Your Guide to Charlestown Christmas City

When and Where is Charlestown Christmas City?

Charlestown Christmas City kicks off the day after Thanksgiving with Light Up Charlestown on Friday, November 27. The lights remain on through January 1. The popular Family Activities Park, where you can catch rides on the Charlestown Express Train, will be open Thursdays - Sundays from 6 – 10 p.m. from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

Charlestown Christmas City has four primary locations:

Greenway Park (400 Market Street): Charlestown has dubbed this park its “Hallmark Movie Park,” and for good reason. With 2 covered bridges, a walking path, a 55-foot Christmas tree, and concessions open Thursdays through Sundays from 6 – 10 p.m., it feels like a holiday dream, plus the lights are on 24/7.

City Square (Main/Main Cross Street): The animated light show runs nightly on a loop from 6 – 10 p.m. Get out and walk around the square or enjoy the show from the warmth of your car. Set your car radio to 87.9 FM to hear music synced to the light show!

Family Activities Park (1000 Park Street): Open Thursdays through Sundays from 6 – 10 p.m. Nov. 27 through Dec. 20 this Christmas City HQ offers train rides, entertainment, mini golf and activity room and occasional visits from Santa and the Grinch (keep reading for details). It’s also home to the Winter Holiday Market, featuring vendors selling holiday décor, gifts, handmade crafts and more. The Market is open Thursdays through Saturdays.

The Commons (815 Short Street): Enjoy even more holiday fun with additional lights, picnic tables and green space at this new expansion to city square.

What Makes Charlestown Christmas City Unique?

Charlestown Christmas City offers a unique holiday experience, with each location bringing its own festive atmosphere to explore. At the City Square, you may end up dancing and singing “Candy Cane Lane” to an animated light show synced to festive music. At Greenway Park, you’ll find a romantic, slower-paced environment with many opportunities to create that perfect Christmas card photo.

One of the best parts? There are no fees to enter any of the parks. It’s FREE! The concessions are reasonably priced – only a few dollars for the crowd-favorite hot chocolate. You’ll have to pay for Charlestown Express Train rides ($8/person), holiday-themed mini golf ($5 for unlimited rounds) and Trolley Hop rides that go around town ($12/person).

Character visits are popular too, with Santa and The Grinch rotating appearance days at the Family Activities Park. Plus, you may catch a few more characters who pop up around the city square at random times.

The 55-foot custom tree in Greenway Park is hard to miss, and a crowd favorite along with the pair of covered bridges. There are usually 2-3 engagement proposals in the park each season!

Christmas City Fun Fact: In 2025, they sold 11,498 cups of hot chocolate (that’s a pallet of Swiss Miss and then some!), offered 4,722 train rides and had nearly 2,000 visitors during Live Reindeer night!

When are the Santa / Grinch sightings (and other Free Activities & Events at Charlestown Christmas City)?

Free Activities

Free kids’ activities are in the party room of the Family Activities Park. Kids can write letters to Santa, enjoy crafts and play games.

Character Visits – Santa and The Grinch visit the Family Activities Park on select nights.

SANTA – Nov. 27, Nov. 29, Dec. 3, Dec. 6, Dec. 10, Dec. 13, Dec. 17, Dec. 20 (plus Dec. 22 at Greenway Park)

THE GRINCH – Nov. 28, Dec. 4, Dec. 5, Dec. 11, Dec. 12, Dec. 18, Dec. 19 (plus Dec. 22 at Greenway Park)

Live Reindeer + Character Visits, Tuesday, Dec. 22, 6 - 9 p.m. at Greenway Park (The most popular event!)

Free Events

Holiday Music Showcase, Sat. Nov. 28, 4 – 6 p.m. at the Arts & Enrichment Center – This popular event features local musicians and is co-hosted by Charlestown Ensembles.

Trivia Night, Friday, Dec. 4 and Saturday, Dec. 5 from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Family Activities Park

Movie Night – Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love, Sunday, Dec. 6, 6 p.m. at the Arts & Enrichment Center

Movie Night + Cousin Eddie Costume Contest – Christmas Vacation, Saturday, Dec. 12, 6:30 p.m. at the Family Activities Park /The Depot

Music at The Depot – The Marshall Sanborn Band, Sunday, Dec. 13, 7 - 9 p.m. at the FAP/The Depot

DJ Blue Suede + Free Photo 360 Booth, Sunday, Dec. 20, 6 - 9 p.m. at the Family Activities Park /The Depot

What are the Paid Activities & Events at Charlestown Christmas City?

Paid Activities

Charlestown Express Train – This is the most popular activity. Riders load and unload at the Family Activities Park. Tickets are $8/person. Peak days are Friday and Saturday. Tickets are sold in person on the day of, and sales begin at 5:45 p.m. Tickets are sold by time slot. Rides last 10 – 12 minutes and depart every 20 minutes. It’s an open-air train, so if it’s a cold night, bring a blanket! Pro Tip: If you need to ride at a specific time, have someone arrive when the box office opens to purchase tickets for your group’s preferred time. Then you can all return at your preferred time.

Mini Golf – 18-hole course at the Family Activities Park with plenty of lights and holiday decor. Great way to compete with friends while waiting for the train! $5/person.

Trolley Hop – $12 per person, per night. Tickets can be reserved online. Park in one spot (we suggest Greenway Park or Family Activities Park). The Trolley will take you to the Family Activities Park, Greenway Park and City Square. Ticket includes unlimited trips!

Paid Events

Charlestown Paints – Holiday Ornament, Sunday, Nov. 15 from 3 - 5 p.m. at the Arts & Enrichment Center. $35/person. Register here.

Pajamas and Pancakes! Flying Pancakes with Chris Cakes, Saturday, Nov. 21, 8 - 11 a.m. at the Arts & Enrichment Center. $10 for adults; $5 for children Register here.

Candle Making Class with 1808 Candle Company, Friday, Dec. 11, 7 p.m. at the Arts & Enrichment Center. Register here.

What’s New This Year?

The Commons is the city’s newest public space. There, you’ll find a 40-foot-long sleigh and reindeer display along with three large Christmas trees. This year’s decor will be an elegant “Blue Christmas” theme.

“Christmas Vacation” fans can get into the spirit at the Cousin Eddie costume contest on Saturday, Dec. 12. Contestants can dress as any character from the movie – Eddie, Clark, Ellen or bring the whole Griswold family! Watch the movie and take pictures with your crew in front of a camper -  the perfect backdrop!

What Should I Know Before I Go?

Rain or Shine Policy

Lights are on 24/7. If there is heavy rain, the Charlestown Express Train could be canceled. Updates will be posted on the Charlestown Christmas City Facebook page.

Parking

There is plenty of parking around City Square. The handicap-only lot for Greenway Park is located off Market Street. At the Family Activities Park, overflow parking is across the street at Charlestown High School. Greenway Park has additional parking at the Doc Werner Dog Park. Other than that, street parking is available. On busy nights (Thursdays through Sundays), Charlestown Police are stationed at Main/Market Street to help direct traffic and visitors.

Food Options

There are two concession areas – Family Activities Park and Greenway Park – both open Thursdays through Sundays from 6 – 10 p.m. Food includes typical concession fare like hot chocolate, hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, candy and drinks.

City Square restaurants include Copper Kettle (family, diner style); Charlestown Pizza Company (reservations recommended for Fridays & Saturdays); Charlestown Coffee & Cream.

Along the Route – Lebrang Food Mart (a hidden but delicious Indian food spot!); King Donuts (open until 7); China Buffet; 1894 Lodge is just up the road in New Washington. Other than that, you’ll find chain restaurants like Jersey Mikes, Subway, Papa Johns, Taco Bell and McDonald’s.

Restrooms

There are restrooms at Greenway Park and the Family Activities Park. Portable restrooms are at the City Square. There are additional portable restrooms at Greenway Park near the basketball courts.

Seating

Each park has picnic tables except City Square. At City Square, you can also sit in your car and view/listen to the show. The Commons features picnic tables and modern park seating. The Family Activities Park has tables and chairs throughout, including inside the warm party/activity room.

Photography

There are no fees to shoot. Our suggestions include Greenway Park (covered bridges, park setting, large trees, bright white lights, mural backdrops and a gazebo) and The Commons. Bring your own camera for character meet-and-greets. Charlestown staff can assist and take photos if requested.

Pet Policy

Pets are allowed in the parks on a leash with the exception of the Family Activities Park (no pets allowed except service animals).

Payment Options

Cash and credit cards are accepted for concessions and activities. Most paid events are prepaid through the CharlestownParks.com website. Train tickets are sold day of, in person.

Where Can I Stay Near Charlestown Christmas City?

Visit SoIN for a holiday weekend getaway! Nearby hotels include the Red Roof Inn, Hilton Garden Inn and Fairfield. View more places to stay here.

Additional Tips

• If you plan to visit Thursday or Sunday, don’t stress over a train ticket. These are slower nights (except for the final weekend).
• If you plan to visit Friday or Saturday, get there around 5:45 - 6 p.m. Start at the Family Activities Park to purchase your Charlestown Express Train ticket.
• If you want to see The Grinch, it’s usually a long line (30 – 60 minutes). Like Disney, either go first thing, or join the line around 8:30 – 9:30 p.m.
• While waiting to visit characters, shop the vendors at the Winter Holiday Market. They are all local, handmade, small businesses in the community/region!
• The light show at City Square is good at any time. Walk around the square for the show, but also step back and watch from a distance. It makes a huge difference with depth of field!
• When visiting Greenway Park/City Square/The Commons, park in one spot and walk. It’ll keep you warm, too! Traffic can get busy, but police help with pedestrian/traffic flow.
• A must is hot chocolate from Greenway Park or the Family Activities Park.
• Mini golf is good for killing time waiting for the train or if you need to keep the body moving on a colder night.
• Be prepared for the kids to want to run and play. There are open spaces at the parks and lit playgrounds. The Depot (part of the Family Activities Park) has an outdoor TV, coffee bar, fire pits and games where adults/teens tend to hang out.

What Other Holiday Activities Can I Do in SoIN?

Looking for more holiday fun? Check out our Holiday Fun page for all things holly and jolly!