The Town of Wellington and the Wellington Main Street Program are excited to announce a series of 2025 holiday celebrations that let participants experience the season’s charm in a small town. With a name taken from holiday celebrations of Wellington’s past, Wellington Lights consists of three separate community celebrations, along with several activities and specials that run throughout the entire holiday season—all designed to showcase the unique experience of celebrating the season in Wellington.
“We have so many amazing small businesses here in Wellington that provide the kind of holiday shopping experience families used to have before big-box stores and online shopping took over,” says Caitlin Morris, Wellington’s main street and events coordinator. “Combine that with the amazing community celebrations and activities that are planned, and you have an incredible atmosphere where families can truly celebrate and shop for the holiday season.”
Wellington Lights celebrations and activities
Saturday, Nov. 29
Wellington Lights kicks off the afternoon of Small Business Saturday with a petting zoo from 2:30-4:30 p.m. in Centennial Park (3815 Harrison Ave.). The petting zoo is put on by Leap of Faith Animal Experiences and includes mini highland cows, mini horses, fainting goats, mini pigs, mini donkeys and rabbits.
The celebration continues at 5 p.m. with a lighting ceremony in downtown Wellington. Santa Claus will make an appearance at a downtown business, and there will be an opportunity for family photos.
Saturday, Dec. 6
Wellington Lights continues a week later with the annual Parade of Lights down Cleveland Avenue—the last parade on Cleveland before it closes for major renovations in early 2026. The parade starts at 5:30 p.m., and anyone who wants to participate in the parade can register here. Before the parade, Santa will be at Owl Canyon Coffee (3745 Cleveland Ave.), which will offer free hot cocoa, cider, candy canes, ornaments and books from 3-5 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 19
The final Wellington Lights celebration takes place with the holiday-themed Mingle on Main and Wellington Area Chamber Business After Hours event. Participating local businesses will stay open later than normal, offering special deals and activities. Santa will make his third appearance at a local business.
Other activities
In addition to these three community celebrations, the following activities and specials will be offered:
- Holiday Shopping Bingo
- Shop at local businesses and mark off squares on your bingo card.
- Local Business Elf Hunt
- Hunt for the elf on the shelves of Wellington’s local businesses.
- Tour of Lights
- Follow the map to view the best decorated houses in town.
- Shop Wellington Gift Card Deal
- Buy one Shop Wellington gift card for $50 and get a $25 card for free.
- Free Gift Wrapping
- Free gift wrapping is offered at Owl Canyon Coffee on the following dates: Nov. 29, Dec. 13, Dec. 19, Dec. 20 and Dec. 21.
- Plus more! There are still a few surprises yet to be revealed.
