Winter in Downtown 2026
Schedule is tentative and subject to change
Saturday, November 28th | All Day
Hosted by the Downtown Mount Vernon Merchants
Shop Small Saturday
Every great holiday movie has a little shopping magic! Shop Small Saturday is your chance to support downtown Mount Vernon's local businesses, find the perfect gifts, and keep your holiday shopping story close to home. More details on participating locations and hours coming soon! Experience Mount Vernon is proud to be an Official Small Business Neighborhood Champion
It's time for the grand premiere of the holiday season! Join us on Public Square for the annual lighting, sponsored by Ariel Corporation, as downtown Mount Vernon transforms into a festive holiday movie scene. Enjoy seasonal activities and watch the magic come to life as we officially kick off the holidays downtown!
Monday, November 30th | 5:00-6:00 p.m. Public Square
Sponsored by Ariel Corporation
Lighting of Public Square
Holiday Memories Photo Booth
Step into the spotlight and strike a pose! Join us at the Mount Vernon Grand Hotel for a festive photo booth experience, sponsored by Kidwell, Cunningham, & Abrams. Gather your family and friends, capture a holiday movie-worthy moment, and take home a little Holiday Movie Magic of your own!
Sunday, December 6th | 3:00-6:00 p.m. Grand Hotel, Lower Lobby
Sponsored by Kidwell, Cunningham, & Abrams
Sunday, December 6th | 5:00 p.m. Downtown Mount Vernon
Sponsored by Burrata Woodfired
Annual Holiday Parade
Roll out the red carpet for one of downtown's favorite holiday traditions! Sponsored by Burrata Woodfired, the Annual Holiday Parade brings festive floats, holiday cheer, and plenty of movie-worthy moments to downtown Mount Vernon. Registration will open soon. Following the parade, head to the Mount Vernon Grand Hotel for Pictures with Santa! FLOAT REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE NOVEMBER 22nd
Pictures with Santa
Every holiday movie needs a little face time with the big guy! Make a memory worthy of the silver screen with a visit and photo with Santa at the Mount Vernon Grand Hotel. Bring the family, share your holiday wishes, and capture a little Christmas movie magic of your own!
Sunday, December 6th | 5:45-7:15 p.m. Saturday, December 12th | 1:30-2:00 p.m.
Mount Vernon Grand Hotel, lwr. lvl. Sponsored by Mount Vernon Grand
7th Annual Festival of Lights
December 12-15th
Sponsored by Knox Community Hospital
Cue the twinkling lights! The 7th Annual Festival of Lights Holiday Lighting Competition returns to illuminate the season with dazzling displays and festive decorations. Take in the holiday magic throughout the community and discover homes and displays worthy of their own holiday movie moment. Registration will open soon, so stay tuned for more details!