The historic town of Shepherdstown will hold its annual “Christmas in Shepherdstown” starting today and running through first weekend of December.

Organizers say this year’s celebration will be as festive as ever, with a wide variety of events and activities scheduled.

Both weekends will also feature carriage rides; a special indoor holiday marketplace selling greens, crafts, and baked goods on Saturdays; an outdoor farmer’s market Sunday mornings; opportunities for children to have their photos taken with Santa; and live nativity scenes at Trinity Episcopal Church.

Full 2009 Schedule (Subject to Change)

For further information, contact the Shepherdstown Visitors Center

at 304-876-2786 or see@shepherdstownvisitorscenter.com

Friday, November 27

Free parking at metered spaces throughout the Town!

Roasted chestnuts, strolling carolers and Luminaries on German Street

10 a.m.-8 p.m. Stores open serving “sips and sweets.”

5 p.m.-8 p.m. Kiwanis chili and cornbread supper with baked goods at the War Memorial Building on German Street (Second Floor).

5 p.m.-8 p.m. Bonfire and “Smores” on King Street. Sponsored by the Shepherdstown Volunteer Fire Department.

5 p.m.-8 p.m. Chestnuts roasting in front of the Shepherdstown Public Library.

6 p.m.-7 p.m. Streets blocked off from Trinity Episcopal Church to the Yellow Brick Bank. “Put-pockets” passing out candies to shoppers and visitors. Carolers strolling the streets, music in various shops, people in costume entertaining all.

6:15 p.m. Mrs. Santa will read “The Night Before Christmas” on the lawn of McMurran Hall.

6:30 p.m. Annual holiday welcome by Mayor Jim Auxer. Rumor has it that the Grinch may be about, causing havoc this year.

6:45 p.m. Santa arrives at McMurran Hall and visits with children and their families. Be sure to bring your cameras!

7 p.m. Staged reading of “A Christmas Carol” by the Full Circle Theater Company at their theater on Princess Street, with refreshments and choral music. Tickets $20 for this fundraiser.

Saturday, November 28

10 a.m.-8 p.m. Stores will be open for Christmas shopping, serving “sips and sweets.”

10 a.m.-2 p.m. The “Little House” on Princess Street will be decorated and open to the public, weather permitting

10 a.m.-3 p.m. Photos with Santa (by Piccadilly Posh) at Lullaby Lu on German Street. Meet and have pictures taken with Santa by a professional photographer.

10 a.m.-4 p. m. Holiday Marketplace and Greens Sale. Holiday gifts, greens and bake sale at War Memorial Building (First Floor).

11 am-4 p.m. Kettle Corn for sale in front of the Library.

11 a.m.-5 p.m. Historic Shepherdstown Museum open.

11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Our Gift to the Town at the War Memorial Building, sponsored by the Shepherdstown Business Association and Christmas in Shepherdstown. Join us for lunch and desserts! Clifford Branson has graciously agreed to share his world famous fried chicken, homemade potato salad and a green veggie-for sale to “eat in or take out.” Members of the Shepherdstown Ministerial Association, Historic Shepherdstown, GSIVC, the Visitors Center and others will sell baked goods for dessert. Magician, face painters, popcorn, Santa visit with candy canes for all.

12 noon-3 p.m. Free carriage rides by Carousel Farms (weather permitting)

Dusk. Luminaries lit throughout downtown.

5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Opening reception for the Holiday Group Exhibit, which runs through Jan. 3 at 8566 Shepherdstown Pike.

6 p.m., 7 p.m. & 8 p.m. Trinity Episcopal Church Live Nativity Scene. Corner of Church and German streets.

Sunday November 29

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Farm Market on King Street behind the Library.

10 a.m.-6 p.m. Stores open for Christmas shopping, serving “sips and sweets.”

2 p.m.-4 p.m. Annual Christmas Music at O’Hurley’s General Store in the Great Hall, provided by the regular Thursday night musicians.

Friday, December 4

4:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Shepherd University “Olde Time Shepherdstown Dinner” at the University Dining Hall. Adults $7.50, Children 3-11 $4.50. Children under 3 free.

Saturday, December 5

10 a.m. Shepherdstown Elementary School Sixth Grade choir and “Bell Tones” perform on the steps of McMurran Hall.

10 a.m.-4 p. m. Holiday Marketplace and Greens Sale. Holiday gifts, greens and bake sale at War Memorial Building.

10 a.m.-4 p. m. Rozzy’s Friends-various artists at the Entler Hotel.

10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Kettle Corn for sale in front of the Library. See Page 18.

10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Washington High School Band Boosters will be selling hot chocolate at the Library.

11 a.m. annual Christmas parade down German Street featuring Live Nativity participants, marching bands and Morris Dancers.

During the day. St. Peter’s Lutheran Church selling Christmas cookies at the War Memorial Building.

11 a.m. Trinity Episcopal Church annual “Cookie Walk” and Bazaar.

11 a.m.-5 p.m. James Rumsey Boathouse open.

11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. The Agape School of the Performing Arts will perform free at Reynolds Hall at 11:45 a.m. after the parade. Craig Hunter will also perform “mime dancing.”

12 noon & 1 p.m. Trinity Episcopal Church Live Nativity Scene. Corner of Church and German streets.

1 p.m.-4 p.m. Choral Arts Society of Frederick will be caroling throughout town.

5:30 p.m.-6 p.m. Washington High School jazz ensemble will perform holiday jazz on the steps of McMurran Hall.

6 p.m.-11 p.m. Shepherdstown Music and Dance “Christmas Contra Dance” at the War Memorial Building. Potluck dinner at 6 p.m., beginners’ class at 7:30 p.m. Dance called by Bob Isaacs with music by “Crowfoot”-come and kick up your heels!

7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Holiday Gala Concert at the Frank Center for the Performing Arts. Limited seating. General Admission $15 in advance, $20 at the door, $10 children 3-18. Free to SU students and Friends of Music Mac Card holders.

Sunday, December 6

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Farm Market on King Street behind Shepherdstown Public Library.

10 a.m.-6 p.m. Stores will be open for Christmas shopping, serving “sips and sweets.”

10 a.m.-2:30 p. m. Rozzy’s Friends-various artists at the Entler Hotel.

11 a.m.-2 p.m. “Christmas Sunday Buffet Brunch” at the Bavarian Inn. Santa, elves, and a special buffet table set up for kids and loaded with stuffed animals. $24.95 per person, $12.95 under 12. Reservations recommended. 304-876-2551.

10 a.m.-3 p.m. Kettle Corn for sale in front of the Library.

12 noon-3 p.m. Free Community Dinner and Open House at the Shepherdstown Volunteer Fire Department. Fire truck and ambulance displays, free gift for children and a visit by Santa.

1 p.m.-4 p.m. Historic Shepherdstown Museum open.

2 p.m.-4 p.m. Annual “Sing-a-long” at O’Hurley’s General Store Great Hall. All are invited either to sing or just to listen.

3 p.m.-4 p.m. Holiday Gala, sponsored by the Friends of Music. Enjoy classic sounds of the season featuring SU Wind Symphony, Chamber Singers, Camerata Singers, Masterworks Chorale and others at the Frank Center for the Performing Arts.

Saturday, December 19

2 p.m. & 4 p.m. “The Nutcracker”-Shepherdstown School of Dance

Sunday, December 20

Free parking at metered spaces throughout the Town December 16-27!