Old-fashioned Christmas Schedule

Craft workshops and sales, concerts, Victorian Tea, a candlelight procession and a visit from Santa are among the many festivities scheduled for the 11th annual Old-fashioned Christmas at Sherbrooke Village. This year's event will be held from Friday, Nov. 24, to Sunday, Nov. 26.

"We will have nearly 30,000 lights on display throughout the entire Christmas season, and there will be a wider variety of activities than ever before, all packed into one great weekend," said Lynn Hayne, program administrator at Sherbrooke Village.

Returning this year will be the Old-fashioned Christmas button, a souvenir item that allows participants to receive discounts at a number of paid events and free admission to others. The purchase of a $5 button can amount to $15 off regular event costs.

Friday night's opening activities will begin with the traditional tree lighting ceremony at Maple Manor seniors' complex, followed by a candlelight procession to the Village Square. Opening night sponsor Maritimes Northeast Pipelines will be collecting food for the local food bank during the procession and making a presentation during the opening ceremonies.

The Kidd Brothers will provide entertainment and there will be free hot chocolate and snacks, followed by a visit from Santa and a fireworks display. After the fireworks, there will be a free family skate at St. Mary's Recplex and karaoke at the Exhibit Centre.

Events continue throughout the weekend with adult and children's craft workshops, wagon rides, a craft show, a holiday luncheon, a village walking tour, house tours and a children's scavenger hunt.

Saturday, Nov. 25, will begin with breakfast at the Lions Hall, and continues with a Victorian Tea, scavenger hunt, and a Courthouse Ceilidh featuring Roly and Ellie Burton and Bob MacDonald.

Evening events include an old-fashioned community Christmas concert that will take place in the Courthouse, and a dinner and dance hosted by Liscombe Lodge, which is open for the full weekend with packages available.

Sunday, Nov. 26, will feature an choir service, along with several returning events such as a Victorian Tea, scavenger hunt and Courthouse Ceilidh.

In the evening, the Groaning Board Christmas Feast will take place at the What Cheer Tea Room and the grand finale concert will take place in St. James Presbyterian Church. The concert will feature Celtic harpists Ardyth and Jennifer, and Pictou County's Dave Gunning. These two acts have become audience favourites at Sherbrooke Village over the past several years, and their appearance is now considered a Christmas tradition.

For information call toll-free at 1-888-743-7845. A complete list of activities is also available online at www.oldfashionedchristmas.ca .