THOMASTON — Thomaston Main Street presents the 2nd Annual Downtown Christmas Festival, a day of joy and merriment for all ages on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festivities will be centered around Watts Hall (174 Main St), but the holiday spirit will radiate throughout downtown Thomaston.

The festival, a collaborative effort by volunteers and sponsors, promises an array of activities catering to families, individuals, and everyone in between. The heart of the celebration lies in the Holiday Market at Watts Hall, showcasing the talents of local makers, authors, and artists, alongside live holiday music to serenade visitors throughout the day.

Embracing the spirit of giving, a Gift Wrapping Fundraiser will benefit Pope Memorial Humane Society, offering attendees a chance to have their gifts beautifully wrapped while supporting a noble cause. Additionally, a special Letters to Santa station and a Cookies & Hot Cocoa Bar will spread holiday cheer at Watts Hall.

Visitors are invited to embark on an adventure with Santa's Reindeer Scavenger Hunt, an exploration of downtown businesses in search of nine hidden reindeer. Upon completion of the scavenger hunt, participants can enter to win gift cards to their favorite Thomaston businesses.

Another highlight of the event is the "Do You Want to Build a Snowman" contest, encouraging creativity and winter fun. Entries from various categories – Business, Non-Profit/Club/School, and Individual/Family – will be displayed throughout downtown for public viewing and voting, with a prize going to the winner in each category.

"We're excited to welcome everyone to this magical celebration of the holiday season," said Kendray Rodriguez, Thomaston's Community & Economic Development Coordinator, in a news release. "It's a testament to the dedication of our volunteers, the support of our sponsors, and the vibrant spirit of our community."

The festival, open to all ages, includes a Storytelling Corner with the Thomaston Public Library, an Ugly Sweater/Festive Outfit Contest with exciting prizes, and the timeless tradition of decorating the town Christmas tree on the Mall, culminating in a magical tree lighting ceremony with Santa's appearance at 3:30 p.m. To add to the festive atmosphere, a number of businesses have curated special events to enhance the festive spirit, including Holiday Open Houses, DIY activities, sales, and artistic performances. 

Acknowledging the collaborative efforts of volunteers, 200 ornament making kits were thoughtfully assembled to inspire creativity. These kits are designed for families and individuals to craft their own unique ornaments, intending to create a collective display adorning the town Christmas tree during the festival. Of the total kits, 155 have already found their way to Thomaston Grammar School students, while the remaining kits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Thomaston Town Office (13 Valley St) and Thomaston Public Library (60 Main St). Participating attendees are encouraged to bring their handmade ornaments back to the festival to contribute to the town's festive decorations.

The 2nd Annual Thomaston Downtown Christmas Festival is made possible by the generous support of event sponsors: Coastal Mountain Chiropractic, FlipSide Coffee, The Dance n' Art Studio, Joy Well Therapy, Reny's, Watts Hall Community Arts, and the Thomaston Community & Economic Development Committee.

For more information about volunteer opportunities, the "Do You Want to Build a Snowman" contest, and a full schedule of festival events and business activities, visit https://www.facebook.com/ThomastonMainStreet.

“Join us in creating cherished memories and embracing the holiday spirit at the 2nd Annual Thomaston Downtown Christmas Festival,” said the Thomaston Community & Economic Development Committee.

About Thomaston Main Street: Thomaston Main Street is dedicated to fostering community engagement and preserving the vibrant essence of downtown Thomaston through collaborative initiatives, events, and economic development efforts.