Our little town is looking a lot like Christmas — more and more everyday. The wreaths are up along Main Street, the greens are in the beautification barrels, the Essex Inn has garland on their porch, and the windows of The Neighborhood Nest are looking cozy and seasonal. Walking along Main Street one feels something in the crisp, cool lake breeze…something magical is coming!

This December marks the 21st anniversary of “Christmas in the Village” as it was called back in 1993 when the newly formed community group Essex Initiatives established a town-wide Christmas celebration on the first weekend in December. The event has gone through many changes over the years depending on the interests and focus of the organizer(s). But it always has the steady support of village businesses and organizations who decorate doorways, windows, and trees — sometimes in subzero temperatures and snowstorms — to give the town an old-fashioned impression.

This December marks another change with two weekends of local shopping opportunities available: this Saturday and Sunday, December 6 & 7 and the official “Magic of Christmas” weekend December 13 & 14. The Essex Community Church Bazaar & luncheon highlights the 6th and Santa’s arrival & breakfast & kid’s activities happen on December 13th. (See the event website for the full schedule: christmasinessex.com).

In addition, the following shops will be decorated, open both weekends (Sat. & Sun – with a few exceptions) and undoubtedly offering homemade cookies & snacks: Adirondack Art Association Gallery, Essex Cottage Antiques, Essex Inn, Essex Ice Cream Cafe, Neighborhood Nest, Pink Pig, Philips Art Conservation Studio, Renew, The Cupola House/Third Hand Shop.

Christmas shopping in Essex is not your ordinary shopping experience. Each proprietor offers a unique personality and collection which reminds browsers that part of the seasonal joy is interacting with shopkeepers, artists, and knowledgeable collectors.

Our village shops are an important part of Essex’s identity and charm. We hope to see you soon so we can personally wish you a “Merry Christmas!”

Related articles

• December Church Bazaar, Concert, and Wreath Sale (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Save the Date for Christmas in Essex (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Holiday Decorating Contest: Decorate Essex!  (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Lakeside School Wreath Sale (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Essex Library Silent Auction Has Begun (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)