By Greg Ellison, Staff Writer

(Nov. 30, 2017) With the calendar turning to December and young imaginations conjuring visions of elves and reindeer, Snow Hill will provide an array of family friendly holiday activities throughout the month, beginning with the 8th annual Christmas Tree Lighting today, Thursday, at 5:30 p.m. in Byrd Park.

Trish Goodsell, assistant town manager, said Snow Hill would unveil a recently purchased 22-foot tree that Mayor Charlie Dorman and Santa Claus will officially christen.

“The mayor does his welcome and Santa Claus gives out candy canes,” she said.

Just prior to the tree lighting, Nick Haglich will warm up the crowd with a 15-minute set of acoustic gems, beginning at 5:15 p.m.

Following the mayor’s remarks, Goodsell said public works would flip the switch to illuminate the tree.

“Then, all the lights around the circle will come on,” she said.

The Snow Hill Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary will be on hand vending hot chocolate to support its mission. Children are served for free.

Other highlights include a dramatic reading of the “Night Before Christmas” by Connie West.

The Snow Hill Middle School Glee Club will close the show by leading the crowd on a sing-along of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

To maintain a reverent holiday spirit, Spence Baptist Church Pastor Ken Elligson will lead the crowd in prayer.

“Weather permitting, it’s usually a good crowd of sometimes over 100 people,” Goodsell said. “It’s a nice night for families to get together and start the holiday season.”

Other Yuletide celebrations in Snow Hill during December include:

Dec. 2 – 19th Century Christmas Celebration at Furnace Town Heritage Village from 1-4 p.m.

In addition to its usual array of artisans demonstrating weaving, broom making, spinning and printing, vendors will be offering distinctive merchandise, such as handmade soaps, jams and jewelry. Children can visit the craft table to make Christmas ornaments and the Furnace Town Gift Shop will be open with a varied selection of artisan-produced items.

The Delmarva Ramblers will take the stage to deliver musical selections including bluegrass, gospel, traditional holiday songs and hymns.

Furnace Town will hold a 19th Century Christmas Service at 3 p.m. in the Old Nazareth Church. Rev. David Herr, from the Snow Hill Ministerial Association, will conduct the ceremony.

Admission is free, but Furnace Town does welcome donations. For more information call 410-632-2032 or visit www.furnacetown.org.

Dec. 3 – Victorian Christmas Celebration at the Julia A. Purnell Museum from 1-4 p.m.

The museum will transform into a holiday-themed vision of yesteryear. Attendees can sample mulled cider and old-fashioned treats.

Special exhibits containing Victorian-style Christmas decorations will be displayed.

General museum admission is $2 for adults, which includes the holiday party. Children are admitted for free because of the generosity of the Berlin-Ocean City Optimist Club. For more information, call 410-632-0515 or visit www.purnellmuseum.org.

Dec. 4 – Christmas Parade in Downtown Snow Hill at 7 p.m.

The Snow Hill Lions Club sponsors the parade, which launches from Snow Hill High School and proceeds to the Courthouse on Market Street. In the event of inclement weather the parade will be rescheduled for Dec. 6. For more information, call 410-430-2297.

Dec. 17 – Community Christmas Music Program at Makemie Memorial Presbyterian Church at 4 p.m.

After the musical presentation refreshments will be provided in Makemie’s Fellowship Hall.

Dec. 18 – Holiday Lighting Contest presented by the Snow Hill Area Chamber of Commerce.

Judging takes place from 6-8:30 p.m.

First-through-third-place ribbons will be awarded for residential and business categories.

For a full list of holiday activities in Snow Hill, visit www.snowhillmd.com and select the event calendar.