For Immediate Release: 11/20/2023
Contact Person: Ligia Madeira 508-821-1000
O’CONNELL INVITES COMMUNITY TO JOIN IN UPCOMING CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES
Taunton, MA . . . Today Mayor Shaunna O’Connell shared information regarding upcoming Christmas events in Taunton, including the annual Lights On Festival and Christmas Parade.
“We are always excited to see the decorations go up as the Christmas City prepares for the holiday season, but this year is even more special as we celebrate our 110th Lighting of the Green. Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year as we focus on family, faith, peace and joy,” said O’Connell.
110th Lights On Festival: Saturday, December 2, 2023, 3pm-8pm (Opening Ceremony 4:30pm)
Christmas Parade: Sunday, December 3, 2023, 12pm, Starts on Broadway, ends at City Hall
AJ Marshall, Parks & Recreation Commissioner, leads the extensive Christmas decorating that earned Taunton the distinction of being one of "10 Best Small Towns to Visit at Christmas in the U.S." “Our team takes Christmas very seriously. Each year we want to make sure we put on the best display possible. It takes a lot of brainstorming, creativity and physical labor, but we give it our all every year,” said Marshall.
Lights On Buttons:
Required for indoor activities and some outdoor activities such as hayrides. Buttons cost $5 and are not required for children 12 and under. Currently available for sale at:
- Mayor’s Office at City Hall (15 Summer Street)
- Applause Academy (for students and their families)
- Bristol County Savings Bank (35 Broadway)
- Parks & Recreation Office (170 Harris Street)
- Taunton Federal Credit Union (14 Church Green)
- Taunton Public Library (12 Pleasant Street)
- Trucchi’s (53 Tremont Street & 534 County Street)
- Tux Towne (40 Main Street).
In addition, buttons will be on sale at various locations during the Festival as well. For further information, please visit the Lights On website: https://www.lightsonfestival.org/
Lights On Ornaments:
- Cost $20; available for sale in Mayor’s Office and Parks & Recreation (170 Harris St.)
8th Annual Christmas Basket Raffle:
- Come see the amazing raffle baskets crafted and donated by City employees!
- Currently on display & tickets for sale on 2nd floor (front entrance) of City Hall
- Chances are 10 tickets/$10 or 24 tickets/$20
- Winners will be drawn prior to the City Council meeting on Tuesday, December 5, 2023
4th Annual Gingerbread House Decorating Contest:
- Starts Monday, December 4th and closes Monday, December 18th
- Submit photos to gingerbread@taunton-ma.gov (no professional entries)
- Photo entries will be shared on City of Taunton Facebook page
- Winners (adult and child categories) will be announced on Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Downtown Holiday Window Decorating Contest:
- Voting begins Monday, December 4th and ends Friday, December 15th
- Residents vote for their favorite decorated windows on Downtown Taunton Foundation Facebook page
- Winners will be announced on December 17, 2023
Colleen Simmons, Executive Director of the Downtown Taunton Foundation, works closely with the Mayor’s Office and Parks & Recreation to prepare the Downtown area for the Lights On festivities. “We are excited to welcome families to the Downtown area for Lights On and throughout the holiday season. Stop by, do some shopping, have some fun and grab a bite to eat! The Downtown area is particularly beautiful and festive this time of year,” said Simmons.
Local businesses, community organizations, private individuals and City employees work together to make Christmas a special time for City residents. Mayor O’Connell is grateful for the sponsors and volunteers who generously donate time and money in support of the City’s holiday events.
2023 Lights On Sponsors:
Premier Sponsors: Bristol County Savings Bank & Morton Hospital
Silver Bells Sponsors: Cambridge Trust, Veolia & Leader Bank
Jingle Bells Sponsors: Taunton Federal Credit Union, G. Lopes Construction, Tighe & Bond, Taunton Development Corporation & Republic Services
Sleigh Bells Sponsors: Trucchi's Supermarkets, Christ Community Church, Eastern Bank, Rockland Trust, & Maynard Roofing
2023 Christmas Parade Sponsors are being sought. Please contact Renee Menard at 508-821-1415 or rmenard@taunton-ma.gov for information on sponsorship opportunities. ###