It's Christmas in the Village

Holiday magic is in the air as preparations are underway for Plymouth's 11th annual Christmas in the Village outdoor street market and festival. The Plymouth Improvement Committee invites everyone to the village on Friday, Dec. 5 from 4-10 p.m. and on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. to participate in the festivities. As always, all attractions and entertainment are free for everyone to enjoy with family and friends because of the generous support of our many local and area business sponsors. "Christmas in the Village" has become the signature holiday experience in the region. It features: • A huge small business shopping market under a giant heated tent • Food trucks and beverage vendors • A Christmas Spirits Lounge for grown-ups • A 1,500 square foot skating rink • A giant slide • Carousel rides, carriage rides (Friday); Plymouth Polar Express Train rides (Saturday) • Character appearances • A live reindeer exhibit (Saturday), live entertainment both days, a model train exhibit in the village building, a live Nativity exhibit (Saturday), and a host of activities for kids along with other surprises. The fun begins on Friday with the annual Parade of Lights at 6:30 p.m. Following the parade, Santa will serve up cookies and hot cocoa as he visits with little ones from 7:15-8:45 p.m. at the old fire station on Portner Street in Plymouth, just off the Square. A fabulous Christmas fireworks display will close out the evening's festivities at 9 p.m., but the market, rides and entertainment will continue until 10 p.m. On Saturday, the market and attractions open at 10 a.m. with live entertainment throughout the day, including the ever-popular Frank and Dean, a return appearance by Back to the Wild and plenty of live music, demonstrations and character appearances. As an added attraction, The Plymouth Area Museum will host its annual Elf Village shopping experience for youngsters on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Little ones ages 5-12 may shop for gifts assisted by Santa's elves. Anyone can register to participate in the Parade of Lights on Friday, Dec. 5 by emailing picourvillage@gmail.com. There is no charge to register in any of the categories — vehicle, float, tractor, walkers, bands, etc. — and the only requirement is that the entry MUST include lights and lots of Christmas spirit. The Plymouth Improvement Committee is grateful for the continuing support of its very generous major sponsors: DB Auto; Civista Bank; the Van Allen Agency; Lakeside Book Company, Sharpnack Chevrolet; Domino's Pizza (Willard); Ohio Eye Associates; Shakley Mechanical; Village Roots, Sutton Bank; the Plymouth American Legion; Adams Quality Heating and Cooling; and WT Metal Fabricating. The entire schedule for "Christmas in the Village" can be viewed on The Plymouth Improvement Committee's Facebook page.