The Magic of Christmas in Essex is approaching. This year’s event is tomorrow, Saturday, December 7. Watch the lighting of the town tree, enjoy a pancake breakfast, browse the vendors area and other Essex shops, and more!

Let’s also all give our thanks to Erin Hall for organizing this event the past several years! This is her final year doing so, and here is a short word from her about her experience:

“I have had a blast organizing Christmas in Essex for the past 5 years. I loved seeing the children’s faces light up when Santa & Mrs. Claus arrive in Town, the wonderful readings by Stephen Kellogg at the Belden Noble Library, the beautiful crafts created by local artisans and the general community joy that is spread throughout the day! And I already know that this year will be another fabulous event!” ~ Erin Hall

Explore Christmas in Essex

The day will begin at 9:15 am when Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive via Essex fire truck. Congregate across from Town Hall to greet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Shortly after their arrival, the tree in front of Town Hall will be lit, followed by a free pancake breakfast at the Essex firehouse (9:45 to 11:00).

Stop by the Essex Community Church to explore its bazaar and luncheon (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) and the Fabulous Holiday Photo Booth (9:30 to 3:00) at the Essex Ice Cream Cafe with legendary biscotti and peppermint lattes for sale. Holiday vendors will be set up in the Lake Champlain Yoga and Wellness building (9:30 to 3:00), offering jewelry, ornaments, paintings, woven scarves and hangings, pottery, glass, photography, local hiking maps, cards, yoga gifts, Essex Doodles, and other local crafts.

From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Belden Noble Library will hold its silent auction with many baskets of items donated by local businesses and residents. At 3:00, local author/illustrator Steven Kellogg will read from his three new children’s books, and afterwards will sign books with proceeds benefiting the library.

Local shops, including the Pink Pig, Neighborhood Nest, Essex Ice Cream Cafe, Cupola House, Lake Champlain Yoga & Wellness, and ReNew will be open throughout the day offering holiday gifts and gift certificates. Lunch and dinner will be available at the Essex Inn.

The Essex on Lake Champlain Blog will have its own table set up in the vendor’s room, so hope to see you in Essex tomorrow! It’s a perfect chance to celebrate and support the town and to get some of your Christmas shopping done as well.

The Complete Christmas in Essex Schedule

Saturday, December 7^th

9:15 am: Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in downtown Essex via Essex Fire Truck. Santa “fans” should congregate across from Town Hall to greet Santa & Mrs. Claus

9:30: Tree Lighting–The Town Christmas Tree is located in front of Essex Town Hall.

9:45-11am: Free Pancake Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Essex Firehouse

9:30-3pm: HOLIDAY VENDORS– located in the Lake Champlain Yoga & Wellness building– jewelry, ornaments, paintings, woven scarves & hangings, pottery, glass, photography, local hiking maps, cards, farm foods, yoga gifts and more fantastic local crafts!

9:30-3pm: Fabulous Holiday Photo Booth set up inside the Essex Ice Cream Cafe with legendary biscotti and other treats for sale

10am – 4pm: Whallonsburg Grange Bazaar/Holiday Craft Fair (Sponsored by the Town of Essex)

11:30-1:30pm: Essex Community Church Bazaar and luncheon

3pm: Local author, Steven Kellogg reads from three new books: Snowflakes Fall (by Patricia MacLachlan and Kellogg), The Green Bath by Margaret Mahy (illustrated by Kellogg), and Farty Marty (by BJ Ward and Kellogg) at the Belden Noble Library. Also, don’t miss the library’s silent auction items –available for bidding all day long!

Essex Inn: Open for Lunch and Dinner

Related articles

• Essex Initiatives’ Holiday Projects (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Vintage Photo: Essex Main Street Winter Scene (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Vintage Photo: Sleigh Near Essex Community Church (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Winter Waterspouts on Lake Champlain (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Essex Library Silent Auction Items & Rotating Book Update (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)