Staunton is gearing up for a special Christmas celebration

The Staunton Chamber of Commerce and the city of Staunton are busy making preparations for a very special Christmas in Staunton. After many activities had to be postponed or altered due to the pandemic, they are hopeful that this year will be more like the holidays we all remember.

When the planning stage is over, the work begins on Wednesday, Dec. 1, with tree decorating at the city hall.

Opening the 2021 Christmas season in Staunton will be the tree lighting activities on Friday, Dec. 3, from 4 to 7:30 p.m., including a live Nativity in front of the old City Hall on Main Street. Staunton’s Citizen of the Year will be announced by Santa before the tree lighting.

In an effort to keep more people in town, the Chamber is encouraging Main Street businesses to stay open until the tree lighting, run specials, have a holiday party/open house, etc. and any business not on Main Street is welcome to set up a stand on Main Street. They are also encouraging restaurants to run some type of special that evening.

Snack with Santa will be held Saturday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Cisler and Associates at 229 W. Main Street. Kids will visit with Santa and enjoy a cookie. Santa will still be taking wish lists this year, which you can download from the Staunton Chamber of Commerce Web page at http://www.stauntonchamber.com.

Staunton's Holiday Walk will feature plenty of bargain shopping, and a craft fair will line the streets offering all kinds of unique buying opportunties. Carriage rides up and down Main Street will be a fun event for families, and passport stops will offer free crafts or activities for the kids.

Also on Saturday will be a Craft Fair on Main Street and carriage rides up and down Main Street.

Shoppers can get their passport stamped by participating shops between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4, for a chance to win gift certificates to local businesses.

A live Nativity will be set up in front of city hall on Main Street, sponsored by the Staunton Clergy Association.

More details on specific activities will be published in upcoming editions of the Star-Times.