The twelfth annual Christmas Festival of Lights will kick off with the Lighting Ceremony, which will be held on Saturday. at the amphitheater at Central Hampshire Park in Augusta. The festival will run through January 1 and will be open daily from 5:30 until 10 p.m. free of charge.

We will serve coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies free of charge to all who attend the Lighting Ceremony, and Santa will be there to greet the kids of all ages. Kids are encouraged to bring an ornament to help decorate the Christmas Tree. The highlight of the Lighting Ceremony will come at 5:30 when we light the giant Christmas tree in the field above the amphitheater.

Through the generosity of the Hampshire County Commission, the HCP&R Board, and many businesses and individuals throughout the area, the festival has exploded over the past decade. We have grown from 24 light displays in 2013 to 250 displays this year. New features for 2024 include a Yeti Santa Claus (if you can find it.)

When you enter the park, simply tune your car or truck radio to 106.5 FM and then watch our musical display flash to the beat of some of your favorite Christmas tunes, which will be playing through your radio. Mark your calendars so you don’t miss this special Christmas tradition.