Printer Friendly Version - New Features meet Old Favorites at 24th Annual Christmas in Clinton

The 24th annual Christmas in Clinton celebration will bring holiday activities up and down East Main Street from 1 to 4:30 p.m. and, as in years past, culminate with the arrival of Santa Claus and the tree lighting at Andrews Memorial Town Hall. File photo by Susan Lambert/Harbor News

Santa is coming! And so is much more at the 24th annual Christmas in Clinton event on Sunday Dec. 1. Those looking to get a dose of holiday cheer should make their way to downtown between the hours of 1 and 5 p.m. to see what dozens of organizations and businesses have ready to help get everyone in the spirit of the season.

Clinton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Paul Orsini said that the main festivities will run between 1 to about 4:30 p.m. The events end at 5 p.m. with a tree lighting and appearance by Santa at the Town Hall.

“We have over 40 different business and civic organizations along Route One who will be participating,” said Orsini. “In addition, there be a lot going on in Town Hall itself.”

The annual event has become a staple of Clinton, with favorite returning events like a visit to Santa’s workshop, the Soup’s On contest, the Elf on a Shelf scavenger hunt, and holiday music. The event is geared toward adults and children alike, with contest, exhibits, and arts and crafts available all along Route One from Post Office Square to Liberty Green. There will be a wreaths and trees display in the Town Hall lobby as well as a Christmas bazaar downstairs.

In addition to the old favorites, Orsini said there are some new events coming this year. The new Clinton Trolley will be traveling along Route One and making stops at the different events.

“It’s a way for people to get a free ride on the trolley and we’re going to have different activities on the trolley itself,” said Orsini.

Another new event this year is a historical walking tour that will begin at 2 p.m. and be led by local author and resident Peggy Adler. Adler had a book published earlier this year named Images of America: Clinton, which chronicled the history of town.

Orsini said the event on its own draws many people who live in Clinton and the surrounding towns, but he is hopeful the town will see an increase this year. Christmas in Clinton falls on the Sunday after black Friday this year, and Orsini said he is hopeful that the town can draw in some of the visitors who may be making their way to Clinton Crossing for some shopping. The Chamber of Commerce increased its advertising presence at the outlets to prepare for the event according to Orsini.

“It’s a nice to see the whole town decorated out in Christmas activities. It’s a great day for people to walk around and get in the holiday spirit,” said Orsini.