Make downtown Christmas memories at HDM event
Santa Claus will visit Historic Downtown Millersburg for a Children’s Night Christmas celebration on Friday, Dec. 10. Kids can visit with Santa, and there will be plenty of other activities throughout the evening.
While some people may conjure up images of Ralphie and his little brother Randy being terrorized on Santa’s lap in the department store melee in the Christmas classic, “A Christmas Story,” countless youngsters count it as a privilege and joy to sit on Santa’s lap and provide him with a detailed list of toys that all good girls and boys deserve for Christmas.
Children will have that opportunity and a whole lot more during Historic Downtown Millersburg’s Children’s Night Christmas celebration on Friday, Dec. 10.
Judy Lamp, Historic Downtown Millersburg executive director, said presenting an evening that focuses on bringing joy to local children is always something special.
“There’s nothing that says Christmas more than seeing a kid’s face light up,” Lamp said. “That will always be special, and that is why we want to bring that happiness and joy of Christmas to the faces and hearts of the children.”
There is little doubt that when that happens, it will warm the hearts of their parents as well.
For Lamp and the HDM merchants, this night will be about creating memories and energizing the holiday season.
“I absolutely love Children’s Night because it gives us an opportunity to create memories for the children and the parents,” Lamp said. “I know adults who still live in the community who remember coming to this event as kids, and they still share fun memories. So we do this for our local families — that it might make a special memory for them for years to come.”
The event will take place from 6-8 p.m. and will be chocked full of activities for the youngsters. Lamp said the merchants are pulling out all the stops for the evening and will provide balloon animals, face painting, ornament decorating and more activities. Troyer’s Sweet Shoppe will invite kids in to decorate cookies.
In addition, Disney is sending some of its biggest hitters including Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy. Of course, Santa Claus will make an appearance on the courthouse lawn, where kids can sit on his lap and whisper their deepest wish to find under the Christmas tree this year. It also provides a perfect chance for parents to take photos.
While children visit with Santa, they also will each receive a gift, and Lamp said these are high-quality gifts the kids will love. She said all of this is possible because of the united effort of the merchants who want to make this a night to remember.
“Everyone is pulling out all the stops and helping to build the memories,” Lamp said. “The merchants feel blessed and want to share that sense with the families who come into town. One of our biggest goals is that we provide something special for the kids that will help them to remember years from now how neat their downtown Millersburg was when they were little.”
Lamp said while the night is filled with activities to attract families with younger children, it also is a good time for couples to come, relax, do some shopping and dine out for the night while enjoying the Christmas atmosphere. She said just the act of watching the children is worth the trip into town.
“It’s just a fun night for anyone who wants to get in the Christmas mood and have a relaxing evening out,” Lamp said.
Children’s Night in Historic Downtown Millersburg continues to be an evening of wonder and joy for families to create memories to last a lifetime.