In Greencastle, where the holiday cheer rivals Santa’s own workshop, the community is gearing up for a double dose of festive magic. The 40th Annual Greencastle Christmas Parade, presented by VerStandig Media and Antrim Way Honda, kicks off Saturday, Nov. 22, at precisely 9 a.m., inviting residents to line the streets and catch a glimpse of the jolly old elf himself arriving with his merry band of helpers to ignite the town’s holiday spirit. The festivities begin Friday evening with the Tree Lighting Ceremony at 7 p.m. in Center Square, transforming the heart of Greencastle into a twinkling wonderland under the November sky.
In Chambersburg the 55th Annual Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting will usher in the yuletide frenzy Saturday evening. Sponsored by F&M Trust, the procession starts at 6 p.m. from the King and Main streets intersection, weaving along Main Street through the historic Square to Washington Street, then left onto Second Street before wrapping up just past King. Expect over 80 festive entries—first-responder vehicles, marching bands, walking groups and elaborate floats—culminating in a twinkling tree-lighting ceremony to ignite community spirit and chase away the November chill through 8 p.m.
In Waynesboro the annual tree lighting ceremony will sparkle downtown on Friday, Nov. 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., drawing families for food and drinks available for purchase, children’s activities, horse-drawn carriage rides, a lively performance from “The Nutcracker” ballet and complimentary cookies and cocoa to chase the chill. The merriment marches on with a community parade down Main Street at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, celebrating the season’s joy and neighborhood cheer.
As twinkling lights chase away the November gloom, Downtown Hagerstown ushers in the holiday season with its annual Holiday Market and Tree Lighting on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 2 to 6:30 p.m. The event draws families and shoppers to the bustling streets for early gift hunting amid artisan vendors hawking handmade treasures, giveaways, live music and kid-friendly inflatables like igloo bounce houses, all designed to spark festive joy before the winter rush. At 5 p.m., the centerpiece tree illumination will feature performances by the North Hagerstown High School Brass Ensemble, complimentary hot cocoa from Cannon Coffee and photo ops with Santa inside Create a Candle, transforming the heart of the city into a merry prelude to the holidays.
More than 70 festively adorned trees and wreaths are staging a silent takeover of Chambersburg‘s historic square this Saturday, Nov. 22, courtesy of the Franklin County Visitors Bureau’s seventh annual Festival of Trees. Hosted at the 11/30 Visitors Center—once the 1865 National Bank at 15 South Main Street—the exhibit runs through December 6, inviting locals and visitors to vote on favorites for $1 (four ballots) and bid in a silent auction via phone at 866-646-8060, email to [email protected], or in person, with proceeds benefiting the Cumberland Valley Breast Care Alliance. Amid twinkling lights and a Cumberland Valley Model Railroad Club train display, attendees can adopt Salvation Army Angels, donate essentials to Homeless Matters and Heart for the Holidays, or enter a kids’ coloring contest, all while soaking up carolers, musicians, and Small Business Saturday shopping from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays (closed November 27-28) and varied weekend hours culminating in winners’ announcements at 1:30 p.m. December 6.
Upcoming Tree Lighting…
On Friday, December 5, communities across in Franklin and Washington counties will sparkle with holiday cheer through a trio of festive Christmas tree lighting events. Kicking off at 6 p.m. in the Borough of Mont Alto, the annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony will illuminate the season with joyful gatherings lasting until 9 p.m., organized by local borough officials to bring residents together in winter wonder. Just 30 minutes later at 6:30 p.m. in Boonsboro, the Olde Tyme Christmas Celebration, sponsored by Mayor Tom Long, the Town Council, and the Park Board, will feature a charming holiday parade down Reeder’s Alley and Park Lane culminating in Shafer Park, where Santa arrives by firetruck for treats, apples and chats with children before he and the mayor light the grand town tree amid twinkling lights and luminaries. Wrapping up the evening at 6:45 p.m. in Smithsburg’s Veteran’s Park, the Smithsburg Community Activities Committee hosts a merry lineup including a gazebo tree lighting ceremony, tractor rides, D.J. Rob’s tunes, and more, with adjacent festivities at the Smithsburg Library offering crafts, story time, cookies, and photos with Santa to delight families far and wide.
