Visiting The Carousel of Light

By Elizabeth Salenius

August 15, 2025

Falmouth, MA

This afternoon I had the pleasure of visiting the Carousel of Light in Falmouth, MA.

The carousel consists of 20 horses and two chariots, all hand-carved by Falmouth local Lance Shinkle and placed on a 1947 Allan Herschell machine. 

The carousel has been operating every summer outside of the Mullen-Hall School since 2014 (that's 11 years!), but its opening was delayed this season. Click here to read about the delay.

Thankfully, the carousel was able to open and started spinning again on July 30. You can tell that both the tourists and locals are thrilled! 

Despite the cloudy weather, the carousel was brightly lit with many lights–not to mention all the beaming smiles! It was clear that everyone was having a fantastic time–kids, parents, and staff alike! 

There was a constant flow of new riders buying tickets (or getting their ride cards punched) and waiting for the next spin, the music (despite not being classic band-organ music), was bright and cheerful. The whole area had such wonderful energy! 

Beth, who is the carousel's manager and in charge of running the rid, seemed to know every kid by name–and they knew her, too! Many of the riders return from previous summers, hopping on their favorite horses and waving to their parents as they ride past. For some families, visiting the carousel has become an absolute must on their summer trips to the Cape!