Christmastime in Martin is always jam-packed with fun, festive events for everyone in the community.
The Light Up Martin festival on Saturday, Dec. 1, kicked off the holiday celebration with the annual tree lighting ceremony followed by a firework show downtown at the Festival Park.
The Annual Christmas Parade, hosted by the Kiwanis Club, occurred Monday, Dec. 3, traveling from University Street through downtown Martin. Organizations throughout the county, such as the Westview Chargers Marching Band and athletes, participated in this year’s parade, passing out candy to children who lined the sidewalks.
The 34th Annual Santa’s Village will begin Dec. 6-9 and is hosted in the Ned Ray McWherter Agricultural Pavilion. The village will open from 6-9 p.m. on Dec. 6-7; Dec. 8 from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.,; and Dec. 9 from 1-5 p.m. While there is no entrance fee, all visitors are encouraged to donate $5 worth of canned foods or one unopened children’s toy in support of needy families in the community. For more information, contact Rita Janes, city of Martin Parks and Recreation Department, at 731-587-6784.
The 5th Annual Holiday Art Bazaar, hosted by the League of Striving Artists, will open Dec. 6-8 in the Fine Arts Building art gallery. The event will begin Dec. 6, from 7-8 p.m.; Dec. 7 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Dec. 8 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The art bazaar will feature items handcrafted by the Art Department and alumni, including paintings, ornaments, scarves and more. For more information, contact Jason Stout, faculty adviser for the League of Striving Artists, at 731-881-3402 or email jstout@utm.edu.
Trinity Presbyterian Church is hosting their “Messiah” sing-along Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring their own personal score. Dr. Mark Simmons, director of Choral Activities and associate professor of Music at UTM, will conduct the cantata and will be accompanied by Dr. Elaine Harris, professor of Music at UTM. Many UTM professors and students will perform additional holiday selections. For more information, contact Harris at 731-881-7411 or email elaineh@utm.edu.
The traditional Moonlight Breakfast hosted by the faculty and staff during finals week will occur Tuesday, Dec. 11, from 9:30-11 p.m. in the Skyhawk Dining Hall. All registered students who have a student ID can eat for free. For more information, contact Nancy Danielle Jones, Sodexo marketing coordinator, at 731-881-1390.
Discovery Park is hosting their annual “Let it Glow Light Show” drive-through exhibit. The light show began Nov. 24 and will operate through Dec. 30. It is open from 5-9 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday, and will close on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The light show costs $5 per car and $10 per 15-passenger van. For more information, contact Discovery Park of America at 731-885-5455.
The Blessed Pet Shop is hosting pet photos with Santa Claus Saturday, Dec. 15 from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. While the event is free, participants are encouraged to make donations to the Anna Kate Wentz Foundation. For more information, contact Debbie Reynolds at 731-819-5149.
The City of Martin has canceled the carriage rides because of expected inclement weather on Saturday, Dec. 8.
Stay updated with The Pacer’s social media for more information this holiday season.
Captain Skyhawk participates in the annual Christmas parade through downtown Martin Dec. 3. |Photo Credit/Sarah Knapp
