The City of Middletown is pleased to announce this year’s holiday celebration, A Very Merry Middletown, which features a collaboration between the City, Light Up Middletown, Holiday Whopla Inc, and Downtown Middletown Inc.
The 67-day celebration will begin on Nov. 15th with the grand unveiling of the enchanting Holiday Whopla Ice Skating Rink at 39 North Broad Street.
Middletown Mayor Elizabeth Slamka said, “With all the wonders Middletown has to offer during the holiday season, I am thrilled that Very Merry Middletown includes them all. Very Merry Middletown is an excellent way to bring new people into our city to enjoy the delights of the season our residents already know and love. We are excited for this opportunity to promote Middletown.”
The Holiday Whopla Ice Skating Rink promises families a delightful array of experiences, including ice skating, immersive light displays, and photos of Santa and Mrs. Claus every Friday and Saturday from November 29th to Dec. 21st. The rink will host special events such as skating with beloved holiday characters, ice skating lessons, and the option to rent a warm and cozy heated igloo. Visitors can enjoy the ice-skating rink until Jan. 20th, 2025. For additional details and ticketing information, please visit http://www.holidaywhopla.org/.
DMI Executive Director Jeff Payne shared his excitement. “We couldn't have asked for a better team to bring one of the region's most significant and splendid holiday celebrations to our remarkable city,” Payne said.
One of the season's highlights, Light Up Middletown, begins making magical holiday memories on Nov. 28th at 6 p.m. Visitors can drive through a 96-acre holiday wonderland located at Smith Park. This spectacular drive-thru light display is celebrating its 25th year of bringing holiday magic to families all over the tri-state area.
A Very Merry Middletown has a variety of festive events throughout the holiday season. Enjoy the Santa Parade, free carriage rides after the Santa Parade, shopping, drinking, and dining in our historic downtown. Back this year, by popular demand, is the Holiday Whopla Choir Sing-Off. Start a Holiday Tradition with your friends and family on Dec. 18th, 7 pm, to celebrate the magical sounds of the season and support Choirs competing for monetary prizes.
Avinne Kiser, one of the founders of Holiday Whopla, said she is pleased that the event has welcomed new participants, businesses, and sponsors, which is key to its long-term success. “I am excited about the variety of activities we have planned for this year, and working with our dedicated partners makes this year's celebration even more spectacular.”