This is Thanksgiving week and it’s hard to ignore the excitement in the air that signifies the start of the festive season. As families gather to take part in the eating of the bird and the watching of the ball, the start of the Christmas season draws near with a number of Old Saint Nick approved events.
One anticipated event this week is the Annual Weston Christmas Bazaar, taking place on Friday, Nov. 24 – Saturday, Nov. 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Walker Farm, 705 Main St., Weston. The event features local artisan vendors showcasing their unique, handcrafted items, a raffle, and aims to raise funds for repairing the historical Weston Playhouse. A perfect event to kick off the holiday season by supporting local artisans and contributing to the preservation of a piece of the community’s history.
The central event to the start of the Christmas season is the tree lighting ceremony. The Downtown Rutland Tree Lighting ushers in the spirit of Christmas on Friday, Nov. 24, at 5:30 p.m. at Depot Park. This festive event includes Santa’s arrival, caroling, hot cocoa, and the unveiling of holiday window displays. The tree lighting ceremony is a time-honored tradition that brings the community together in celebration as the holiday spirit takes hold.
Attendees can enjoy a cup of hot cocoa from Mission City Church, cookies and milk from The Pines at Rutland Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, and the first 200 attendees will receive free holiday light specs and candy canes. The MINT’s downtown pop-up shop will offer hot drinks, snacks, and a fun wooden ornament craft activity for families.
The WSYB Christmas fund will be on-site collecting donations to support local families this holiday season. After the tree lighting ceremony, visitors can walk around Downtown Rutland to admire the festively decorated shop windows.
In Brandon The Memory Tree Lighting takes place on Saturday, November 25, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Brandon Town Hall.
The Pittsford Tree Lighting is on Sunday, Nov. 26, at 4:30 p.m. at Village Farm, 840 Arch St. The lighting of the trees, accompanied by carol singing sets the tone for the holiday season.
On Saturday, Nov. 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Holiday Craft Fair at Poultney High School Gym, 154 East Main Street, Poultney, promises to be a haven for those seeking unique, handcrafted gifts and specialty food items. The fair presents an opportunity for the community to support local artisans and businesses while knocking off some early Christmas shopping.
For families seeking engaging and interactive experiences, Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum in Rutland offers two events. Wonderfeet’s “Winterland,” taking place on Saturday, Nov. 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., invites children to create three keepsake seasonal crafts, including a custom photo craft. Additionally, “Santa’s Workshop,” on Sunday, November 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., provides a festive environment for kids and families to decorate cookies, sip hot cocoa, make crafts, and meet Santa.
With Christmas in the air, there is a number of activities that capture the essence of the season. From tree lighting ceremonies to craft fairs and workshops, there’s something for everyone.
