The way the Christmas season sneaks up upon us is a surprise each and every year. It seems that school begins, trees change, we celebrate the harvest and in a blink we are experiencing the magical first snowfall followed by the hustle and bustle of the holidays. This year is certainly no exception.
Christmas time is always a delight to the senses. The visions of lights and garlands and wreaths adorning every corner; the taste of all the sweets, peppermint and popcorn; the sounds of horse hooves clip clopping up the street and Barber Joe’s collection of holiday music; the warmth of a hug from friends and family; the smell of pine and gingerbread wafting through the air… and we bring this all together in an evening to relax and enjoy the gifts of this busy season.
Keeping with tradition, the festivities of our annual Christmas in the Village happen the first Thursday of December – December 5th from 5:00-9:00. The highly- anticipated horse drawn wagon rides provided by Highview Farm will be taking trips around town for the duration of the evening. As always, these beautiful animals add ambiance and old-fashioned charm to the village.
Marjorie McDonald is returning this year to offer photos with Santa from 5:00-8:00. Santa is eagerly awaiting all the children of Millbrook and has had the big red suit dry cleaned so he will be looking extra spiffy for his photo op! You can get your photos that evening with a donation (minimum of $10) to Millbrook Food Share, providing a great opportunity to support our local food bank and get that annual holiday photo.
The highly anticipated Puppet Tamer arrives at 7 pm to offer entertainment on the street for kids both big and small. Bring your sense of humour and meet in front of the Legion to catch a show that is sure to make you smile.
The Christmas Marketplace will be larger this year, and you will find local favourites vendors including Puddleduck Farms offering their maple syrup and greenery for your holiday decor. They will be joined by many new vendors with handmade wares to add that something special to your gift giving this year, and as always you can wander through our eclectic and wonderful variety of shops and boutiques until 9pm that evening.
New this year, we have added the Winter Wonderland Garden of Trees, sponsored by Kathie Lycett Re/Max. This holiday garden scene will be set up across from the Legion, and will feature a collection of trees decorated by our local businesses. Wander through the garden, snap a photo at the selfie wall and purchase raffle tickets to win the tree that inspires that holiday twinkle. The proceeds from this raffle will be directed to Millbrook and Cavan Historical Society.
Plan to arrive right from work and enjoy dinner in town. The Millbrook Legion will be serving their roast beef dinner once again, and you can enjoy fine dining at The Pastry Peddler, Moody’s Bar and Grill. Jule’s Kitchen. Subway and Bewdley Pizza will be offering quick dining options if you are eager to take in all of the excitement, and Reggie’s Bar and Grill and Kitchen and Farmacy will be fixing eats on King St. As always, a little something sweet is always available at Millbrook Valley Chocolates.
Once again, the gingerbread house decorating contest is being sponsored by Millbrook Foodland. Owner, Josh Helm, has donated 100 gingerbread houses for this event. Kits will be available for pick up at Foodland late in November. Quantities of free houses are limited, however you are welcome to enter the contest with a purchased kit, or house of your own unique creation. Adorned houses can be dropped off at the Masonic Lodge (next door to Home Hardware) on Tuesday December 3 between 5:00 and 8:00.
Our local Decorating Committee will have the streets of Millbrook looking as festive as ever and our businesses are keen to make their storefronts sparkle to welcome the season. This event always showcases the community during a special night in lights and speaks to the nature of the season – generosity and goodwill towards others. There is something for everyone, and we encourage you to join the festivities, catch up with neighbours and enjoy the magic of the season in your own backyard. Happy Holidays from Downtown Millbrook.
By Kate DeKlerck
