Story submitted by Christmas in Montrose.
Once again, Montrose will be transformed into a wonderland for families to enjoy on December 5th, 6th, and 7th.
Last year, Christmas in Montrose introduced the first-ever Holiday Light Decorating Contest. The now annual contest continues this year. Homes, apartments, and businesses in the borough are all eligible and encouraged to sign-up. Bonus points will be awarded to participants that use the “Gingerbread House” theme. First prize business winners will receive $500 cash, and the second-place winner will receive $250 cash. The residential first place winner will receive $1,000 cash, and the runner up will receive $500 cash! Imagine the magic of driving around Montrose with all the homes and businesses lit up with Christmas joy!
The fun begins Friday evening when Santa’s reindeer visit The Green. Be sure to bring the kids Friday from 4-7:00 PM. The reindeer will only be here Friday evening. It’s a very busy time for them, and they cannot stay for the weekend!
For the first time last year, The Christmas Village was open for business on Friday evening and what a scene that was! This year the new tradition continues. The Green will be lit up at night with the “storefronts” definitely bringing the Christmas spirit to those attending.
Friday night, the popular “Take a Bite Out of Christmas” kicks off the weekend with a variety of advance-sale ticketed tours including the Snowflake Tour, the Silver Bells Church Tour and the History-Mystery Tour. Each of the tours is an opportunity to learn about a piece of the rich history of Montrose, and each tour has a unique mode of transportation depending on the theme of the tour including a hayride, a school bus, and walking.
Friday evening highlights also include the United Fire Company’s Parade of Lights and The Santa Roll of Chocolates by Leopold fame.
If you like to run, jog, or walk then you will want to be in town early Saturday morning for the Jingle Bell 5K. Dress up in a festive outfit or just try to stay warm. The 5K has grown every year and is fun for those who participate as well as for those who come to watch!
Saturday has something for everyone, including the village “storefronts” on The Green, horse and buggy rides, train rides, vendors galore, Santa, the Festival of Trees (that will be at The Relic this year), and a gingerbread house contest at Slanted Art. Many of the churches in town will be participating in various ways, selling baked goods, crafts, lunches, and much more. At Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church families can also find the petting zoo in the yard by the church, as well as real, live baby kangaroos. The kangaroos will be inside; they are very tiny and need to be warm. What a huge hit they were last year with the kids! Beta Rho Chapter of DKG will also have their craft fair at the church. Businesses in town will be open and ready to welcome all those visiting throughout the day on Saturday.
On Sunday things wrap-up with the Christmas Choral at 3:00 PM at the Presbyterian Church. This never fails to bring the spirit of the season into the hearts of those attending.
These are just some highlights of this magical Christmas in Montrose weekend. There is so much more that you will hear and read about in the upcoming weeks as the planning continues. To find more in depth information about these events go to our website, or check us out on Facebook. Also, WPEL will be featuring segments about Christmas in Montrose, WNEP will broadcast live Friday morning of the festival beginning at 4:30 AM, and don’t forget to watch for upcoming articles in your local papers.
When you are exploring town on Christmas in Montrose weekend and have questions where to find what you are looking for, come to the information booth on The Green. Someone will be there to direct you!