Massillon’s Community Candlelight Walk returns on Sunday, December 1.  Free and open to everyone, it is a self-guided stroll through downtown Massillon among luminarias and Christmas lights to visit historic churches, community attractions, and candlelight along historic Fourth Street.  

 

Churches and venues will be open from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. Guests can pick up a map wherever they start their walk. Each stop is marked with a colorful yard sign at the entrance door.  Participants choose their own route and set their own pace.

 

Walkers stop into churches to appreciate the architecture and stay for just a minute or for several musical selections, at their own discretion. Performers, clergy, and volunteers understand that walkers need to keep moving to visit all participating churches and attractions!

 

“Where else can you hear festive music-some performed by people you know, see stunning Tiffany windows, share Christmas spirit, show your grandchildren a massive model railroad, view luminescent Greek icons, recognize an exceptional community leader, and sing along with the Washington High School choir—all on one heartwarming evening?” asks event chair Margy Vogt. 

 

Walkers can enjoy music and architecture at St. John’s United Church of Christ, St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church, First United Methodist Church, St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Central Presbyterian Church, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, and St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church. Many will be decorated for Christmas.

 

They enjoy DMA’s holiday display at Duncan Plaza. The official warming and refreshment station at the Massillon Museum offers cookies and warm beverages as well as live music. Massillon Railroad Club roars its O-gauge trains around the tracks, and visitors enjoy live entertainment in the Lions Lincoln Theatre lobby.  They can ascend the grand front walkway of Massillon Public Library to find live music and refreshments inside. When savoring Fourth Street, sparkling with 800 luminarias, participants pause partway to the finale to visit the lavishly decorated Five Oaks—home to Massillon Woman’s Club.  

 

The focus of the evening turns to St. Mary’s Church at 7:45 p.m. for the Festival of Music and Candlelighting Ceremony, a gathering to enjoy choral music and honor someone who has made Massillon a better place during 2024.

 

Since 1984, when the Massillon Chamber of Commerce initiated the Candlelighting Ceremony, contributions by an individual or organization to the well-being of the community have been recognized. In 2001, Loren Veigel introduced the concept of adding a church walk, and the event soon became a volunteer effort.

 

The 2024 Community Candlelight Walk is sponsored by Aqua Ohio, Eagles #190, Farmers National Bank, Buehler’s Fresh Foods, Massillon Museum, Massillon WestStark Chamber of Commerce, BJ’s Wholesale Club, and G&D Fab and Welding..

 

The committee (Loren Veigel, Kathy Shultz, Rick and Patty Dalsky, Debbie Busby, Amelia Pennell, and Margy Vogt) encourages everyone to bundle up, bring friends and family, and share some old-fashioned Christmas spirit. Although the route is illuminated by street lights and luminarias, some people bring flashlights.

 

To learn more about the event, find the Community Candlelight Walk on Facebook or contact Margy Vogt, chair, at 330-844-1525 or [email protected].