Thomaston is getting ready to welcome the holiday season with a full weekend of festive events during the annual Thomaston Christmas Festival. From December 5 through December 7, residents and visitors will find celebrations happening all across town.

This year’s festival is built through close collaboration among local businesses, organizations, and community partners who have come together to create a warm and lively holiday weekend, according to a news release from the Town of Thomaston.

Friday evening will open the festival with a full slate of community events, including a holiday movie and pizza night at the Thomaston Public Library with a screening of The Polar Express, and the Knox Museum Holiday Preview Party fundraiser.

Friday is also the first night of the Thomaston Christmas Light Decorating Contest, the town’s first-ever decorating competition. Voting will run all three nights of the festival from 4 to 9 p.m.

An interactive map of participating addresses will be available on the Thrive in Thomaston Facebook page to help families plan their evening drives.

Saturday will be the heart of the celebration, filled with family-friendly activities throughout town.

One of the signature events is the new Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus benefit for the Thomaston Food Pantry, held at the Thomaston Municipal Building at 13 Valley Street with seatings at 9 and 10 a.m. Families will enjoy a light continental breakfast along with a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Advance ticket purchase is required. Tickets for the 9 a.m. seating may be purchased here and here for the 10 a.m. seating. 

The day also includes:

the Thrive in Thomaston Christmas Cookie Crawl on Main Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.;

cookie decorating and hot chocolate at Inspiring Bright Beginnings Childcare;

the OMS Parent-Teacher Group Craft Fair;

holiday storytime and letter writing to Santa at the library;

Jingle and Mingle at School of the Arts;

Christmas activities at the Thomaston Academy Gym;

the Knox Museum Holiday Open House;

a family-friendly paint party at the Municipal Building;

and a foraged wreath workshop at The Carriage House.

The day concludes with caroling on the Mall at 3:45 p.m., followed by the lighting of the Town Christmas Tree.

Sunday will continue the festive spirit with the second day of the Knox Museum Holiday Open House from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is free, and donations of canned and dry goods for the Thomaston Food Pantry are gratefully accepted.

A Holiday Paint and Sip at Bliss Beauty Spa will take place at 11 a.m., and Sunday evening will feature the final night of public voting for the Christmas Light Decorating Contest from 4 to 9 p.m.

“This festival represents the best of Thomaston,” said Kendray Rodriguez, Community and Economic Development Coordinator for the Town of Thomaston, in the release. “Local businesses, organizations, and volunteers have poured their creativity into building a welcoming weekend for families and visitors. It is a wonderful way to celebrate the season together.”

More information, including a full schedule of events and updates, can be found on the Thrive in Thomaston Facebook page.