This weekend kicks off holiday celebrations in both Gloucester and Mathews, and it will be packed with a variety of activities for all ages. The weekend’s events will include the hallmark Gloucester Citizen’s Christmas and Holiday Parade, a community tree lighting and open houses.
In Gloucester
Activities begin in Gloucester on Saturday with the Gloucester Main Library hosting its third annual Treasure Hunt, “Gloucester’s Grand Winter Expedition.” Participants can pick up maps from 10 a.m. until noon and all ages are welcome to participate and have a chance at winning various prizes from local businesses. For more information, call the library at 804-693-2998.
Later in the day, the Gloucester Christmas and Holiday Parade will step off from Main Street Center at 3 p.m. and will continue along Main Street to Botetourt Elementary School. Parade organizers remind those who wish to view the parade that parking will not be available at Main Street Center or at Botetourt.
Following the parade, the crowd is encouraged to stay around the village area for the Gloucester Community Christmas Tree Lighting that will begin at 5 p.m. inside the colonial court circle. Caroling for the event will be provided by Botetourt Elementary School students.
Visitors are encouraged to stop by the Gloucester Main Street Association’s table to enter to win several door prizes from local businesses. The door prizes will be drawn during the tree lighting and winners must be present to win.
On Sunday, Gloucester shoppers and residents are encouraged to visit Gloucester’s Main Street once again for the Gloucester Village Christmas Open House. From 1-4 p.m., shops and restaurants in the village area will open their doors for refreshments and sales to welcome the start of the holiday month.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will make a special trip to the Gloucester Village Sunday as well and will be set up in Sweet Tooth Café & Bakery from 1-5. Those who visit are encouraged to bring their camera to capture special moments.
Also, the Gloucester Main Street Association will have a table on the lawn of Split Enz Salon with s’mores and an opportunity to win a special gift basket.
Also on Sunday, the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society will host its annual Holiday Open House and Bake Sale from 1-4 p.m. at the shelter on Jackson Lane.
Abingdon Ruritan Club will host its annual children’s Christmas party from 2-4 p.m. at the club building in Bena.
Finally, Andrews Funeral Home in Gloucester will host a time to remember loved ones during a candlelight memorial service open to the community beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday. Participants may light a memorial candle, place an ornament of their own, or one provided, on the memorial tree and enjoy light refreshments.
In Mathews
The Mathews Community Christmas Tree Lighting that was originally scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. Saturday on the Court Green has been cancelled, according to event spokesperson Lynda Smith Greve.
“The large tree in the court green normally used for this event ‘caught a bug’ and had to be removed,” Greve said. “The Mathews Main Street Committee and Mathews Rotary Club teamed up to provide a replacement this year, which members of the Mathews Visitor Center and the Mathews High School Art Department will decorate.”
However, later in the evening, the Smith Family and Friends Christmas Show, presented by Virginia’s Li’l Ole Opry, is still on to begin at 8 o’clock in Mathews High School Auditorium. The cost is $12 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.
On Sunday, American Legion Post 83, Mathews, will host its World Famous Breakfast from 8-11 a.m. The meal is open to the public and the cost is $9.
From 1-3 p.m., Mathews Memorial Library will host its “Deck the Halls” program, where visitors can help to decorate one of seven library Christmas trees reminiscent of the magic of seasons past. Holiday music will be played and refreshments will be served.
Later in the afternoon, the Central Village Homemakers will host its “Annual Sing-Along” at Central United Methodist Church, Mathews, from 3-4 p.m. Following the music, cookies and punch will be served from 4-5 p.m. The event is the group’s Christmas gift to the community and the public is welcome to attend, according to a release.