MARTIN (November 30) - Christmas has arrived in Martin, Tennessee, and the City of Martin is planning a memorable celebration to kick off the holiday season. This year’s “Light Up Martin” Celebration is on Saturday, December 4, from 4-8 p.m. in Festival Park. The event will kick off at 4 p.m. with free amusement rides and food trucks. Throughout the evening patrons can enjoy creating s’mores treats at
firepit stations, Pope’s Concessions, various amusement rides, live music, Santa’s arrival, Christmas tree lighting, and downtown holiday fireworks display at 6 p.m. All activities are free.
Food Trucks Open: 4-8 p.m., Nanny Jo's - Southern Street Food, Little Korea Food Truck, Mama Mayos, Simply Southern, Niki Lees Concessions.
Popes Amusement Rides and Concessions will be open in Festival Park in Downtown Martin beginning Thursday. Rides are free every night: Thursday, December 2, from 3- 9 p.m.; Friday, December 3 from 3- 9 p.m.; and Saturday, December 4 from 3- 9 p.m.
Additionally, the Martin Public Library will have its inaugural Christmas Open House in its new building on Saturday, December 4. Stop in and enjoy refreshments, music, and free children’s activities from 3- 5 p.m.
Annual Christmas Parade
The annual Martin Christmas Parade will be Monday, December 6, at 7 p.m. The Martin Kiwanis Club parade theme is Christmas in Tennessee. The parade will begin in front of the UT Martin football stadium and continue down University Street through Downtown Martin. Registration is online at: http://www.martinkiwanisclub.org.
Santa’s Village
The 37th annual Santa’s Village is 25,000 square feet of Christmas family fun. This year, Santa’s Village will be held December 9-12. It features a petting farm, Pope’s Rides, MTD model train display, 50-plus arts and crafts vendors, an enchanted forest with 40-plus holiday displays, and of course, Santa Claus. There is no admission fee; however, donations are accepted or $5 worth of nonperishable food or children’s toys. This is a four-day event located inside the Ned McWherter Ag Pavilion, located at 111 Moody Ave.
Polar Express Night
The Polar Express Night is back and making a stop at the Martin Public Library on Saturday, December 18 from 2- 4 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear their coziest pajamas and bring a blanket and pillow to watch The Polar Express movie, make themed crafts, and enjoy cocoa and cookies.
Merry Martin
Merry Martin Prize Drawings are happening again this year throughout the holiday season. Drawings will begin on December 6. Be sure to register while making purchases at businesses throughout Martin.
To see event updates, Santa’s House schedule and other future events follow the City of Martin and the Martin Business Association on Facebook and Instagram or call Martin City Hall at 731-587-3126. Check out the city’s Tourism Information at https://www.cityofmartin.net/visitmartintn/.