It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and communities across the United States are gearing up for the festive season with celebrations, markets, and plenty of entertainment.
One shining example is the Christmas festival set to take place this year for the first time at Bargate Green car park in Boston, Lincolnshire. From November 29 through December 1, the venue will be transformed to create a winter wonderland complete with fairground rides and delicious traditional food. Deputy leader of the Boston Borough Council, Dale Broughton, emphasized the importance of kickstarting the holiday festivities, stating, "Bringing three days of entertainment to our residents and visitors is our priority."
This year’s market will showcase classic Christmas treats, including Bratwurst sausages and mulled wine. Visitors can also browse through numerous stalls offering gingerbread, handmade items, jewelry, and Christmas ornaments. Local bands and community acts are within the lineup, culminating the event on December 1 at 18:30 GMT.
Meanwhile, the holiday spirit isn’t confined to local markets. Pentatonix, the popular a cappella group known for its festive tunes, has announced their 'Hallelujah! It’s a Christmas Tour.' Spanning 25 cities across the United States, the tour will kick off on November 14 at Mohegan Sun Arena, Connecticut, and wrap up on December 22 at the American Airlines Center, Dallas. Known for their Christmas-themed albums, Pentatonix expressed excitement about the tour on Instagram by saying, "We know it's still summer... but we couldn't wait to share this with y'all!"
The tour coincides with the release of their holiday album, The Greatest Christmas Hits, which features beloved tracks like “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and their collaboration with Alessia Cara on “Frosty the Snowman.” The group’s Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin Olusola, and Matt Sallee are all set to sing their hearts out to get audiences ready for Christmas.
Returning to screens this holiday season is the beloved Hallmark Channel, making waves with its new streaming service, Hallmark Plus. This revamped platform is more than just another place to stream those cozy Christmas movies. Subscribers will enjoy exclusive original content, free e-greeting cards monthly, and even surprise gifts.
Hallmark Plus replaces Hallmark Movies Now and expands the variety of original programming. It caters to fans of Hallmark's wholesome romances and holiday flicks, including programs starring popular actresses like Lacey Chabert. The service is expected to launch major new shows, including adaptations and unique series, alongside their classic holiday content available year-round.
The subscription costs $7.99 monthly or $79.99 for the year, making it accessible for avid fans eager for their Christmas fix. Comparisons reveal Hallmark Plus is enriching the user experience by offering perks like Crown Rewards points on purchases and alternate monthly deals.
With excitement twinkling like lights on festive trees, Boston’s Christmas gathering, Pentatonix’s expansive tour, and Hallmark’s new streaming venture are just some highlights this holiday season. Communities are brimming with anticipation for events bringing joy and unity during this cherished time of year, promising to create memories and holiday cheer.
These celebrations reflect the spirit of Christmas; they invite everyone to participate and share warmth and love with their families and friends. One can only wonder: what festive experiences are you're awaiting this December?