Deck the downtown
Holiday season kicks off with Mount Pleasant's annual ‘Christmas Celebration’
Frosty the Snowman leads the way at Mount Pleasant's annual Lighted Christmas Parade on Broadway St. at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, in Downtown Mount Pleasant. (Soli Gordon | CM-Life)
With the holiday season right around the corner and Christmas excitement defrosting, the city of Mount Pleasant and the City Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting activities and events such as cookie decorating and a parade for community members on Friday and Saturday.
According to the Meet Mount Pleasant Christmas Celebration website, the events will begin at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, in the Town Center with a variety of activities such as the Sounds of the Season music and dance, a ribbon cutting and a chance to visit Santa.
Other events involve a walk through the Winter Market with food vendors and crafts, along with Candy Cane Lane filled with children's games and activities. A Laser Light Show will end the night beginning at 8 p.m.
Cassandra Chippeway is the Content and Communications Coordinator at the Mount Pleasant Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
"The event kicks off the holiday season with live music, performance and new laser light show," Chippeway said in an email.
Saturday, Dec. 7, will kickoff with the Jingle All-The-Way 5K, Kids 1-mile Fun Run and 5 Mile Run beginning at 8 a.m. All proceeds of the run will go to Toys for Tots. Race packet pick up and check in will start at 7:15 a.m. All participants will receive a medal upon finishing the race.
Following the run will be a variety of activities, including a Breakfast with Santa from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall, the Make and Take Projects at Art Reach from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and cookie decorating hosted at Max and Emily’s from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Chippeway said the Christmas Celebration is important to the community because it brings people together by highlighting local businesses and encourages family traditions.
"By uniting residents, volunteers and businesses, the event strengthens community connections and creates lasting memories that reflect the spirit of Mount Pleasant," she said.
To finish off the festivities, the Lighted Christmas Parade will begin at 6 p.m., where you can see Santa on his sleigh pulled by Clydesdales. The Rotary Club of Mount Pleasant will serve as the Grand Marshal to honor the 100-year-anniversary of serving the community.
"The Lighted Parade features a variety of illuminated floats made by local businesses and community members," she said. "It's a truly magical experience for people of all ages
She said attendees should wear warm clothing and blankets for the cold weather, a bag for any candy and giveaways and to wear festive gear to match the holiday spirit.
When asked what she was most excited for, Chippeway said she was thrilled to see the holiday season come to life in the community, more specifically the Town Center Grand Opening.
"This event marks a significant milestone for our community...and I'm proud to be part of the team that helped bring this vision to life," she said. "I can't wait to see the community come together to celebrate!"
