Participate in Country Christmas 2018 – 20th Anniversary Event!
The first few flakes of snow have drifted down and winter is right around the corner. With the early days of winter comes the annual Country Christmas Celebration – this year marking the 20th anniversary! The holiday season in Vermont is a special time and the Mad River Valley knows best how to bring it to life!
Country Christmas Celebration – an event of Valley Arts
Friday, December 7 (beginning in the afternoon)
Saturday, December 8 (all day and evening)
A number of exciting events – some traditional standbys and some new – are well into the planning stages and Valley Arts is again acting as the coordinator of the celebration. Valley Arts itself will be producing a few select events but is relying on you – individuals, retail shops, inns, restaurants, and attractions to create your own promotions and activities. PLEASE participate by hosting an event!
Valley Arts will act as promoter for Country Christmas, handling advertising and press releases. There is no charge to be part of the festivities! In order to be successful at promoting Country Christmas, all registration of events and promotional materials are due: Monday, November 26.
Download the registration form here. Return it to Valley Arts by November 26th.
Santa visiting shops, s’mores by the fire pit, luminaries, cookie making, hot chocolate, decorated store fronts and lights! Elaborate or simple, large or small, Valley-wide or intimate – everything is welcome to be part of the festivities. Here are a few suggested activities for Country Christmas: – feel free to create your own!
Candy making
S’mores
Chestnuts
Chili booth
Fire pits with straw bale seating
Art show
Craft booths
International Boutique
Church bazaar
Gift certificate drawing
Grinch toss
Photo booth
“Red and Green Light Specials” in your shops
Light displays
Hot mulled cider or Hot chocolate
Real reindeer
Sled dogs
Farm stands
Cloggers/Irish dancers
Ice carving
Drum circle
Pizza stand
Wreath decorating
Strolling carolers
Strolling elves handing out candy canes and prizes from stores
Snow man building (weather permitting)
Foodbank collection
Sidewalk sale
Demos in stores
Antique cars decorated for photo ops
Luminaries
Shops staying open late, with specials from 5:00 to 7:00 pm
Block party/dancing/Santa with DJ or live music from 4:00 to 6:00 pm under the lights
Fireworks along the Mad River if a sponsor can be found (6:00 pm)
Create an interesting holiday display at your entrance to entice visitors
Provide refreshments – simple to elaborate – in your place of business
Do a special “taste” to promote food(s)
Have a “trunk” show in your retail shop
Sponsor an exhibit of some type – old Holiday Cards, antique ornaments, etc.
Be a part of the FUN!
