From town tree lightings to holiday markets, Arlington has it all. Whether you’ve lived here your entire life, visiting, or just moved here there’s something for everyone.
Every holiday season the Arlington community gets together to make the town feel magical. During the ‘ber’ months there are farmers markets in September, the Halloween market in October, Tree lighting and small business Saturday on Thanksgiving weekend, and the Santa parade to kick off the Christmas season.
“I think the downtown atmosphere was lively. There was a lot of people there. The streets were so decorated and everyone was really festive. There’s so many opportunities to take pictures and rest more and just hang out with all your friends and have a great time,” Sophia Spelman (‘27) said.
Not only are you meeting new people, but you can also get your holiday shopping done, and locally. Supporting small businesses is a big motto in Arlington and helps keep this “hallmark” feel alive. Walking the streets you’ll see Christmas decorations in the windows of shops and have the options to buy homemade crafts, food, and more.
“We’re lucky to be such a tight knit community and really highlight our small businesses. Which is super important right now because the economy is not great and there’s a lot of businesses that are having to close. And so when we can kind of come together and really put a spotlight on rather than big business, really get back to what Christmas should be about. And it should be about supporting your local community,” Tina Richardson (Mrs Claus) said.
But it isn’t just about celebrating Christmas, It’s about the small conversations between two strangers, or connecting with small businesses and finding hidden gems that you may have never seen inside before. It’s a time to come together with family and friends and roast smores along the streets or take photos with The Grinch and Jack Frost. It’s being able to come together and support each other during the season of giving.
“It just builds great community characters with each other, and that we can just learn from like experiences of others and just gain important knowledge […] I think town members by getting these businesses to like [to] build awareness for others, and they can just build together as one town” Sawyer Whitemarsh (‘28).
But it doesn’t just end with the tree lighting, there’s still the holiday market and Santa Parade on December 6th. The Santa parade starts at noon, but be sure to get there before to save seats. Not only does the parade happen, but there’s a festive sweater contest, a santa breakfast, wagon rides and more.
“I get on the wagon with Andrews Hay and with Santa. I meet up with Santa and then we ride through the parade route to the gazebo at Legion Park. And then I go to the gazebo or actually first I go on stage again. And we announce our arrival and where we’re going to be and sing some songs. And then we go over to the gazebo and then we’re there until three o’clock with all the kids and the families that line up to get photos,” Richardson said.
