Santa’s on his way … on his way here!
The Gazette-Journal is keeping a list of where children small and large can expect to see and to visit with Santa Claus this month. We will be happy to list additional opportunities here as we receive them.
Where you may find the Jolly, Busy Old Elf this season:
Santa Runs
Abingdon Volunteer Fire and Rescue is visiting neighborhoods in its service area on weekends until Christmas. It started last weekend in Guinea and has this upcoming schedule: Saturday, Dec. 6, on the right side of Lillaston Lane through Tidemill Road, Gloucester Point, back to Bellhaven Road; Dec. 13, north side of Bellhaven Road to Linda Circle in the Hayes Road area; and Dec. 20, Linda Circle to Coke and Glass. Routes and times on the AVFR Facebook page.
Abingdon Episcopal
The church at White Marsh said a visit from Santa is expected during the Christmas Market it is holding from 5-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 5 and 6.
Bohannon Station MVFD
Santa Claus will be visiting Santa’s Village at the Mathews Volunteer Fire Department’s Station 2, East River Road, Bohannon, on Saturday, Dec. 6, from noon-3 p.m.; photo opportunities, hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and cookies. Free, with donations accepted.
Gloucester Christmas Parade
Gloucester’s Christmas & Holiday Parade steps off at 3 p.m. Saturday on Main Street, and Santa usually finds his way to this event as well. Earlier that day, visit The House of Ren lawn for photos with Santa from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Christmas Party
Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance from 2-4 p.m. Sunday at the Abingdon Ruritan Club’s annual Children’s Christmas Party, 8784 Guinea Road, Bena. For details, see related story.
Abingdon Volunteer Fire & Rescue
In addition to taking Santa on runs through its neighborhoods, Abingdon Volunteer Fire and Rescue will welcome Santa Claus to its Station 2, 2146 Mark Pine Road, Bena, to an open house on Friday, Dec. 12, 6-9 p.m. Children’s activities are also planned.
Mathews Night Market
Mathews Main Street Committee is holding a Night Market and Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 12, with shops open until 7 p.m. Carolers and Santa Claus will be making appearances along the street; tree lighting on the court green just after 7.
Gloucester Library
Santa Claus will appear at Gloucester Library in Main Street Center on Saturday, Dec. 13. Appointments are required for a chance for children to be photographed with Santa from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Call 804-693-2998 to sign up. This is one of a series of special Christmas events at the library.
Mathews Memorial Library
Santa Claus is scheduled to visit Mathews Memorial Library on Main Street at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 16, during a special Storytime event. Children are invited to wear their pajamas, bring a blanket and favorite stuffed animal, to hear a holiday story. Cookies and hot chocolate will be served.
Gloucester Moose Lodge
The Gloucester Moose Lodge will hold its annual Breakfast with Santa from 8-11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13. Maximum of 30 kids; $7 for people 12 and older. Call 804-693-3899 for information.
Ware Episcopal Church
Christmas at Ware on Saturday, Dec. 13, is a special edition of the Ware Farmers’ Market, conducted at Ware Episcopal Church, Hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Shopping, caroling, and photos with Santa Claus are planned.
Buck’s Store Museum
The former Buck Rowe Store at Bena, now owned and operated as a museum by the Guinea Heritage Association, will hold Christmas in Guinea from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13. The museum promises plenty of holiday activities, and says to “be on the lookout for Santa.”
Mathews Christmas Parade
“Jingle on the Bay” is the theme of the Mathews County Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 13, starting at 1 p.m. and including among its participants the great Santa Claus.
After the parade, Santa will greet children at the Mathews County Visitor and Information Center from 2:30-4 p.m.
Breakfast with Santa
LIFT Mathews will host Breakfast with Santa from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20, at Central United Methodist Church.
If the Grinch is more your style
Roane’s Antiques at the Cottage, Mathews, provides a chance for family photos with the Grinch from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13.