Light Up Downtown 2025

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Light Up Downtown 2025

Wednesday, December 3, 2025 (5:30 PM - 8:30 PM) (EST)

Description

Join us as we light up our city with attractions, entertainment, refreshments, sleigh rides, singers, dancers, a visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus, and a spectacular fireworks show. FREE FUN FOR ALL AGES!

Event Highlights

Little Roaming Railroad sponsored by SARTA
Horse/Sleigh Rides (no rides during fireworks) sponsored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame
720 Market Village of Shops at the DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown sponsored by Marathon
Santa & Mrs. Claus sponsored by BellStores
Photo Booth sponsored by Consumers National Bank
Entertainment sponsored by Grifols and United Way of Greater Stark County
Live Reindeer
Nativity Scene sponsored by Liberty HealthShare

Schedule

5:45 p.m. Tree Lighting – Mayor William V. Sherer II lights the city’s Christmas Tree at Central Plaza.
6:00 p.m. Stage Show – at Centennial Plaza.
6:45 p.m. Fireworks sponsored by Ziegler Bold & Parts Co. – Immediately after the stage show. Best viewing from Centennial Plaza.
4:30 - 8:30 p.m. 720 Market Village sponsored by Marathon – at the DoubleTree by Hilton Canton Downtown.
5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Venue Hours – Venues may open at 5:30 or at their discretion.

FAQs

Where can I find parking?

Parking is available at the McKinley High School downtown campus and various on- and off-street locations downtown. The Millennial Parking Deck will be open for a minimal fee. The Cornerstone Parking Deck, 204 Walnut SE will also be open.

When and where are the fireworks?

Immediately following the stage show (approximately 6:45 PM). Great viewing at the Centennial Plaza area.

Is there entertainment after the fireworks?

• 6–7:30 pm — East Canton High School Echoes (DoubleTree by Hilton)
• 7–7:30 pm — EN-RICH-MENT (4th St. N)
• 7:30–8:00 pm — ETC Heid's School of Musical Arts (Centennial Plaza)
• 7:30–8:00 pm — Canton Elite Silver Stars (DoubleTree by Hilton)

Where can I get a map of venues and entertainment?

Visit the Information Tent at the corner of 3rd & Market N. Staff can provide maps and answer questions.

Photos with Santa

After the fireworks, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on Centennial Plaza—don’t forget your cameras. Additional photo opportunities at the DoubleTree Hilton Canton Downtown.

Where can I buy souvenirs?

Official souvenirs are available at the white tent in front of the Canton Chamber office on Market Ave., between 2nd and 3rd Streets North.

Where are the restrooms?

Centennial Plaza restrooms: 4th St. N, behind Jerzee’s. Portable restrooms at: 5th & Market S (across from the Repository), 3rd & Market N, and 5th & Market N.

“Spread the Warmth” Donation Drop-off Locations

Canton City Public Health
420 Market Ave N
Canton Fire Department
110 7th St SW
Canton, OH 44702
Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce
222 Market Ave N
Canton, OH 44702
Cantonology
306 4th St. NW
Canton, OH 44702
Carpe Diem
215 Market Ave N
Center Ice Sports Complex
8319 Port Jackson Ave NW
North Canton 44702
Crystal Clinic
4466 Fulton Dr NW
SALVATION ARMY
420 Market Ave S
SHILOH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
700 Market Ave S
Stark County Safety Council
Stark Library
The Old Nationwide bldg.
Visit Canton
401 Market Ave N
Canton 44702
Mike's Pizza
328 Walnut Ave NE

“Spread the Warmth” clothing distribution

Distributed by the Canton Fire Department near WHBC, 500 Market Ave. S.

Which businesses have refreshments or make-and-take crafts?

Participation varies by business. Many venues are participating—walk the district and explore!

How far north and south does the event go?

TBD.

Where are the sleigh rides?

4th St. & Market Ave. S, beginning at 5:30 PM. No rides during fireworks.

Where is the Little Roaming Railroad?

Central Plaza North/2nd St.

Where are the live reindeer?

Central Plaza North, near the summer fountains.

Where is the Little Roaming Railroad?

TBD.

Where is the 720 Village of Shops (presented by Marathon)?

DoubleTree by Hilton Canton Downtown, 4:30–8:30 PM.

Is food being sold tonight?

Local restaurants will be open. A food-truck location is TBD.

Street closings & parking info

Road Closures – Wednesday, December 3

Beginning at 3:00 PM (till conclusion of event)

Market Avenue from Tuscarawas Street to 5th Street North
3rd, 4th and 5th Streets North from Court to Piedmont

Beginning at 4:00 PM (till conclusion of event)

Market Avenue from Tuscarawas to 6th Street South
2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Streets South from Court to Piedmont

TUSC WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL 5:30 PM

Beginning at 5:30 PM (till conclusion of event)

Tuscarawas Street from Piedmont to Cleveland Avenue

Meter Bagging – Wednesday, December 3 (by 10:00 AM)

Meters will be bagged in the following areas:

Market Avenue North: 2nd N to 5th St North
2nd Street North: Piedmont NE to Cleveland N
3rd Street North: Market Ave N to Cleveland N
Market Avenue South: 4th S to 5th St South
4th Street North: Piedmont NE to Court Ave NW
Cleveland Ave North: 2nd St NW to 4th St NW

Parking

Parking is available on-street (with the exception of Market Avenue) and in the following parking lots and decks (for a nominal fee):

Former Timken High School parking lot
Stark County District Library lot
City Centre Parking Deck at 120 Cleveland Avenue South; enter off of West Tuscarawas
Millennium Center Parking Deck; enter off of Walnut and 2nd Street NE
Cornerstone Parking Deck, 204 Walnut SE

Sponsorship opportunities are available! Contact Melinda for more information.

Gold Sponsors: