Nostalgic Holidays in Charles Town

Holidays in Charles Town have a Norman Rockwell feel. Starting with Halloween, when leaves crunch spookily under trick-or-treaters shoes as they search for their next lit jack-o-lantern, on into Thanksgiving, with smoke wafting out of everyone’s chimneys while grateful eaters indulge in pumpkin pie, and finally onto Christmas—with its heady pine smells, twinkling lights, and king of the North Pole, it’s nostalgic in every way.

There’s something magical about downtown at Christmastime. Garlands adorn lampposts, lights blink from their strands, and storefront windows are decked out in holiday style. Maybe more importantly, no matter what differences grip the community the rest of the year, at this time it joins together for good cheer and hopes for peace on Earth.

A tree lighting in front of the historic Court House is the first official event, usually a humble affair. This year, Tim Robinson will lead the prayer; others will sing carols. Santa will read “T’was the Night Before Christmas,” then Mayor Smith will throw the switch to light the tree.

The Christmas Parade is next, a true community effort in which one might see local Scout troops marching together, beauty queens waving hello atop sports cars, the Shriners zipping around on their motorized minibikes, and every possible fire company in the area blaring their sirens in greeting.

There are also junior high and high school bands, with their majorettes throwing batons and flag bearers proudly displaying who they are. Pop singers and dance troupes stop periodically to show their stuff. Sometimes the animal shelters walk their current crop of dogs (always available to a good home) and you can usually count on seeing a variety of tractors, muscle cars, and church groups.

It’s smart to sit on the sunny side of the street as the parade usually finds itself in chilly weather. Thank goodness the Boy Scouts sell hot chocolate every year from Zion Episcopal Church (they also rent chairs along the parade route). Of course, people crowd into the coffee joints in town, while others bring along thermoses and hand warmers tucked into their pockets.

People gather early for the parade, figuring out where they want to sit, walking up and down to visit with neighbors and friends. The festivities usually begin when Santa climbs off a downtown roof into a fire truck—he appears in an encore performance at the end of the parade, just like he should. In the interim, hours have passed watching the best community parade imaginable. Because people know, or have heard of, so many in the parade, it makes it a great one to come out and watch. People in the parade wave, and the spectators wave back. Some shower the crowds with candy, and the kids scramble to catch it. It’s always a good time.

The following weekend is another don’t-miss event: the annual Parade of Horses. Participants decorate themselves, their horses, and their wagons or carriages in different themes and parade from Charles Town Races & Slots through the main street of Charles Town. When they reach the courthouse, participants try to impress the judges with drill team maneuvers, their decorating skills, and their best big smiles and waves. Winners will be awarded in 13 different categories including “Most Original Horse and Rider,” “Best Pony and Wagon,” and “Most Christmas Spirit.”
Started in 1996, the Parade of Horses is a real treat, one that speaks to the heritage of Charles Town’s equine culture. Last year, 276 horses participated.

While you may not find chestnuts roasting on an open fire, you will find plenty of other things for sale downtown, with many businesses decorating for the holidays and staying open late for patrons.

Old downtowns like historic Charles Town used to be the place families did all their shopping, before stores began moving outside city limits. Many storefronts still have the large plate glass windows of yesteryear and many evoke nostalgia by decorating in the old traditional styles at holiday time.

At the front window of Valley Hardware, a downtown institution, kids press their noses against the glass to watch the toy trains (one with smoke chugging out of its smokestack) that are running around a 1950s-era aluminum tree, red lights shining brightly from above.

Don’t bother to inquire about whether the store has any more aluminum Christmas trees like the one gracing the front window—they don’t. “The Sparkler Pom Pom Christmas Tree,” with its original box still intact, is much like Valley Hardware itself: one of a kind.

The trains have become a signature of the hardware store, and owner Dave Bush has been a fan since his father bought his first set when Dave turned one year old. Dave put a running-train scene in the store’s front window about six years ago at Christmastime. He was about to take them down, but some kids really enjoyed them and asked him to leave them up. They’ve been going ever since.

Just down the street is the gloriously decorated home furnishings store, Dream House. Two large-scale nutcrackers stand guard outside the store. Looking in is a wonder all its own: sparkling trees, nifty ornaments, prancing reindeer, and holiday gifts for every imagination adorn the already fabulous home decor selection. Owner Bonnie Kratovil hosts an open house every year so folks can see the store decorated for the holidays, enjoy some snacks and, as she said, “good cheer.”

Across the street at Needful Things, holiday items collected throughout the year go on sale en masse after November 1. Whatever doesn’t find its way into the houses of others is donated to the six or so churches who come right before Christmas so that, as owner Missy Glascock said, “somebody can have a nice Christmas.” When you get tired of browsing, you can always pop over to the cafe side of the business to have a piece of Stacy Johnson’s amazing homemade cake. Kids—and adults—love to take their photo with Santa, who stands on the sidewalk out front.

Charles Town is the place to be during the holidays if you’re looking for an old-fashioned experience. Nostalgic decorations, homespun parades, places to shop and eat, and a feeling of true community are what it’s all about.

Dates for Holiday Events:
November 23: Tree Lighting, Charles Town, 6 pm.
December 1: Christmas Parade, Charles Town, 2 pm. (rooftop appearance by Santa at 1:45 pm.)
December 9: Parade of Horses, Charles Town, 2 pm.