Leftovers from the Thanksgiving turkey will still be packed into the fridge when the annual Christmas in Shepherdstown celebration begins. Festivities begin November 23, the day after Thanksgiving, and continue through the weekend and the following weekend.

Organizers promise an event to remember, “more festive than ever, with a wide variety of events and activities.” Parking will be free at all town meters on both weekends, and many shops will stay open late on Fridays and Saturdays from Thanksgiving until Christmas.

Both weekends will also feature 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.

The ever popular bonfire will give downtown a glow Friday, November 23. That evening the town tree will be lit and Santa will arrive in Shepherdstown. Other events during the November 24-25 weekend include trolley tours of town, a brunch with Santa, crafts for children, and a Christmas concert at O'Hurley's General Store.

The Christmas parade takes place the morning of Saturday, December 1. Also that day area an organ recital at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, a Victorian Christmas brunch, and the Shepherd University Music Department's annual holiday concert.

Events scheduled for Sunday, December 3, include a special children's concert by Shepherd's Music Department and a sing-along at O'Hurley's Store.

Here is the full schedule of events. For more information, see www.christmasinshepherdstown.com.


Friday, November 23

5:00-7:00 p.m. Bonfire on King Street. Roasted chestnuts and strolling carolers.

5:00-8:00 p.m. Kiwanis chili and cornbread supper with baked goods. At the War Memorial Building on German Street (Second Floor).

6:00-8:00 p.m. "On the Wall, cont.: Portraits by Hali Taylor." Opening reception at the Entler Hotel, corner of German and Princess streets.

7:00-8:00 p.m. Mayor's holiday welcome, Town Tree lighting, and Santa's arrival. On the lawn of McMurran Hall, German Street.

Saturday, November 24

Roasted chestnuts and strolling carolers.

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p. m. Holiday Marketplace (greens, handcrafted gifts, and baked goods) at the War Memorial Building (First Floor).

11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Dominic Valentine will give Model "A" Ford rides through town, free of charge. Rides will leave from the Library on German Street. Sponsored by the Observer newspaper.

11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Kiwanis chili and cornbread supper with baked goods, at the War Memorial Building (Second Floor).

11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Trolley Bus tours of historic Shepherdstown.

Noon – 3:00 p.m. Photos with Santa at J. Cooper Gallery, German Street.

5:00– 8:00 p.m. Open Houses at participating businesses.

7:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. Live Nativity scene at Trinity Episcopal Church, corner of German and Church streets.

Sunday November 25

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Farm Market – behind the Shepherdstown Public Library.

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Brunch with Santa and crafts for children at the War Memorial Building.

11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Free Model "A" Ford rides through town; leave from the Library.

Noon – 3:00 p.m. Photos with Santa at J. Cooper Gallery.

2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Christmas concert in the Great Hall at O'Hurley's General Store (hot cider and cookies included), 205 East Washington Street.

Friday, November 30

4:30 – 7:00 p.m. Victorian Christmas Dinner at Shepherd University Dining Hall, featuring carved prime rib and other holiday treats. Tickets $7.

Saturday, December 1

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p. m. Holiday Marketplace (greens, handcrafted gifts, and baked goods) at the War Memorial Building (First Floor).

11:00 a.m. Christmas parade on German Street.

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Little House open (will be closed if there is any precipitation), Princess Street.

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Victorian Christmas Brunch at Shepherd University Dining Hall, featuring carved prime rib and other holiday treats. Tickets $7.

11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Organ Performance at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, corner of King and High streets.

11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Free Model "A" Ford rides through town; leave from the Library.

11:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Cookie Walk in the new Fellowship Hall of Trinity Episcopal Church. Warm up with cider and coffee; there will be Christmas music, and cookies for sale.

Noon & 12:30 p.m. Live Nativity scene at Trinity Episcopal Church.

Noon – 3:00 p.m. Photos with Santa at J. Cooper Gallery.

2:00 p.m. Annual Advent Tea at Christ Reform Church, 301 E. German Street. Tickets are $12.75 and seating is limited. Susan Smith and Ann Wayt will lecture and give a demonstration on holiday table arrangements. Call Lou Cox for tickets at (304) 876-1167.

5:00-8:00 p.m. Open Houses at participating businesses.

7:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. Live Nativity scene at Trinity Episcopal Church.

7:30 p.m. Shepherd University Department of Music Annual Holiday Gala at the Frank Arts Center. Classic sounds of the holiday season featuring the Shepherd University Wind Symphony, Chamber Singers, Camerata Singers, Jazz Ensemble, Masterworks Chorale and many others. The performance is followed by the annual Friends of Music reception at Cress Creek Country Club. Tickets to the concert are $10, and the reception tickets are available for $10 as well. Student tickets are $5, and Shepherd students with a Rambler Card are admitted free of charge. For tickets call the Shepherd University Concertline at 304-876-5555

Sunday, December 2

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Farm Market – behind Shepherdstown Public Library.

11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Free Model "A" Ford rides through town; leave from the Library.

Noon – 3:00 p.m. Photos with Santa at J. Cooper Gallery.

1:00 p.m. – 5:00 pm. Rumsey Steamboat Museum open, with docents in period costume; located behind the Entler Hotel.

2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Sing-along in the Great Hall at O'Hurley's General Store (hot cider and cookies included).

3:00 p.m. Shepherd University Department of Music Children's Holiday Concert at the Frank Arts Center. A lighter and slightly abbreviated version of the Saturday evening Gala, this concert is specially arranged for families with young children. Includes the Shepherd University Wind Ensemble, Chamber Singers, Masterworks Chorale and the Jazz Ensemble. A visit from Santa will be featured. Tickets to the concert are $10 general admission, student tickets are $5, and Shepherd students with a Rambler Card are admitted free of charge. For tickets call the Shepherd University Concertline at 304-876-5555.