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Amherst Holiday Light-Up Event
Amherst kicks off the holiday season with its annual Holiday Light-Up event, illuminating Victoria Square with thousands of festive lights. This cherished tradition includes music, community gathering, and complimentary hot chocolate. Following the light-up, head to First Baptist Church for a carol sing. The festivities continue with the spectacular 'Winter Wonderland' Christmas Parade and the poignant 'Tree for Boston' Send-Off ceremony.
What to Expect
Annual holiday traditions including light-up, parade, and tree send-off.
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: FREE
- Parking: Parade participants should gather in the Town Square Mall parking lot.
- Accessibility: Accessibility tools available on the website include invert colors, monochrome, dark contrast, light contrast, low saturation, high saturation, highlight links, highlight headings, screen reader, read mode, content scaling, font size, line height, and letter spacing.
- Pets: No pets allowed
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, community members
Vibe
Festive, community-oriented, traditional
Energy Level
Low
Budget
FREE
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
High
Special Events & Promotions
- Prizes awarded for parade float categories
- Complimentary hot chocolate at the Light-Up event
- Annual tradition of sending off the tree for Boston
Tags
Website & Socials
Location
Event Details
Duration
Parade starts at 6 p.m.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Amherst
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Town of Amherst
Food & Drink
Free hot chocolate provided at the Light-Up event.
Quick Actions
Tips & Advice
- Arrive early for the parade to secure a good viewing spot along the route, especially on Church Street and Victoria Street.
- Check the Town of Amherst website closer to the date for specific timings and any updates regarding the 2025 Holiday Light-Up and Tree for Boston Send-Off.
- Consider bringing a non-perishable food item to donate if you see any collection points during the parade, as many community groups participate.
- Dress warmly for the evening parade and light-up event, as November in Nova Scotia can be quite cold.
- If you're interested in participating in the parade, submit your application by the November 15, 2025 deadline to be considered for prizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the theme for the 2025 Christmas Parade?
The theme for the 2025 Winter Wonderland Christmas Parade is 'Winter Wonderland'.
Where does the Christmas Parade route go?
The parade starts in the Town Square Mall parking lot, then proceeds left onto Albion Street, left onto Church Street, and right onto Victoria Street before turning into the TD or Dayle's parking lot.
Is there a cost to participate in the parade?
No, there is no fee to register a float for the parade.
When is the deadline to apply for the Christmas Parade?
The deadline for parade applications is November 15, 2025.
What are the hours for Town Hall?
Town Hall is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.
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