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. Then visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa's Workshop from 6:45 to 8:00pm in the Black Swan Theatre, located on the corner of Pioneer and E. Main.  

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 season is full of fun things to do including FREE Photos with Santa every Saturday through the season, (click on the calendar on Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12 and 19 for more info) and holiday concerts.