Here's everything you need to know about the 2023 Licking County Courthouse Lighting
Soon it will begin to look a lot like Christmas in Licking County.
The 75th annual Licking County Courthouse Lighting Ceremony will again take place Friday evening on the Courthouse Square. Hundreds are expected to watch Santa turn on the lights for the first time this holiday season.
After a scaled back display in 2022 that drew mixed reviews because of courthouse construction, decorations on the courthouse lawn and on the lower level of the building are set to return this year.
Here's what you need to know before the Licking County tradition on Friday.
When does the ceremony start?
The festivities begin at 6:15 p.m. on the Licking County Courthouse Square, in downtown Newark, according to the Licking County Courthouse Lighting Committee. The annual program will feature a holiday music program and sing-a-long. Local musical artist Barefoot McCoy will perform a holiday favorites. Also featured on stage will be The Heisey Brass, a local quintet directed by Doug Moran, playing a variety of Christmas favorites. The lighting committee will salute the Newark Rodders Car Club for organizing the 2023 Lite the Nite Car Show in September and supporting courthouse lighting.
When will Santa arrive?
The Newark Fire Department will assist with Santa's arrival downtown, which is anticipated just before 7 p.m. He'll extend his best wishes to the community and with the help of the children will magically light the colorful courthouse decorations to officially begin the Christmas season in Licking County.
Immediately following the courthouse lighting, children are invited to visit Santa at the TrueCore Federal Credit Union downtown branch, 18 N. 2nd St.
Where can I park my vehicle?
A large crowd is always expected, so the courthouse lighting committee recommends arriving early to get a parking spot. The County Parking Garage provides free parking on South Second Street.
What activities will be happening before and after the courthouse lighting?
Ahead of the lighting, the Canal Market District will host its annual Christmas Market from 3-6:30 p.m., featuring holiday decorations, market food vendors, crafts and food trucks, according to the committee. The Canal Market District is located just south of the Courthouse Square, between Canal and Market Streets.
Volunteers with Elves in Action, a campaign by the Food Pantry Network of Licking County to stock shelves for the holiday season, will be downtown to kickoff the annual, communitywide fundraiser. Volunteers will be on the west side of the square each evening until Christmas. All food collected will be donated to and distributed by the Licking County Food Pantry Network.
The Vineyard Church of Licking County will be downtown serving free hot chocolate and popcorn. The church will also put on a live nativity scene that Friday evening in the square's southwest corner near the fountain.
I can't make it this year. Is there a way to watch online?
The event will be livestreamed from the Licking County Courthouse Lighting Facebook page.
How long will the lights remain this season?
The Courthouse lights remains lit every evening until Jan. 1.
This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: 75th annual Licking County Courthouse Lighting set for Friday
