Light Up Downtown 2026
Wednesday, December 2, 2026 (5:30 PM - 8:30 PM) (EST)
Description
Event Highlights
- Little Roaming Railroad sponsored by SARTA
- Carriage Rides (no rides during fireworks) sponsored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame
- Merry Marathon Market at the DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown sponsored by Marathon
- Santa & Mrs. Claus sponsored by BellStores
- Photo Booth sponsored by Consumers National Bank
- Entertainment
- Live Reindeer sponsored by Huntington
- Nativity Scene
Schedule
- 5:45 p.m. Tree Lighting sponsored by QuickFlow Plumbing – Mayor William V. Sherer II lights the city’s Christmas Tree at Centennial Plaza
- 6:00 p.m. Stage Show – at Centennial Plaza.
- 6:45 p.m. Fireworks sponsored by Ziegler Bolt & Nut House – Immediately after the stage show. Best viewing from Centennial Plaza.
- 4:30 - 8:30 p.m. 720 Village of Shops presented by Marathon – at the DoubleTree by Hilton Canton Downtown.
- 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Venue Hours – Venues may open at or at their discretion.
Donate items for Spread the Warmth!
- We are collecting NEW hats, gloves, mittens, scarves & socks (see drop-off locations in FAQ below). These items will be distributed to our community at Light Up Downtown on Dec. 2!
Canton City Schools: Light Up Downtown
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 — McKinley Singers
• Live Nativity at Salvation Army
• Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church - entertainment
• Grapes in a Glass - Live musician
• 7–7:30 pm — EN-RICH-MENT (4th St. N)
• 7:30–8:00 pm — McKinley Singers
• Live Nativity at Salvation Army
• Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church - entertainment
• Grapes in a Glass - Live musician
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. CLICK HERE to view the map.
Photos with Santa
After the fireworks, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in 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.
• DoubleTree Hilton Canton Downtown.
“Spread the Warmth” Donation Drop-off Locations
- Canton City Public Health
420 Market Ave N
Canton, OH 44702 - 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
Canton, OH 44702 - Center Ice Sports Complex
8319 Port Jackson Ave NW
North Canton 44702 - Crystal Clinic
4466 Fulton Dr NW
Canton, OH - DeVille Apartments
4811 Whipple Ave NW #101
Canton, OH - Living Water Church
1135 Lincoln Way E
Massillon, OH - Quaker Steak & Lube
6073 Dressler Rd NW
North Canton, OH - Salvation Army
420 Market Ave S
Canton, OH - Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church
700 Market Ave S,
Canton, OH - Stark County Safety Council
222 Market Ave N
Canton, OH - Stark Library
“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?
The event runs from 5th St, North to Shiloh Baptist, 7th St., South
Where are the carriage rides?
4th St. & Market Ave. S, beginning at 5:30 PM. No rides during fireworks.
Where is the Little Roaming Railroad?
5th St. N/Market Ave N
Adults and kids can ride also
Where are the live reindeer?
Central Plaza North, near the summer fountains.
Where is the Merry Marathon Market (presented by Marathon)?
DoubleTree by Hilton Canton Downtown, 4:30–8:30 PM.
Is food being sold tonight?
Local restaurants will be open. Food trucks will be at Central Plaza North
Street closings & parking info
Road Closures – Wednesday, December 2
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
- 6th St N will remain open
Beginning at 4:00 PM (till conclusion of event)
- Market Avenue from Tuscarawas to 7th Street South
- 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Streets South from Court to Piedmont
TUSC WILL REMAIN OPEN
Meter Bagging – Wednesday, December 2 (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: Walnut Ave N to Cleveland N
- Market Avenue South: 4th South to 5th St South
- 4th Street North: Walnut 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
- 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 (2 way traffic)
- Cornerstone Parking Deck, 204 Walnut SE
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Sponsorship Opportunities
Presenting Sponsor – $10,000 (Exclusive)
- Logo on all promotional materials and signage including the stage, the kids tote bag, event map, event posters distributed to area schools, and Spread the Warmth collection boxes
- Recognition in press releases, social media, and stage announcements
- Premier on-site table placement
$5,000 Sponsors
- Fireworks Sponsor (Limit 2)
- Sleigh Ride Sponsor (Limit 2)
$2,500 Sponsors
- Reindeer Sponsors (2)
- Santa Sponsor (1)
- Train Ride (1) - SOLD
- Event Map Sponsor (1)
- Lighting of the Tree Sponsor (2) - 1 - SOLD
- Kids Tote Bag Sponsor (1)
- Stage Sponsors (2)
- Spread the Warmth Sponsors (2)
$1,000 Sponsors
- Photo Booth (1) - SOLD
- Entertainment Sponsors (5 total)
$500 Sponsors
- Event Sponsor
All Sponsors Receive:
- Option to set up a table at the event (must provide own setup)
- Logo on display in Centennial Plaza
- Logo inclusion on event website and printed materials
- Opportunity to reach thousands of attendees and be part of a beloved community tradition
Sponsorship Opportunities are available. Sign up online or contact Melinda Kapalko, VP of Development and Partnership Relations at (440) 855-9097 for details.
Centennial Plaza & Downtown Canton
100 Market Ave N
Canton, OH 44702 United States
100 Market Ave N
Canton, OH 44702 United States
Wednesday, December 2, 2026 (5:30 PM - 8:30 PM)
(EST)
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