This year’s celebration of the Magic of Christmas in Essex begins on Friday night, December 8. At 5:00 at the Essex Inn, join Lori Kudelski (James Beard guest bartender-of-the year) and Essex Inn General Manager Tom for a free mixology class on creating holiday drinks. At 6:30, on the Green behind Town Hall, join the Pleasant Valley Chorale for the lighting of the Town Christmas Tree and then sing your way across the street to the Essex Community Church, where the chorale will present “Home for the Holidays.” Admission is free with a goodwill donation accepted at the door.

On Saturday morning, December 9, at 9:30, Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at the Essex Ferry dock, to greet children and their families. Shortly after their arrival, they will travel by fire truck to the Essex Firehouse where you can join them for a free pancake breakfast from 9:45 to 11:00. In the hamlet, local shops will be open and vendors will be selling holiday goods from 10:00 to 3:00 at the College for Every Student Center and Lake Champlain Yoga and Wellness on Main Street. Children will be able to participate in a scavenger hunt from 9:30 to 1:45. Scavenger hunt cards are available from any merchant in town.

Lunch will be provided at multiple locations during the day. The Essex Inn, Pink Pig Cafe and the Essex Community Church will all offer food throughout the day. At the Essex Community Church, you can also have your picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus after you have lunch!

The Children’s Reindeer Fun Run will begin at noon. The faculty and staff of the Lakeside Waldorf School will present a puppet show in the Town Hall Meeting Room at 1:00. At 1:45 p.m. come hear the Champlain Valley Sweet Adelines as they sing holiday music in their own special way! Children who participated in the scavenger hunt will also be able to get their special present at this event from Santa himself!

A silent auction at the Belden Noble Library will run from 10:00 to 4:00 with many items donated by local businesses and residents. At 3:00, children and adults can enjoy Steven Kellogg reading from his first book, published 50 years ago. Steven will also show and read from other books from his five decades of published works. The auction bidding will close at 4:00. End your day at the Essex Inn, where Friday’s holiday mixology class will be offered again at 5:00 p.m.

On Sunday afternoon, A Christmas Carol Radio Holiday directed by James Coleman returns to the Whallonsburg Grange Hall. Refreshments, music, dancing, cookie-making, and kids’ crafts start at 3:00 and the performance begins at 4:00.

Christmas in Essex is sponsored by Essex Initiatives, with thanks to College for Every Student (CFES) and Lake Champlain Yoga & Wellness for housing our vendors. Be sure to check www.christmasinessex.com for schedule details and updates, as events are subject to change as the event draws near.