(See more photos below.)

December 12, 2015 was a day filled with magic and merriment in our little hamlet as hundreds of residents from Essex and neighboring towns came together to celebrate the holiday season in only a way that Essex can offer.

Co-Organizers Ken Hughes and Susie Smith brought a record number of vendors to this year’s event, which welcomed the use of the CFES Center thanks to the generosity of Rick and Karen Dalton. 13 downtown businesses opened their doors and their hearts to the many families that came to shop, to eat and to play in the hamlet.

Children were found zipping around town filling out their holiday scavenger hunt cards, making scrumptious gingerbread houses, attending a very special Lakeside puppet show, enjoying the wonderfully imaginative Stephen Kellogg and flying like reindeer in the relay race around Beggs Park, while adults schmoozed vendors looking for holiday bargains and enjoyed delicious fare provided by local residents.

The day would not have been complete had it not been for the very special honor of hosting Santa and Mrs. Claus for the day. Arriving by ferry at 9:30am and staying until the evening lighting the Town Christmas tree before they headed back to the North Pole, the honored guests made sure everyone felt the magic throughout the day.

We are so thankful to so many for the outpouring of gratitude for our efforts in promoting and energizing this annual Essex tradition. It truly is heartwarming! Please make sure to fill out the feedback survey and let us know how we can improve: http://goo.gl/forms/LoM7oHEPsW. Visit www.christmasinessex.com for the latest updates and news!

We would like to thank you all for your support! Merry Christmas to all!

(Click on any photo to enlarge and begin a slideshow in either photo gallery.)

Related articles

• Thanks from Christmas in Essex Organizers (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• The Magic of Christmas in Essex 2015 (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Essex Initiatives’ Holiday Projects (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)