It’s that time of year again and soon Farmersville Parkway will be all aglow as the light display kicks off its third year of bringing joy to visitors and Farmersville residents while supporting area charities.

The official lighting ceremony, complete with a seasonal serenade by Fine Arts on Main carolers, kicks off at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1 at the Commercial Bank of Texas located at 201 S. Hwy. 78.

Also bringing joy to some volunteers this year, including Mayor Bryon Wiebold and his wife Misty who have logged their share of time stringing lights, is the fact that generous sponsors and the city will cover the costs of hanging and removing the lights instead of volunteers.

“If Farmersville Lights is to be continued as an annual tradition, it was necessary to hire the bulk of the work.” Wiebold said. “This will insure we get the lights down in a timely manner and spare the city workers being burdened with getting the nights down.” 

The mayor said volunteers are still being included to do some tweaking of light displays and to manage [holiday] events throughout the month.

At the ceremony, sponsors will be recognized and a Farmersville Junior High student will be present to act as the honorary chairperson and get the honor of turning on the lights. The student will be selected prior to the event based on their winning essay titled “A Farmersville Christmas Story” which they will be asked to read to guests during the ceremony.

After the ceremony, attendees can make their way to the downtown gazebo prior to the official tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m.

Back again this year to the city is the popular horse drawn carriage rides, from 7-9 p.m. starting at the Heritage Museum Thursday, Dec. 1, after the opening ceremony. After Dec. 1, the rides will be available Friday and Saturday evenings, Dec. 2-3, 9-10 and 16-17. To manage the rides more effectively this year, reservations must be made in advance at farmersvillelights.com.

There are two carriages available per time slot and one reservation entitles up to six people, adults and children, to enjoy a 15-minute ride for $20. According to organizers, the carriage may be quite snug with all adults. Time slots are filling up quickly for designated dates and times.

Wiebold said, “local charities will be continued to be supported via cash donations” from events such as the carriage rides and the Cheers and Charity Booth located at the Onion Shed.

Also kicking off Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. is the first of four performances of “A Christmas Carol,” the traditional story with modern music produced by Fine Arts on Main. Visit fineartsonmain.org to buy tickets.

On Friday, Dec. 2, the Farmersville Parks and Recreation Department is hosting its Winter Music Series at the Onion Shed. Enjoy live 50s and Christmas music in the park by local band, The Blandelles, starting at 7 p.m. Also happening that night, from 5-8 p.m., is Cocktails and Candy Canes, an after-hours shopping event in downtown.

Shopping continues the next day, Saturday, Dec. 3, as the chamber of commerce hosts its holiday Farmersville Market at the Onion Shed starting at 9 a.m.

For those who want to peek inside the historic Bain-Honaker House and see it decorated for the holidays, the Farmersville Historical Society will host its Christmas Tour and Country Store event from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 at the house located at 108 College Street.

Also starting at 11 a.m. Dec. 3, the Toys for Tots Motorcycle Run roars through town to pick up toys collected by participating businesses in Farmersville. Drop off new, unwrapped toys now through Dec. 2 at the chamber of commerce, Tracy’s Custom Homes, The Stable, Red Door Antiques during regular business hours.

If a live Christmas tree is on your list, the Farmersville Volunteer Fire Department will be selling trees again this year. Last year’s sales contributed $12,000 to the department reported the mayor. The tent is set up by the Onion Shed and will be full of Oregon Fir Trees — Douglas, Noble and Nordman — which range in price from $76 to $193. The VFD will begin selling trees Friday, Nov. 25 and will continue through Dec. 16. Hours will be Monday – Fridays from 5-8 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 8 p.m.

Family photo opportunities will be abundant during the holiday in Farmersville. Climb into Santa’s sleigh once again at the Onion Shed for family photos and if individuals are there on weekends during Farmersville Lights, hot chocolate will be available for purchase at Onion Shed and proceeds will benefit first responders. 

“Farmersville Lights received an impressive uptick in sponsors this year, both in number of sponsors and, therefore, the amount of funds donated,” the mayor said. “Such interest and generosity only shows how supportive businesses are in providing the Farmersville community with a signature holiday event.” 

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