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Christmas in Essex

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in Essex to greet fans. (Christmas in Essex 2013)

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in Essex on a town firetruck to greet fans. (Christmas in Essex 2013)

The Magic of Christmas in Essex, also known as Christmas in the Village or simply Christmas in Essex, is a yearly event in the hamlet of Essex, NY that celebrates the winter holidays with the local community and visitors. Held during the beginning of December this event has activities for both children and adults.

Event date this year: December 13, 2014

Visit www.christmasinessex.com to learn more.

Meet Santa in Essex

Every year there is a special Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Children and fans of Santa Claus can meet this Christmas couple as they arrive in the village (sometimes on the Essex-Charlotte ferry or an Essex firetruck), and they can chat while enjoying a simple breakfast at the Essex firehouse.

Afterwards, Mr. and Mrs. Clause mingle with shoppers in the streets and shops of Essex.

Shops and Vendors

Christmas in Essex Village, illuminated wreath (photo credit Jill Piper)

Christmas in Essex Village, illuminated wreath (photo credit Jill Piper)

Many of the shops in Essex are open to offer holiday deals and special treats during this event, including the Pink Pig, Neighborhood Nest, Essex Ice Cream Cafe, Cupola House, Lake Champlain Yoga and Wellness, ReNew, and more.

A space is also reserved for local vendors (artists/artisans/farmers etc.) to set up tables and offer their unique handcrafted or locally grown/created items. Some samples of the items usually offered are:

  • Baskets Handwoven in the Adirondacks
  • Fused glass- night lights, hairpins, jewelry, dishes
  • Baked Goods
  • Pottery
  • Bead & Glass jewelry
  • Adirondack ornaments
  • Rugs, scarfs, and other woven/knitted items
  • Woodcrafts
  • Paintings
  • Photography
  • Fresh farm vegetables or other products

Other Activities

Every year during Christmas in Essex the Essex Community Church also hosts their Annual Community Church Bazaar and Luncheon where you can shop some more and enjoy a bite to eat. The Essex Inn and the Essex Ice Cream Cafe are also usually open and offer dining options.

The Essex Highway Department decorates the Town Christmas tree

The Essex Highway Department decorates the Town Christmas Tree (Credit: Cohleen Van Hoven)

The Belden Noble Memorial Library usually organizes a special event during Christmas in Essex as well. In the past there have  been readings and book signings by local authors and the library has also hosted silent auctions.

The Town Christmas Tree is also lit during this event in a special tree lighting ceremony.

Essex Initiatives is involved with a number of activities around Essex, especially concerning those focused on holidays. They are responsible for decorating the streets (working with the Highway Department to put up wreaths and decorate the Town Christmas Tree), and they often sponsor runs and other activities. Any expenses for Christmas in Essex not covered by the modest registration fee paid by the vendors are covered by Essex Initiatives.

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