Opportunities to see Santa Claus in the coming weeks include the following:
Santa Runs
Abingdon Volunteer Fire and Rescue makes a Santa Run on Saturday from the north side of Bellhaven Road to Linda Circle in the Hayes Road area; and on Saturday, Dec. 20, Linda Circle to Coke and Glass. Routes and times on the AVFR Facebook page.
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 from 6-9 p.m. Friday. Children’s activities are also planned.
Mathews Night Market
Mathews Main Street Committee is holding a Night Market and Tree Lighting on Friday 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.
For pets…
The Bean Spot at Vintage Pearl, Mathews, offers photos of pets with Santa from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday.
Gloucester Library
Santa Claus will appear at Gloucester Library in Main Street Center Saturday. 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. Saturday. Maximum of 30 kids; $7 for people 12 and older. Call 804-693-3899 for information.
Ware Episcopal Church
Christmas at Ware on Saturday 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. 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, 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.
And the Grinch …
Roane’s Antiques at the Cottage, Mathews, provides a chance for family photos with the Grinch from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday.