BERLIN – Victorian Christmas, a month-long series of downtown events sponsored by the town and businesses, begins this Friday, Nov. 23.
Town of Berlin Christmas Tree Lighting
Friday, Nov. 23
The Atlantic Hotel
5 p.m.
Free
The annual Christmas tree lighting will kick things off at the Atlantic Hotel on North Main Street. Mayor Gee Williams and other guests will conduct the ceremony. The tree will remain lit throughout the season. Local musician Carol Ludwig and her Delmarva Chorus will provide musical entertainment.
Festival of Trees
Friday, Nov. 23 through Friday, Dec. 14
Downtown Berlin
Holiday trees decorated by the owners of nearly every downtown shop will be displayed in their storefront for almost an entire month. All trees can be bid on through a silent auction. Anyone interested can go in while the tree is displayed and place his or her bid. Bidding will end at 8 p.m. on Dec. 14 and winners will be contacted the next day.
Santa Claus Visits Berlin
Every Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 1-22
Berlin Chamber of Commerce
Noon-2 p.m.
Free (no camera provided)
Residents have weeks to prepare their Christmas cards, as Santa Claus, himself, will be at the Berlin Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Center on South Main Street to take pictures with children and their families. Although there is no admission fee, those who wish to take a picture with Santa must bring their own cameras.
Annual Christmas Parade
Thursday, Dec. 6
Downtown Berlin
7 p.m.
Free
Now under guidance of the Main Street Berlin program, the 42nd Annual Berlin Christmas Parade is being sponsored by the town for the first time since the Berlin Lions Club took over about 25 years ago. Still, not much has changed: the parade will still feature floats, marching bands and other entries proceeding down Main Street, with a special appearance from Santa Claus at the end. Main Street will be closed during the event and spectators will have a long length of sidewalk on both sides of the street to view the parade.
Reindeer Run
Saturday, Dec. 8
Downtown Berlin
9 a.m.
Both a 5K and 1 mile run will take place, starting at the Atlantic Hotel on North Main Street. Sponsored by Live Long Fitness, runners will wind through the streets of downtown Berlin. They are encouraged to run while wearing holiday clothing. In its fourth year, the event has grown significantly, as more than 250 people participated in last year’s run.
Afternoon Tea & Fashion Show
Sunday, Dec. 9
The Atlantic Hotel
3-5 p.m.
$30 for each adult, $20 for each child
Renovations can be made for an elegant tea and fashion show, the proceeds of which will go to the Victorian Christmas fund. To reserve a spot, call the Atlantic Hotel at 410-641-3589.
New Year’s Eve Celebration
Monday, Dec. 31
Downtown Berlin
Free
It went so well last year, the town will do it again. Musical entertainment from a soon-to-be announced disk jockey will keep the energy going while refreshments are served on the streets for both adults and children. The night culminates with the ball drop across from the Atlantic Hotel.