Here's what's happening around Madison County to ring in the holiday season
It's the start of the holiday season, and that means a variety of festivities all around Madison County to share the glad tidings. Here are some of the upcoming highlights happening throughout the area in the coming weeks:
Hamilton hosts tree lighting, Santa visit
The annual Night of Lights returns to the Village Green in Hamilton at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3. There will be caroling, horse-drawn carriage rides and the arrival of Santa Claus to visit with the young and young at heart.
Ray Brothers BBQ and Deli-licious will be onsite for dinner, and there will be free treats donated by the Colgate Inn, the Hamilton Eatery and Flour and Salt Bakery. The Village Green is located cross from Broad Street in downtown Hamilton.
The celebration of the season continues through Dec. 24 in the village with raffles, movies, carriage rides and contests during the annual Hamilton for the Holidays gala event. For more information, find This is Hamilton NY or The Hub Hamilton NY on Facebook.
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Santa arrives Dec. 4 in Munnsville
The Munnsville Fire Department will welcome Santa Claus to the village at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 with the Parade of Lights, featuring colorfully-decorated firetrucks from area departments and other festive vehicles traveling down Main Street. After the parade, the annual tree lighting ceremony is across the street from the fire department, and kids will have the chance to meet Santa and receive a free gift at the firehall.
Any local groups or organizations that would like to participate in the parade can contact Melvin Thurston at 315-762-8624 or David Bartlett at 315-796-3909. The fire department is located at 5210 S. Main St. in Munnsville.
Group presents 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas'
The Sherburne Music-Theater Society (SMTS) will perform a musical version of the Dr. Seuss classic "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 at the Earlville Opera House.
There will be several musical numbers performed by the Sherburne Community Chorus, a subdivision of the SMTS. The production is directed by Rick Thormahlen and musical director Michael Moren.
There will be livestreaming of both performances - the livestream link will be posted on SMTS’s Facebook page the day of the event. The Bell Tree Community Center in Earlville will host a viewing party for the 2 p.m. show. There is no admission charge for either show but both the SMTS and Bell Tree will be accepting donations.
The Earlville Opera House is located at 18 E. Main St. in Earlville, and the Bell Tree is at 20 North Main St.
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Earlville celebrates holidays Dec. 4
The annual Village of Earlville’s Holiday Celebration is Saturday, Dec. 4, starting with Cookies with Santa at 9, 10 and 11 a.m. at The Bell Tree at 20 North Main St. This is a free event with donations welcome at the door. Seating is limited and reservations must be made ahead of time by calling the Earlville Free Library at 315-691-5931.
Judges will view houses Dec. 2 and 3 for the Holiday House Decorating Contest with winners announced Dec. 4 at the evening tree lighting for cash prizes. The Bargain Basket Holiday Sale has special hours from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. this day only at the Baptist Parish, 9 West Main St. and the Earlville Opera House (EOH) will hold its annual Holiday Open House from 12-3 p.m. featuring the 24th Holiday Artisan Sale, bake sale, silent auction and holiday baskets raffle.
Wrapping up the day is the tree lighting ceremony in the park at 5 p.m. with Pastor Marc Monroe and wife Katie officiating, followed by the Earlville Free Library’s Basket Raffle.
Hamilton Bible Fellowship presents Living Nativity
The Hamilton Bible Fellowship is hosting a free drive-thru Living Nativity from 5 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5. Along the church’s circular driveway, guests will encounter Biblical characters of shepherds, angels, an innkeeper, the Holy Family, wise men and even live animals.
The Hamilton Bible Fellowship is located at 7433 Hamilton Road in Hamilton. For more information, call 315-824-3628 or visit www.hamiltonbiblefellowship.org. In case of extreme weather, the event will be postponed until 5 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec.12.
Mike Jaquays is the community news reporter for the Mid-York Weekly. Email him at mjaquays@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Madison County Christmas season events
