Communities have big plans to celebrate Christmas

By Heather Killen

Spectator

NovaNewsNow.com

Organizers hope everyone in the towns of Bridgetown and Annapolis Royal will let their holiday baubles all hang out. And in Lawrencetown, Christmas in the Village kicks off its inaugural season with a tree lighting, skating, bonfire, and lots more.

Steve Raftery of the Town of Bridgetown and Tina Halliday, of the Annapolis Royal Board of Trade are urging homes and businesses to go all out, and deck the halls this year.

In Annapolis Royal, organizers want to transform the town into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights that people will take time to see. “There’s so much here that’s unique,” said Halliday. “People don’t realize how much is here.”

In Bridgetown, Raftery said that organizers are hoping to revive the once popular tradition of the Victorian People. About 10 years ago, the town was well known for its charming displays of these stuffed characters.

Raftery added that while some residents have kept the tradition going, organizers are hoping more residents will join in. Workshops are being planned to demonstrate how to make a display.

In Middleton, the Macdonald Museum's annual Christmas Craft Sale takes place on November 14, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.; and on November 15 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., at the Annapolis Valley Macdonald Museum.

In Annapolis Royal, the Board of Trade will get a head start on the shopping season the following week on November 21. Businesses will be open until 11 p.m. to jumpstart the holiday season.

In Annapolis, the O’Dell Museum is hosting a Victorian Christmas starting on November 28. For more than 30 years, talented volunteers have transformed the museum into a Christmas wonderland. Costumed animators, hot mulled cider, homemade cookies and vintage carols are in store for visitors.

That same week, in Annapolis Royal, Bridgetown and Middleton, the big Christmas kick-off takes place with the annual tree lighting ceremonies taking place on Friday, November 28.

In Annapolis Royal, the evening begins with a Parade of Lights, wagon ride, caroling, scavenger hunts, and an LED light exchange. Other events are scheduled throughout the month of December including a Christmas Farmers Market.

In Bridgetown the Tree Lighting Ceremony starts at 6 p.m. in front of Town Hall. Keeping with tradition, the tree is being decorated by the students of Bridgetown Regional Elementary School.

Christmas carol singing, led by the BRES Grades 3 to 6 Choir under the direction of music teacher Erica Strowbridge will take place.

And back by popular demand, the LED holiday light exchange will take place. Residents can exchange two sets of traditional lights for one set of LED lights. Quantities are limited and limited to one LED set per person.

Bridgetown’s Midnight Madness Christmas Sale starts at 6 p.m. and runs through until midnight with free hot chocolate served from a booth on Queen Street.

Santa Claus visits Queen Street businesses on Friday, November 28.

In the Town of Middleton, the tree lighting ceremony will take place in front of the Save Easy starting at 6:30 p.m. A Children’s Party will be held on December 6 at 10:30 a.m. There will not be a Santa Claus Parade in Middleton this year.

Lawrencetown Village Commission and COGS are teaming up for the first annual Christmas in the Village December 5, starting with a tree lighting ceremony at the fire hall followed by a party at the Youth Arena on the Annapolis Valley Exhibition Grounds at 7 p.m.

It’s an evening of skating, hotdogs, chili, hot chocolate, a bonfire, and a visit from Santa, said organizer David Spears. He said the village is hoping to arrange hayrides in the large field just west of the Youth Arena where the bonfire will take place.

The Lawrencetown events are open to the public at no charge, although those taking part can contribute to a free-will offering if they have the means. Proceeds will go to the Youth Arena.