandstand
7:00–7:10 PM
Lighting Ceremony – at the Bandstand
7:15–7:45 PM
Santa/Willie Photo Ops – in the Park in the Square courtesy of Rotary Club of Woodstock and Woodstock Groundhog Days
*Schedule of events subject to change
