BERLIN – “A Very Merry Main Street” is coming to Berlin.
Though some signs of the coming holiday are already on display in Berlin, the town will officially kick off the season next Friday, Nov. 27 with Holiday Arts Night. This year, the town is expanding the celebration beyond the traditional Victorian Christmas to “A Very Merry Main Street.”
“We’re featuring even more reasons to bring your entire family to Berlin,” said Ivy Wells, the town’s economic development director. “People are really excited because we’re adding to an already awesome experience.”
The festivities, as usual, begin the day after Thanksgiving as residents and visitors gather in front of the Atlantic Hotel for the town’s Christmas tree lighting during Holiday Arts Night. After the tree is lit, attendees are encouraged to stroll through the town’s shops and stop by the visitor center, where jazz musician Eric Byrd will perform music from A Charlie Brown Christmas. Wells said Santa and Mrs. Claus would be at the visitor center to pose for pictures. In addition, an ice sculptor, sponsored by the Casino at Ocean Downs, will be at work downtown.
“One sculpture, as it melts, will include treats for the kids,” Wells said.
After Holiday Arts Night, the town will host visits from Santa and his helpers each Saturday. Free carriage rides through the historic town will be offered on Saturdays and Sundays.
The town will host its 45th annual Christmas parade Thursday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m. More than 80 entries — including marching bands, floats, fire trucks and the like — are expected to take part in this year’s event, which is themed “Toyland in Berlin.”
On Dec. 5, Berlin will welcome a special guest as a former White House Santa will visit. The visit from Santa, who was a fixture at the White House for many Christmases, is being sponsored by Cannery Village.
“He’s the real deal,” Wells said. “He’s been Santa since Jimmy Carter was president.”
On Dec. 7, the Calvin B. Taylor Museum will host its annual “Classical Christmas” dinner. The event, which includes a three-course gourmet dinner at the Atlantic Hotel and performances by the Salisbury String Trio, costs $50-$60 a person. For tickets, call 410-641-1019 or email [email protected].
A new holiday attraction this year in Berlin is the “Win the Window” contest. Between Nov. 13 and Dec. 18, shoppers who make purchases at any participating Berlin business will receive a ticket for every $10 they spend (up to $100). Shoppers can then place their tickets in a container at the shop of their choice to enter to win that shop’s window display. At the Treasure Chest, the winner will receive a necklace valued at $800. At Bruder Hill, the winner will get a collection of accessories and a gift certificate. The Atlantic Hotel will offer a free one-night stay. Other businesses are offering a variety of unique prizes as well. Wells says nearly all of the merchants in town are taking part in the new contest.
“They loved the idea,” she said. “It encourages people to come down and look at the beautiful window displays we have.”
For more information on holiday events in downtown Berlin, visit www.berlinmainstreet.com.
