Although he’s already very busy getting prepared for the big day, Santa will be coming to Millbrook on Saturday, December 7th for the annual Christmas in the Village celebration.
Presented by the Millbrook Business Improvement Area (BIA), the event features a full day of festive fun for the entire family, including a breakfast with Santa with photos and wagon rides, a vendor market, live music, holiday mini photo sessions, a tree lighting ceremony, and more.
“Christmas in the Village is about bringing the entire community together and has something for all ages,” says Millbrook BIA’s Chloe Dewhurst, owner of Millbrook’s ReThink Hair and event organizer.
While in recent years the event has been held on a Thursday evening, this year’s Christmas in the Village runs on a Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“We’re hoping that offering the event throughout the day on a Saturday will allow for more families to come,” says Dewhurst.
Christmas in the Village is not just an opportunity for locals and visitors to get into the holiday spirit, Dewhurst adds, but a chance to celebrate everything that makes Millbrook special..
“Our community is growing, and we want to reflect that vibrancy by showcasing local businesses, talent, craftsmanship, and fellowship,” she explains. “At its heart, Christmas in the Village is about bringing the community together to emphasize connection, gratitude, and togetherness. The BIA places a large importance on enhancing and maintaining our historical downtown, and retaining a charm and warmth to ensure our community continues to come together to inspire and support one another.”
That community support is exemplified by the Millbrook Royal Canadian Legion at 9 King Street East, which is kicking off Christmas in the Village by generously hosting Breakfast with Santa from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
“They are a wonderful source of support to the community at large,” Dewhurst notes, adding that the community can find more information about their services through their website at millbrooklegion.com.
With two seatings, Breakfast with Santa features a buffet-style breakfast of pancakes, sausages, and fruit. Children of all ages will also get the chance to play games, pen their letter to Santa, and enjoy an outdoor wagon ride. Each child will come out of the breakfast with two digital photos with Santa and leave with a small take-away gift. And don’t forget to bring an unwrapped toy or gift card for the Millbrook Legion’s toy drive!
The seatings are at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. (the second seating is already sold out). Tickets are $15 per person (free for kids under two years old) and must be purchased online before Wednesday, November 27th. Guests are encouraged to dress warmly for the wagon ride.
PDF: 2024 “Christmas in the Village” schedule
2024 "Christmas in the Village" schedule
From noon until 5 p.m., King Street East and surrounding streets will be turned into the Merry Marketplace and Merry Village featuring artisans and makers, food trucks, the Merry Lounge for socializing, and the Merry Music Stage featuring local talent. For children of all ages to get creative, Nexicom will be hosting a “Cookies & Crafts” decorating station.
Those looking for family photos for the holidays can book a mini photo session with Millbrook lifestyle photographer Amanda Marlin. For $150, you’ll get a 15-minute session, with a vintage truck decked out for Christmas providing the festive backdrop, and receive 15 digital prints just in time to make your holiday cards or gifts. Sessions take place from noon to 4:30 p.m. and must be booked in advance before Friday, December 6th.
Christmas in the Village also offers a perfect opportunity to get started on (or finish) your Christmas shopping, all while supporting the local economy. The Merry Marketplace will feature a range of artisans and makers, and the charming shops of Millbrook will also be open.
“Reminding the community of Millbrook’s local and very talented businesses, services, and artisans is a wonderful way to fulfill that need, as opposed to a big box or online retailer,” Dewhurst points out. “Having a space like Christmas in the Village offers the community a chance to reflect on what gift giving is all about, in an environment that encourages the consumer to slow down, enjoy a hot chocolate, and seek out presents that inspire them — bringing out the true importance of the holiday season.”
Millbrook BIA is still seeking vendors for the Merry Marketplace. With limited spots available, online registration is open until Wednesday, November 27th.
In the spirit of the season, Christmas in the Village will wrap up with a tree-lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. on King Street East, between Nexicom and the Millbrook Legion. Bring your own ornament to hang on the tree while you enjoy the sounds of carolling.
If you’re famished after a full day of festive family fun and gift shopping, you can end the day at the Millbrook Legion, which will be serving a roast beef dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.
Christmas celebrations in Millbrook will continue the following weekend, when Santa returns to the village for the annual Santa Claus parade beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 14th.
The parade starts at the Millbrook Christian Assembly and travels King Street to the Old Millbrook Arena. Following the parade, there will be a festive family drop-in from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Cavan Monaghan Community Centre featuring cookies, hot chocolate, a Christmas craft, and a special visit with Santa.
“It will be another chance for the community can come together and enjoy Millbrook’s historical downtown and all that its local businesses have to offer,” says Dewhurst.
For updates on Christmas in the Village, follow the Millbrook BIA on Facebook.
This branded editorial is one of a series created in partnership with the Millbrook Business Improvement Area (BIA). If your organization or business is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.
Except where noted, all photos have been generously supplied by Millbrook photographer Marjorie McDonald. Visit her website at www.marjoriemcdonald.ca and follow her on Instagram and Facebook.
