'18 Blaze theme: 12 Days of Christmas
CLICK HERE FOR A PARADE ENTRY FORM
Thousands of visitors will come to Bluffton’s downtown shopping district for the Blaze of Lights on Saturday, Nov. 24, when celebrations include a parade, live entertainment, a lighting ceremony and festive activities.
Here's the latest on this year's Blaze from the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce.
SHOP SMALL SATURDAY
The afternoon of the Blaze is a perfect time to enjoy downtown Bluffton with its nine restaurants and carryouts, 16 shops, movie theater and special Blaze offerings. The Blaze is on Shop Small Saturday, a day to show your appreciation for local, independent businesses.
5 p.m. PARADE
The big Blaze parade begins at 5 p.m. With 100 entries expected from near and far, the parade always includes Santa Claus. To be part of the parade, submit the entry form to parade chairperson:
Junior Weihrauch
20791 State Route 68,
Arlington, OH 45814.
6 p.m. ENTERTAINMENT
At 6 p.m. live entertainment starts at the corner of Main and Cherry Streets and family-friendly activities begin.
7 p.m. CEREMONY
The ceremonial lighting of the Ream folk art display begins at 7 p.m. The Bluffton Presbyterian Church lawn is filled with lights and paint and wood images of all things Christmas. Emcee John George, dressed as a town crier, will lead the festivities and an honorary “switch hitter” will turn on the lights.
REAM DISPLAY
Farmer Harry Ream started making and displaying Christmas decorations in 1938. In the mid-1980s, the Ream family donated 168 wood cutouts to the village. Dozens more have been added by artist Terry Mullenhour.
BLAZE TEAMWORK
The Blaze of Lights is a tradition that is 32 years in the making. It is the work of the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce, the Village of Bluffton, and countless volunteers. In 2017, the Blaze was made possible by donations from over 20 businesses, organizations and individuals.
For more information about the Blaze of Lights, contact the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce at [email protected] or (419) 369-2985.
Stories Posted This Week
Thursday, November 12, 2026
- Bluffton Middle School Honor Roll for 1st Quarter, 2026-2027
- Bluffton alumni to discuss lives and vocations in ministry
- Letter: Honoring 20 years of land preservation in West Central Ohio
- Prairie restoration research program on Nov. 20
- Bluffton Lions to hear presentation on humanitarian and disaster relief
- Separate the wheat from the chaff: Multi-ingredient botanicals for cholesterol
- Bluffton Council recap: $5,000 donated for Blaze lights installation
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
- Beavers sports roundup, November 2-8
- Veterans invited to Bluffton American Legion programs on Veterans Day
- James Raymond Harrod, Jr., 64, was a PGA professional
- Nathan Ulrey, 46, served in the Navy Seabees
- Letter: Thank you, Coach Richards
- Big Brothers Big Sisters launches 2026 year-end giving campaign
- Socktober drive collected 659 pairs for local distribution
- Jeanne Previte, 80, owned and operated Jeanne's Kitchen
- Bluffton Elementary Honor Roll for 1st Quarter 2026-2027
- Lego scarecrow earns GROB top honors from voters
- Former Blufftonite is lieutenant governor-elect of South Carolina
- University to stage costume drama that mixes emotion, humor and contemporary references
- Bluffton High School Honor Roll for 1st quarter of 2026-2027
- Nov. 13 chamber program on Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities
Monday, November 9, 2026
- Healing and life beyond incarceration explored at Forum
- Nov. 12 opportunity to learn Mahjong
- Door hanger craft class at Pandora library, November 17
- BPL after school movie, November 16
- Hailey's Wellness and Massage provide chair massages at Senior Center
- Bluffton area Women in Business Meeting November 19