The streets of Harpers Ferry are aglow in preparation for the opening of Olde Tyme Christmas. Toni Milbourne

HARPERS FERRY — The annual tradition of Olde Tyme Christmas is returning to Harpers Ferry, as the event kicks off tonight, with the lighting of the Christmas tree outside of St. Peter’s Catholic Church.

The traditional lighting of the yule log is not scheduled for this year; however, the town will be aglow with holiday lights, and shops will be open for extended hours throughout this weekend and next.

Olde Time Christmas visitors will step back in time, as musicians, specifically Fiddlin’ Dave and Morgan, and other entertainers, dressed in period garb, will be found strolling through the lower town’s narrow streets.

Returning to the traditional lineup of the Victorian Era-inspired Christmas will be live entertainment at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, including the ever-popular Living Nativity. Hours for the Living Nativity will be on Saturday and Dec. 11, at 6 and 8 p.m.

Additional entertainment is scheduled at the church: “A Christmas Carol” will be performed by Charles Dickens on Saturday at 4 p.m.; the Angel Band will play on Sunday at 4 p.m.; the Washington High School Choir will sing on Dec. 11 at 4 p.m.; and Merlin’s Beard Band will play on Dec. 12 at 4 p.m.

The town’s gazebo will provide a holiday backdrop for children’s programming puppeteers on each day of both weekends at 4 p.m. Also scheduled at the gazebo each day will be a blacksmith, demonstrating their craft, which was a popular occupation in the 1800s.

Shops will offer a variety of activities throughout the scheduled celebration, including children’s programming with Elf Susie at Town’s Inn this Saturday. Open house hours will be held at the Inn at various times throughout the weekend. Local author Bob O’Connor will be available to sign books on the Town’s Inn patio throughout the weekend, as well.

In conjunction with Olde Tyme Christmas, the Tri-State Holiday Craft Fair will be held on Dec. 11 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center on Route 340. Vendors will be selling unique gift options for shoppers.

One other Olde Time Christmas attendee favorite, the horse and wagon ride, will be offered in lower town.

A newcomer to this year’s event, will be a Historic Inn Tour, taking place on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A schedule of events as well as other detailed information is available at https://www.harpersferryotc.com including how to register for the Inn Tour.

Those planning to visit Harpers Ferry for the holiday festivities are reminded that parking in the town is always a challenge. Visitors are encouraged to park at the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Visitor Center, which is the starting point for the park’s regular shuttle bus service to and from lower town. Shuttle hours will be extended for the two Olde Tyme Christmas weekends.