The historic town of Shepherdstown will kick off its annual “Christmas in Shepherdstown” celebration the evening of Friday, Nov. 27 with a series of traditional events

The evening’s events will start at 4 p.m. on King and German Streets by McMurran Hall and will include a community bonfire, a chili and cornbread supper sponsored by the Kiwanis Club, the lighting of the town tree, a reading of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” the arrival of Santa and children’s visits with Santa.

Other highlights of this first Christmas weekend will be carriage rides both days, a Saturday “Unity in Our Community” celebration for children at the Community Club, Saturday live Nativity performances, and a Sunday Christmas sing-along at the Methodist Church.

Most events are free.

There will be free parking in all the town’s metered spaces on Friday, Nov. 27 and every weekday from Dec. 14 through Jan. 3. There is always free parking at Shepherdstown’s metered spaces on weekends. Free weekend parking is also available in the Shepherd University parking lot at High and Princess streets, one block from downtown.

A detailed schedule for the Nov. 27-29 weekend follows below. Other events and activities may be added. For an up-to-date listing of all events for this weekend and the entire Christmas in Shepherdstown period keep checking www.christmasinshepherdstown.com. Or contact the Shepherdstown Visitors Center at 304-876-2786 or svc@shepherdstown.info.

Nov. 27-29 Christmas in Shepherdstown Schedule

All events are free except for those where prices are stated or there is an asterisk (*), which is used where an entry fee/ticket is required

First Weekend

Friday, Nov. 27

“Toys for Tot” Drop Off begins at Brown’s Tire, Towing and Auto Care Center, 7735 Martinsburg Pike. Customers earn “Brown Bucks” for each toy donated. All donations are due by Dec 11.

4-8 p.m. Chili & Cornbread Supper. Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club. Community Club Building. (Adults $6; Children 6-12 $4; Children under 6 free.) Proceeds benefit Kiwanis.

4-8 p.m. Bonfire and roasted chestnuts. King and German Streets

5:30-8:30 p.m. Exhibition: “On the Wall; Portraits by Hali Taylor cont.” Town Run Brewing Company, Washington Street. 9 p.m. after party at the Mecklinburg Inn with “Big Souls” Band.

5:30 p.m. Grinch arrives with Mrs. Santa and the Whoville residents. King and German Streets

6 p.m. Mrs. Santa reads “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” McMurran Hall lawn

6:15 p.m. Lighting of Town Tree. McMurran Hall lawn

6:30 p.m. Santa arrives Santa and his elves entertain children inside McMurran Hall. Parents, bring your camera.

Saturday, Nov. 28

11 a.m.-5 p.m. Historic Shepherdstown Museum. One of Shepherdstown’s major historic icons will be open. 129 East German Street

12-5 p.m. Roasted chestnuts. King and German Streets

12-3 p.m. “Unity in Our Community” Celebration for Children. Santa, face painting, a magic show, hot chocolate and cookies. Community Club Building

12-3 p.m. Carriage rides. Pick up in front of town hall. ( $5.)

12-2 p.m. Little House. Another Shepherdstown landmark, a small limestone cottage in full details will be open. North Princess Street

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

Sunday, Nov. 29

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shepherdstown Farmers Market. On King Street behind Library

12-2 p.m. Carriage rides. Pick up in front of Town Hall. ($5.)

1-4 p.m. Historic Shepherdstown Museum. One of Shepherdstown’s major historic icons will be open 129 East German Street

2-4 p.m. Annual Christmas Concert. O’Hurley’s General Store.

3-4 p.m. Christmas Sing-a-long. New Street United Methodist Church