An annual tradition will once again take over the streets of downtown Mt. Pleasant this holiday season.
For the 26th straight year, the Mt. Pleasant Christmas Celebration will draw thousands of community members to the city streets. The two-day event, scheduled for Friday, Dec. 6, and Saturday, Dec. 7, features activities that include the traditional tree lighting ceremony, the popular Jingle-All-The-Way 5K and 5 Mile Run, and much more.
It’s an opportunity for the city to celebrate community and showcase its festive downtown all at once.
"Downtown is the center of Mt. Pleasant and our community. When you think about coming together, downtown is the ideal location to do that. The shopping district is walkable. And when you think about all of those shops, it’s your neighbors that own and run those businesses. To be able to support your neighbors is a double bonus," says Carol Moody, recreation coordinator for the city.
"Having the parade downtown highlights the treasure we have right in our own neighborhood."
The festivities kick off with hayrides and access to Santa’s House beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday night. A community Christmas sing-a-long begins at 6 p.m. and culminates with the annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony at 7 p.m.
The Jingle-All-The-Way 5K and 5 Mile Run starts at 8 a.m. on Saturday morning, with Moody predicting a few thousand spectators and participants, combined. A pancake breakfast with Santa is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon. Children’s activities are scheduled from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Hayrides run from 5 to 8 p.m.
The festival concludes with the Lighted Parade. Beginning at 6 p.m., the parade winds through downtown city streets. Awards will be given for Most Lights, Most Creative/Best Craftmanship, Most Holiday Spirit, and Best in Show.
"The Christmas Celebration continues to grow. We’re hoping for more than 50 entries in the parade this year," Moody says.
"It’s a great opportunity to get outside and be with people, see the lights."
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