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The 2022 holiday season of historic Merry-etta

The 2022 holiday season of historic Merry-etta is one you won’t want to miss.

Join us on the Armory lawn on November 19th to kick off the holiday season with the tree lighting ceremony. At 6pm, we will light up the whole block with thousands of lights as the town gathers around the tree. This is the closest you can get to being a real Hallmark movie!

Support the Marietta businesses on Small Business Saturday and check Christmas presents off your list. This event is held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving annually, this year being on November 26th. After you finish your Christmas shopping downtown, stick around for the Merry-etta Christmas parade at 6pm. Drawing thousands of locals to the streets of historic Marietta, this Whoville themed, lighted holiday parade features floats, dance routines, carolers, and much more. Santa Clause even makes his appearances at the very end!

The Holiday Tree Walk, held for the entire month of December, kicks off on December 1st at 6pm in Muskingum Park at the gazebo. This tree walk features 40 trees sponsored by local organization with a variety of colors, decorations, and meanings. After seeing the Holiday Trees, take a free photo with Santa in the gazebo on December 3rd, 11th, and 17th during the Santa House events.

Experience the Christmas lights displayed on historic Marietta homes during the Tour of Lights for the whole month of December. This tour kicks off on December 1st at 6pm and runs through Devola, Marietta, and Harmar. Expand your tour of lights outside Marietta by driving the Ohio Holiday Lights Trail.

The first Friday of December on the 2nd is a great opportunity to finalize your Christmas shopping. The First Friday theme is Moonlight Madness and it is a late one, running from 5 to 11pm! Come out for the most wonderful time of the year.

The Holiday Loft Tours are a one-night only event that allow you to take a self-guided tour of the upper floor businesses and residences in Marietta that most don’t get to see! Make sure to purchase your ticket for this event held on December 10th from 6-10pm.

The fourth annual Marietta Ice Festival will take place this January with numerous ice sculptures made by Marietta local, Tyson Whistler of Whistler Ice Works. Each of the sculptures are sponsored by a local business or an important cause and displayed in downtown Marietta for the event. Experience the skill it takes Tyson to complete the ice sculptures by seeing him work live on the Armory lawn. Explore downtown shops and restaurants, kids’ activities, drink hot chocolate, and more.

The 30th annual River City Blues Festival will be held this March at The Lafayette Hotel by the Blues, Jazz, and Folk Music Society of the Mid-Ohio Valley. The Friday and Saturday event will feature highly-rated blues artists from across the United States as they showcase their exceptional skills.