Christmas in the Village Moves to December!

Downtown Manchester packed with people after the parade last year.

For as many years as it’s been held, Christmas in the Village has taken place the weekend before Thanksgiving. Organizers are trying something different this year and moving it to the first weekend of December!

Kicking off Christmas in the Village will be the lighted parade on the evening of Friday December 4th at 6:30 pm. The parade made a successful return to nighttime last year after a few years of poorly attended daytime parades. In the past, only elementary and preschool children could participate in the parade. Last year, Middle School and High School groups were encouraged to participate.

This year, businesses and adult organizations are being encouraged, too. A lighted float contest will be held with cash prizes given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places to school-aged children’s floats and ribbons given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places to the other floats. Organizers hope to give children the option of participating in the parade or enjoying it as a spectator this year.

The next day, Saturday December 5th, craft shows will be held throughout the area as will another Manchester Christmas event, the annual Christmas Home Tour. Denise Collins of the Chamber of Commerce stated, “By combining both Christmas in the Village and the Home Tour we are hoping to capitalize on the people that are already coming in for the Home Tour to stay longer and go to all the craft shows.”

The Manchester Kiwanis Club will also be bringing back their lunch with Santa, which includes kids crafts and activities this year.

The Chamber is in need of volunteers for this event. Feel free to attend their next Christmas in the Village planning meeting on September 14, 6 pm at Frank’s Place, or email Denise Collins at lodisepark@sbcglobal.net.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.