ORLEANS — The holiday spirit is set to shine brightly in Orleans this weekend as the Orleans Chamber of Commerce hosts the 15th Annual “Orleans Christmas on the Square.” The popular family event will take place this Saturday, December 13th, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Historic Congress Square (downtown town park).
The evening is packed with a variety of free, festive activities for all ages, culminating in the grand arrival of the holiday’s most anticipated guests.
Santa’s Grand Entrance and Reindeer Encounter
The evening kicks off with a memorable arrival at the historic, decorated bandstand:
- Santa and Mrs. Claus are scheduled to arrive at approximately 5:00 p.m. via the town’s restored 1926 Peter Pirsch Firetruck. Following their grand entrance, Santa will host a meet-and-greet on the bandstand. Parents are encouraged to bring their cameras to capture photos of their children with the Clauses.
- The little ones will also be delighted by an Elf and Live Reindeer Encounter set up on the square.
Festivities and Fun for the Family
The square will be transformed into a winter wonderland of activities and entertainment:
- Children’s Express: The ever-popular, free Children’s Christmas Funtime Express train ride returns, providing rides around the beautifully decorated Historic Congress Square.
- Live Nativity: The traditional Christmas Story will be shared through a Live Nativity scene featuring animals, sponsored by the Orleans United Methodist Church and Bonds Chapel (located on the west side of the square).
- Holiday Music & Dance: Entertainment will feature performances by both the Orleans Jr.-Sr. High School Choir and Band, along with routines from the Dazzlers Dance group and the new OHS Jr-High Team.
- Crafts and Treats: The Orleans Library will host a fun holiday make-and-take craft activity on the square. Kirk Vet Services will also be open, hosting crafts for kids and serving free hot chocolate, cider, and coffee.
- Tri-Kappa and Phi Beta Psi: Orleans Tri-Kappa will have its booth serving homemade treats and hot beverages. Phi Beta Psi will be on the square, handing out Christmas light-viewing glasses as a gift.
- Carriage Rides: Horse-drawn carriage rides will be offered, weather permitting, departing from the Chamber Welcome Center on the north side of the square.
Get Your Letters to the North Pole Early!
For children eager to send their wishes to Santa, free “Postcards to Santa” will be available for pickup from the Orleans Chamber’s Visitor’s Center, located on the north side of the square. “Santa’s Mailbox” is situated in front of the Chamber office for mailing the cards directly to the North Pole.
Kick Off the Day with the Santa Hat Run
Before the evening festivities, the 11th Annual Santa Hat Run/Walk will be held at 3:00 p.m. (Note the new start time). This event is FREE and open to all ages. Participants are asked to meet at the bandstand at 2:45 p.m., wearing their very best Santa Hats and festive attire.
Several downtown eateries and shop owners around the historic square are also expected to be open during the event, offering shoppers a chance to support local businesses.
