Canal Winchester’s annual storybook Christmas celebration kicks off the holiday season in downtown Canal Winchester on Dec.7 from 6-9 p.m. and Dec. 8 from 5-8 p.m.
A free public event, Christmas in the Village features Santa visits, a holiday craft bazaar, model train displays, ice sculpting, kids’ activities, a gingerbread house contest, holiday music, and much more.
Santa Claus will arrive downtown to start the event each night by officially lighting the Christmas tree at Stradley Park (behind the city’s municipal building at 36 S. High St). On Dec. 7, arrive early to watch the Brockstrong Light up the Night Holiday Lights parade.
Visit www.cwholidaylightsparade.com for information about the Light up the Night Holiday Lights Parade.
A charming Christmas trolley will make its way through downtown during Christmas in the Village, making stops on South High Street, at the Frances Steube Community Center, and at the Railroad Depot. Some of Santa’s reindeer will also make an appearance at Stradley Park on Dec. 8. Don’t forget to stroll down High Street to visit the many shops and restaurants offering special activities and attractions, from visits with classic cartoon characters, to live performances by local school groups.
Christmas in the Village is a partnership between the city of Canal Winchester and Destination: Canal Winchester. This free community event would not be possible without the support of local businesses and volunteers.
For information about Christmas in the Village, including complete attraction listings, visit www.destinationcw.org or www.canalwinchesterohio.gov.
Schedule and activities
Both nights:
•Tree lighting 6 p.m. Dec. 7 and 5 p.m. Dec. 8 in Stradley Park, 36 S. High St.
•Visit with Santa at the Huntington Bank – 37 S. High St. Look for Canal Winchester Human Services’ Adopt-A-Family Toy Box. Food, toy, or donation to Adopt-A-Family Program appreciated.
•Christmas Trolley stops at Huntington Bank, Community Center, and Train Depot.
•Canal Winchester Area Historical Society’s Prentiss School and Railroad Depot, 96 N. High St., will be open to visitors each night.
•Popcorn Station, hosted by Miss CW Pageant Queens, Stradley Place, 36 S. High St.
•Ice sculptures in Stradley Place.
•Christmas Music on South High Street courtesy of Mike Walker.
•Children’s train rides on South High St.
•Hayrides in front of municipal building, 36 S. High St.
•Gingerbread House Contest at HER Realtors, Kelly Abbott, 11 S. High St.
•Children’s games at Chase Bank, 8 S. High St.
•Children’s crafts at Town Hall, 10 N. High St.
•Craft bazaar at the Community Center, 22 S. Trine St.
•Train display at the Community Center, 22 S. Trine St.
Friday, Dec. 7, only:
•Brockstrong Holiday Lights Parade with Santa begins at 5:30 p.m. with Santa arriving downtown at 6 p.m.
•Christmas carols by CWHS Choir at Stradley Place, 36 S. High St., 5:30-6 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 8, only:
•Santa procession begins at 4:30 p.m. with Santa arriving downtown at 5 p.m.
•Winchester Chimes holiday performance, 96 N. High St., 6:30-8 p.m.
•CWMS Vocal Ensemble holiday performance at Faith United Methodist Church, 15 W. Columbus St., 5:30 p.m.
•Visit Santa’s reindeer in Stradley Park, 36 S. High St.
Historic Downtown Business District activities, both nights:
•Cookies and Cardmaking at Faith United Methodist Church, 15 W. Columbus St.
•Meet Frosty the Snowman at e-Merge Realty, The Megan Bell Group – 11 N. High St.
•Pet pictures with Santa hosted by Friends for Life Animal Haven at Vasko office- 19 N. High St. A $10 donation suggested.
•Meet the Grinch at HER Realtors, Smith Home Group, 25 N. High St.
•Meet Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Rise Realty, CW, 36 N. High St.
