Polar Express tree lighting, Christmas cheer open Dec. 6
MADISON – Downtown Madison will have the charm of smalltown Christmas with the official lighting of trees in the 2024 Madison Station Polar Express Christmas on Main on Dec. 6. Other Christmas activities will coincide with Polar Express’ illumination.
“Madison has big plans to celebrate the season this December. The City of Madison, partnering with the Madison Station Historical Preservation Society, announces the 11th annual Polar Express,” event coordinator Debbie Overcash said. More Christmas trees will be exhibited this year, compared to 2023.
On Nov. 25, Madison Parks and Recreation Department will install trees, and the historical society will tag each one. Participants should wait to decorate until receiving notification to start.
On Nov. 26, participants can start to decorate their trees and must finish the decorations by Dec. 6 at noon.
Festivities will start at 5 p.m. on Dec. 6. “Prior to Mayor Paul Finley lighting the trees at 6 p.m., there will be plenty of activities for families to enjoy,” Overcash said.
“Enter the event through Snowflake Alley; Madison Visionary Partners has transformed the walkway into a winter wonderland . . . a great photo opportunity,” Overcash said. “Don’t miss a visit with Santa, who can be found in the oversized Christmas ornament on the east end of Main Street. The City of Madison flew Santa in just for this evening.”
Choral students in Madison City Schools will stroll along Main Street and sing carols. Madison City Community Orchestra will perform Christmas carols to spread the holiday spirit.
Rotary Club of Madison will continue their tradition of providing free hot chocolate and cookies. Rotarians invite everyone to come by and enjoy the treats.
For the Children’s Glow Stick Parade, youngsters are invited to gather on the patio at Main Street’s east end at 5:45 p.m. to march down Main Street with Madison Chamber of Commerce. The chamber also will host Letters to Santa so the children can share their wish list with Santa.
A children’s librarian from Madison Public Library will read “The Polar Express.” Then, the countdown (10, 9, 8 . . . 1), and the 2024 Polar Express will light up Main Street.
Immediately following the tree lighting, Shoppes of Madison and Madison Chamber of Commerce will host the 2024 Madison on Main Wassail Trail. Downtown merchants will be open for business and will serve their special recipes of wassail for all to enjoy.
“The historical society is so pleased to partner with the city and all the great non-profits to bring this special event to the star of our city — Main Street! The trees will remain lit 24 hours a day through Jan. 2, 2025,” Overcash said.
“Our heartfelt thanks to you all who are making our beautiful, historic Main Street in Madison even MORE beautiful during this holiday season,” Overcash said.
Awards for outstanding tree decoration include “Mayor’s Choice”; “Holly Jolly Award” for most holiday inspiration; and “Merry & Bright Award” for an outstanding showstopper. Winners will receive awards on Jan. 9.
