Peddler's Village CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

As you might have figured out if you read a couple of my recent postings, I did A LOT of delightful things over the years as part of the “Lockhart Ladies” – Mim, Mom et moi – and then with Mom riding shotgun on holiday jaunts. 

But one tradition started & continues with my Keet, my Hubster, the Love of My Life ~ ~ strolling around Peddler’s Village.  It’s something we never miss, never find old hat.  We'll have a drink at Hart's Tavern, spend more time than we'll admit at Canterbury Books, wander across the green to Journey's (where John is sure to find a wonderful, spirit-infused gift for his Keet - me), meander up to the kitchenware shop.  

It's a beautiful time for us, ripe with happiness & 23 years of memories.  

There are always more shops than time, especially as they each call out to be savored, not hurried.  We strongly recommend mapping out ahead of time where you want to go & you want to build in times to be on your own (easier to buy that special something - we'll never forget the year John meant to come back for a beyond-perfect book of squirrel paper cutouts & it was gone by the time he got back the next week).  

Planning ahead is especially wise if you have children, as there's less likely to be any disappointed young ones who didn't get to see this or that (especially Giggleberry Fair & the two toy stores, on located on the Main Green, the other across the street).  

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL,  Dec 1 & 2 ~ free

This weekend is when Peddler’s Village kicks off its holiday glory, with a free festival on Saturday & Sunday heralding the start of its holiday season.

Santa & his Mrs. arrive at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, a parade of live music & carolers following them as they wend their way through the village, transformed into a winter wonderland.  After the parade, he will be taking up residence at his workshop, situated in Giggleberry Fair.

Even the chilliest weather can’t stand up to a cup of warm mulled cider,  ladled out of an old-fashioned kettle.  Let your inner child come to the fore as you roast a complimentary marshmallow! 

All the buildings and grounds will be decked out in an extravaganza of  holiday lights & decorations.  Victorian fruit wreaths and greenery will decorate the space by day.   As the sun dips below the horizon, the village will sparkle with one million Christmas lights!

The long line waiting to enter the enclosed gazebo will be people eager to check out the entries for this year’s GingerbreadHouse Competition and Display!  The much-anticipated annual event showcases gingerbread houses of all sorts, from traditional gingerbread houses to recreations of significant buildings.  I like that there is a full range of talents, from barely beginners to professional bakers/decorators. 

When: Saturday, December 1, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday, December 2, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Peddler’s Village, Routes 202 and 263, Lahaska
Cost: Free

 Dress warmly, preferably in layers