Licking County Courthouse Lighting

Join Licking County in watching the 78th annual Courthouse Christmas Lighting on Friday, November 27, beginning at 6:15 pm!

The traditional “night after Thanksgiving” program will feature a holiday music sing-along, the excitement of Santa’s arrival, and the lighting of Licking County’s beloved landmark.

Join us in person, or watch the live stream virtually! A large crowd is expected, so attendees are encouraged to arrive downtown early to secure parking.

Holiday celebrants are invited to head downtown early to enjoy the Canal Market District (CMD) before the evening festivities at Courthouse Square. CMD will host its annual Holiday Bazaar Market from 3 to 6:30 p.m., featuring holiday décor, 40 local vendors, crafts, and food trucks at its outdoor pavilion just south of the Square between Canal and Market streets. Don’t miss CMD’s beautifully decorated Christmas tree—perfect for a family photo op!

Festivities at the Courthouse begin at 6:15 p.m. with master of ceremonies Pat Jeffries. A number of holiday favorites will be performed by local musical artist Barefoot McCoy and friends.

During the program, the Courthouse Lighting Committee will salute the Newark Rodders Car Club for organizing the 2026 Lite the Nite Car Show in September and for their continued support of the Courthouse Lighting tradition.

The Newark Fire Department will assist with Santa’s grand arrival downtown, anticipated just before 7 p.m. The Jolly Old Elf will extend his best wishes to the community and, with the help of the children, will magically light the colorful Courthouse decorations to officially begin the Christmas season in Licking County.

Immediately following the lighting ceremony, children are invited to visit Santa at the TrueCore Federal Credit Union downtown branch.

The Elves in Action will be downtown on the Square that evening to kick off their annual holiday food drive. Volunteers will be present each evening until Christmas. All food collected will be donated to and distributed by the Food Pantry Network of Licking County.

Once again this year, the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities will provide its Momentum Refresh mobile restroom, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. This accessible restroom on wheels includes a wheelchair lift, changing table, and toilet and sink. The space is heated, kept very clean, and staffed to provide assistance and cleaning between uses.

For more information about the 78th Annual Licking County Courthouse Lighting event, visit the official Facebook event page here and click ‘Going’ to RSVP. The event will also be live-streamed on Facebook.

Thank you to our 2026 corporate sponsors:Licking Memorial Health SystemsWhit’s Frozen Custard of NewarkWhit’s Frozen Custard GranvilleThe Energy CooperativeVista Residential PartnersMicrosoft

The Courthouse will remain lit every evening until Jan. 1. Happy holidays from the Licking County Courthouse Lighting Committee!

Community event in Newark, Licking County, OH 43055.