My adopted city of Taunton, MA is known as the Christmas City. Every year the city goes all out with a light display.
The Annual Lighting of the Green and Lights On Festival is traditionally held the Friday following the Friday after Thanksgiving. The Lighting of the Green has happened in the center of Taunton for 100 years, and we hope this tradition will survive 100 more. This year’s Lighting of the Green will be focused on 100 years of family memories, and it’s sure to offer something for the whole family.
Originally the Green was decorated to draw shoppers to the downtown area. Over the years people from all over New England came to see the Decorated Center of Taunton.
This has continued even with other major light shows in the area such as the lights at LaSalette Shrine and Edaville Railroad.
In the beginning it was just Christmas trees. Over the years it evolved to displays, some of which were motorized and moved.
One of the factors that contributed to Taunton’s reputation as the Christmas City is that prior to 1951, there was no Route 24. That meant that all the people who were traveling between Boston and Fall River would have to go through downtown Taunton when using routes 140, 44 and 138.
The 1948 display was the first to feature an illuminated sign that reads, “THE CHRISTMAS CITY,” and during that year WBZ-TV first came on the air and broadcast the lighting of the Taunton Green.
I’ve only lived in Taunton since 2006 but have embraced the city and it’s traditions. Unlike many of the other places I’ve lived, this doesn’t feel like a “stop along the way”. I feel a pride of place that I haven’t experienced except in my original hometown in New York.
Because of my work schedule I have never had a chance to attend the Lighting of the Green Ceremony and even though I have the day off this year, I will miss it again as I have a previous commitment to a friend. But missing the festivities is really a small price as the Green will be decorated and lit throughout the Christmas Season. I will have my chance to enjoy the lights and take my photos as I have in years past and I promise you’ll see them right here.
