City of Charleston announces Christmas parade, holiday event schedules

Holiday revelers enjoy downtown Charleston in 2021. City leaders said the 2024 tree lighting ceremony will take place Nov. 29.Photo byCity of Charleston

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The calendar may show August, but the city of Charleston is looking ahead to the fall and winter holiday seasons.

City officials recently announced three upcoming events for October, November and December.

"Mark your calendars for a fa-BOO-lous Trick or Treat, a dazzling tree lighting to kick off the holiday shopping season, and a Christmas Parade that's sure to sleigh," officials said in a social media post announcing the events.

The city of Charleston released information about three upcoming holiday events.Photo byCity of Charleston

On Thursday, Oct. 31, Charleston will host a city-wide Trick or Treat from 6-8 p.m. That date and time runs concurrently with county-wide Trick or Treat, announced earlier this month by the county commission.

On Friday, Nov. 29 -- one day after the Thanksgiving holiday -- the city will hold its holiday tree lighting ceremony at City Center at Slack Plaza. The ceremony will coincide with downtown's annual Holly Jolly Brawley event.

Finally, on Thursday, Dec. 5, the city's annual Christmas Parade will begin at 7 p.m. The parade lineup will start at 5 p.m.

Officials previously announced that the popular Light the Night holiday display would take place from Friday, Nov. 15, 2024 through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025 at Go Mart Ballpark on the city's East End. The light festival features nearly 2.5 million lights, organizers say. It also includes holiday music, childrens activities, an ice skating rink, a Ferris wheel and more.

More information on city-sponsored holiday events can be found on Facebook or the municipality's website.