Photo by Sean Bagshaw/Outdoor Exposure Photography

The Festival of Light, a community event put on by the Chamber, begins each year the day after Thanksgiving to kick off the holiday season. There is entertainment on the Plaza, followed by Santa’s Parade at 5:00 pm and a Grand Illumination with a countdown led by Santa and Mrs. Claus who officially turn on over one million lights all over downtown. Childlike wonder at the magic of the town takes over as you view the lights, the decorations and the beautiful storefront windows. Feast on delightful cuisine at one of Ashland’s amazing restaurants, catch a festive music or theater performance, and glide on the ice at Ashland’s outdoor ice-skating rink or ski down the runs at nearby Mt. Ashland.

The warmth and friendliness experienced at community events underscores Ashland’s small town values and gives you a chance to run into friends and neighbors celebrating community spirit.