Sights and Sounds of Christmas
Visitors embark on a guided walking tour visiting seven historic downtown churches, led along luminaria-lined streets by lamplighters dressed in period costumes. Each church stop features a musical performance celebrating the season. The tour concludes with groups reuniting at the final church for a musical presentation and a cookie reception.
What to Expect
Guided musical walking tour through historic downtown churches.
Event Details
Ages
Children under 12 free
Neighborhood
Historic Downtown Newark
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Sights and Sounds of Christmas
Food & Drink
A cookie reception is offered at the final church.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and visitors who enjoy music and historic churches
Vibe
Festive and historic
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $5.00; free for children under 12 years of age. $5.00 is the suggested donation. – Get tickets
- Hours: 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
- Parking: Parking is available in the church lots near the end of the tour (St. Paul’s Lutheran, First United Methodist, and St. Francis de Sales Catholic). You may park in one of these lots and walk to the tour start, or you may catch a shuttle bus in the parking lot near the intersection of Fifth and Granville Streets. The shuttle bus service runs from 5:00 p.m. until 5:45 p.m.
- Accessibility: All tour locations are ADA accessible, and visitors can call 740-258-3524 before the tour for assistance.
Tips & Advice
- Carry a flashlight for walking the downtown streets between churches, and follow your lamplighter's lead, since that is what attendees are asked to do.
- Park in a church lot near the end of the tour and walk to the start, or catch the shuttle, which runs only before the tour begins.
- Hold on to your ticket, because it assigns your Red or Green tour group and doubles as your program for the stops and performances.
- If you need assistance, call 740-258-3524 before the night of the tour so help can be arranged.
- Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes for an evening on foot between seven downtown churches in early December.
Special Events & Promotions
- Children under 12 attend free.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the tour work?
Everyone starts with a performance at Second Presbyterian and then splits into a Red group and a Green group, as shown on your ticket. Costumed lamplighters lead each group along luminaria-lined streets to five more churches for music. Both groups meet again at St. Francis De Sales Catholic for a final performance and a cookie reception.
Where should I park?
Park in the church lots near the end of the tour: St. Paul's Lutheran, First United Methodist or St. Francis de Sales Catholic. Then walk to the start, or take the shuttle from the lot near Fifth and Granville Streets.
Where can I get tickets?
Before the event, tickets are sold at Explore Licking County, the Licking County Chamber of Commerce and all seven featured churches. On the night, buy them at the shuttle pick-up lot or at Second Presbyterian.
Is the tour accessible?
All locations are ADA accessible. If you need help, call 740-258-3524 before the tour.
Is it suitable for kids?
Yes. The walk is paced so all ages can come along, and children under 12 get in free.
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