Winter festival Activities
Live Windows begin and Food Trucks open
December 6th @ 4 pm
An interactive delight as you wait for the parade to begin! Grab a bite to eat, get cozy and enjoy the show!
Location: Uptown Mt. Sterling
Light Parade
December 6th @ 5 pm
Experience the magic of the season as dazzling floats and twinkling lights illuminate the night! Join us for a sparkling celebration filled with wonder, music, and holiday cheer. Let the magic of the Winter Festival light up your heart!
Our magical light parade will begin at NW Cross Street and turn East down Main Street to NE Cross and end on East Washington Street. (Same route as Homecoming). Parade entries must register at actionbrowncounty.org/parade
Location: Uptown Mt. Sterling
Tree Lighting
December 6th @ 5:30 pm
Join us at the grand finale of the Light Parade as Santa himself lights our beautiful tree in front of the courthouse! Celebrate the magic of the season with twinkling lights, holiday spirit, and a moment to remember.
Location: in front of courthouse; Uptown Mt. Sterling
visits with santa
December 6th @ 5:30 - 8 pm
Share your holiday wishes and capture the magic! Stop by to visit Santa, take memorable photos, and experience the joy of the season up close. Ho, ho, ho—Santa can’t wait to meet you!
Location: the rink; Uptown Mt. Sterling
Vendors and fundraising
December 6th @ 5 - 8 pm
The Bread Basket
Hen Den Creations
One Knotty Maker
Mistress Ono’s Apothecary
GHI Designs and 3D Prints
Friends of the Mt. Sterling Park District - Basket Raffle
Delta Waterfowl
Gratitude and Grits
Your Local Plant Dealer
Location: american legion; Uptown Mt. Sterling
North Pole Postbox New!
december 6th - 25th
Write your Christmas list in your best handwriting, and one of Santa’s elves will pick them up for him! He wants to respond to our awesome kids this season. [No stamp necessary, please include your return address!]
Location: pocket park; Uptown Mt. Sterling
Christmas Light Walk upgraded!
December 6th - December 31st
Santa’s elves have been hard at work to put on a small light walk with a big impact! It’s so perfect, Santa himself parked his sleigh there.
Location: pocket park; Uptown Mt. Sterling
Christmas Decorating Contest
December 6th - December 25th
Channel your inner Clark Griswold for our Christmas Decorating Contest!
BUSINESS DIVISION
Help bring in the holiday spirit to Brown County with colorful holiday window displays that are sure to bring the spirit of the season. A tradition we hope to continue for years to come.
Open to all Brown County businesses and organizations.
Organizations that may not have access to a storefront window may choose to coordinate sponsorship with a local business that does have a storefront window (ex, booster clubs, school clubs, etc.) We want as many BC groups to be involved as possible.
1st place will receive a traveling trophy to keep until 2025 & bragging rights.
The photo of the business window with the most “likes” by noon on 12/1 will be declared People’s Choice. People’s Choice will also receive a traveling trophy to keep until 2025 & bragging rights.
Rules and Guidelines
NO CHARGE to enter
Windows must be decorated by December 1st and should be on display through Christmas Day
Windows must be lit up each night and until at least 10 pm on December 1st (light timers can be used)
Windows will be judged on wow factor and most creative design
Display must be visible from the street
Displays must be family friendly
There is no official theme this year however, Christmas lights are required.
RESIDENTIAL DIVISION
Decorate your home and help us light up Brown County for the holidays!
Rules and Guidelines
NO CHARGE to enter
Homes must be decorated by December 1st and should be on display through Christmas Day
Judging will occur between December 6th and December 11th. Homes must be lit up each night and until at least 10 pm on these nights (light timers can be used)
Displays will be judged on wow factor and most creative design
Display must be visible from the street
Displays must be family friendly
Location: Uptown mt. sterling and throughout brown county
Additional Character Visits
Additional Santa Night: December 20th @ 6 - 8 PM