Gazette News Report
XENIA — An appearance by Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will highlight Xenia’s Hometown Christmas 2015 set for 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12.
In addition to the anticipated visit from the jolly old fat man, other events from previous years are expected to take place including downtown carriage rides, a business window decorating contest, a Hometown Christmas silent auction and Christmas music being played in front of the Greene County Courthouse.
Shoppers will have the opportunity to vote on the top three holiday storefront windows with monetary prizes donated by Xenia Glass and Lock Company going to the winning window decorating businesses.
It’s all geared at bringing people downtown to have fun and shop locally.
“Downtown Xenia Now’s Hometown Christmas Now 2015 will not only showcase what a great holiday spirit lives and thrives in Downtown Xenia but will also showcase just how great Xenia’s Downtown is from a business and retail perspective,” said Downtown Xenia Now Vice Chair Ronda Houston. “We have a charming and historic downtown that is not only very welcoming to visitors from all around but is also conducive to profits for retailers, restaurant and service business owners at Christmas and all year long. Hometown Christmas is just another great way we celebrate the season while celebrating holiday shoppers and retailers alike.”
Mr. and Mrs. Claus will appear at the Toward Independence Offices, 81 E. Main St. and will visit with children throughout the evening while handing out candies donated by Woodforest Bank. Harworth Tire and Auto will give out 50 soccer balls to families that visit Santa. Parents may take photos of Santa on their own.
Other events include: Back to Bethlehem presented by Xenia Grace Chapel at South Detroit and West Second streets; Candyland Bazaar at the Xenia YMCA, 135 E. Church St.; Cookie decorating and hot cider bar at Sweets Boutique, 28 E. Second St.; PEACH home school craft and bake sale at Narrow Path Plumbing, 113 S. Detroit St.; Greene County Historical Society holiday open house, 12-5 p.m., 74 W. Church St.; Christmas carols, 7-8 p.m. at Cornerstone Bible Church, North Detroit and West Church streets.
Many downtown restaurants, service and retail businesses will be open the entire evening. They will be featuring a variety of food options and holiday shopping offers for the patrons during the festivities.
Additional sponsors of the Downtown Xenia Now’s Hometown Christmas 2015 include: Collett Propane; Legacy Village; Montgomery Insurance and Investments; and Narrow Path Plumbing.
For a full list of activities, volunteer opportunities or more information on Downtown Xenia’s Hometown Christmas 2015 visit Downtown Xenia Now at www.xenianow.org, or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/xeniadowntown.
The event is presented in collaboration with the City of Xenia’s Board for Recreation, Arts and Cultural Activities (BRACA).
