Holiday events start Dec. 1
By Robert Cloud
Downtown New London will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland on the Wolf on Friday, Dec. 1.
The event kicks off with Light Up New London. All homes and businesses have been encouraged to get their decorations up by Dec. 1. Those who have registered will be included on a map that can be downloaded from the New London Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
Twinkling Christmas trees and holiday displays will be set up next to Longevity Nutrition, 201 S. Pearl St.
New London’s Christmas parade starts at 5 p.m. Friday. Line up will be in the Longevity Nutrition parking lot. The parade will start there on Pearl Street, turn left onto North Water Street, then exit on Wisconsin Street.
After the parade, children can visit with Santa at Longevity Nutrition and receive a Santa bag filled with goodies. They should bring a letter to Santa. He plans to answer all of the letters that include a return address.
Christmas carolers will be singing as part of the festivities.
Across the Pearl Street bridge from Longevity Nutrition, the city’s Parks and Recreation Department will host Reindeer Boogie at Familiar Grounds, at 206 N. Pearl St. Hot chocolate and light snacks will be served at this family event, as well as music for dancing by Yo DJ.
During the parade, the New London ATV Club will be collecting nonperishable food items for the New London Community Cupboard.
Holiday Hop
Holiday Hop features deals and activities at local shops throughout the week.
The New London Heritage Historical Society will celebrate an old-fashioned Christmas from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Historical Village, 900 Montgomery St. Santa will visit the depot from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can make crafts at the School House and enjoy cookies at the Octagon House.
Also on Saturday, Dec. 2, Santa will visit Familiar Grounds from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Live music will be performed from 10 a.m. to noon to raise funds for the Salvation Army.
The May Festival Crew will host a dart tournament from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Cruz Inn, 309 S. Pearl St.
Participation costs $10 a person. Half the proceeds will go towards payout, the other half will be donated to the New London Police Department’s Shop with a Cop program.
Dragon’s Den Bar and Grill, 318 W. North Water St., will host a gingerbread house contest. Eight teams of four people each will have two hours to make gingerbread houses and compete for cash and prizes.
Dragon’s Den will provide teams with a basic gingerbread house kit. Teams are encouraged to bring their own supplies as well.
Patrons and Facebook followers will vote for the winning entry, which will be announced at 8 p.m.
Registration for the gingerbread house contest costs $20.
Mosquito Hill Nature Center, N3880 Rogers Road, will host Holiday Make it and Take it for children Saturday, Dec. 2.
Designed for ages 4-10, participants make eight gifts that they wrap and give to family, friends and teachers.
The event costs $20 per child. Call the center at 920-779-6433 to register.