Take the family out for a festive evening in the village this Saturday.
Sponsored by the Greater Baldwinsville Chamber of Commerce, Christmas in the Village kicks off with complimentary horse and carriage rides beginning at 4:30 p.m. followed by Santa’s 5:30 p.m. arrival in Village Square. As soon as Santa arrives, Mayor Joseph Saraceni will light the village Christmas tree (donated this year by the town of Lysander).
“The annual tree lighting is a tradition in Baldwinsville that brings friends and neighbors together to share the spirit of the holiday season,” said Sharon Reiser, executive director of the chamber. “It’s during this event that we experience the sense of community and fellowship that is enjoyed in our village this time of year.”
In recent years, the tree lighting ceremony has been held in front of the Red Mill Inn. However, this year there is a change of venue with the ceremony moving to the newly renovated Village Square.
“This frees up the public parking along Syracuse Street in front of The Red Mill Inn, and offers a picturesque and photographic setting that our residents can enjoy throughout the season,” Reiser said.
After the tree lighting, festivities will move to the Baldwinsville Public Library where families can take advantage of photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, face painting, story time with Raggedy Ann, holiday craft making, a holiday movie, distribution of children identifications kits, carolers, refreshments and more – all for free!
“The library provides an environment that fosters a great sense of community and is spacious enough to accommodate an event of this magnitude,” Reiser said.
While the festivities begin around dusk, several retailers within the village business district will offer holiday specials throughout the day. Check out B’s Creations and enjoy hot cocoa and donuts, stop in to Village Hardware and sample some hot cider and cookies, visit Cozy Corner Boutique (from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.) and be treated to cookies, a children’s book reading and book signing by local author Nancy Carpenter.
The Nantucket Cat will offer crafts for children of all ages, Canal Walk Café will begin serving free hot cocoa at 4:45 p.m. on the patio at 23 Syracuse St. and other shops will be open to browse.
“Shopping locally is important, particularly this time of year,” Reiser said. “Baldwinsville is a town that is blessed with a variety of quaint shops and eateries that continue to impress. Supporting our local businesses is imperative to continued signs of success and growth in our community.”
In addition to the festivities, a coat drive benefiting the Rescue Mission will also be held. People are asked to donate new and gently used coats, as well as mittens, gloves, hats and scarves dropping them off at two donation sites – the chamber office (27 Water Street) and La Tresse by Renee Salon (24 Oswego St.).
“The people of Baldwinsville are very philanthropic, which is evident with our annual One Warm Coat® coat collection,” Reiser said. “We collected nearly 100 coats last year, in addition to many hats and gloves.”
