Our festivities began on Friday, November 28, the day after Thanksgiving. The fun started at 12 noon when Santa Claus visited the Marketplace and kicked off our eighth annual Holiday Parade. Santa was taking a break from his North Pole activities and arrived on the Marketplace in a Green Mountain Miniature Horses carriage. The Holiday Parade started in front of City Hall and concluded at the entrance to Burlington Town Center. Children and families followed Santa into Burlington Town Center (to the fireplace on the ground floor) where he spent time throughout the day and evening hearing holiday gift requests. Out on the Marketplace, on the Top Block, many enjoyed free Miniature Horse cart rides courtesy of FairPoint Communications.

Friday evening, November 28, we presented our annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony and Street Lighting. At 5:30 p.m. SHARP thousands joined us for "The Night Before Christmas," performed by Open Stage Theater Company on the Top Block. With host, Ginny McGehee, and a cast of 15, the classic holiday story brightened the eyes of children and gladdened the hearts of young and old alike. Carolers were on the Marketplace prior to the show and all were invited to sing along. The show culminated with the illumination of more than 150,000 lights on Church Street, a cherished tradition. Official lighting was 6:00 p.m. SHARP! The event was carried live on Newschannel 5. All holiday festivities on The Church Street Marketplace were brought to you through the generosity of FairPoint Communications.

For pictures of the event, click here.