Christmas in the Village rivals Santa’s headquarters in frosty fun

Dec 10, 2023

A stroll through Onset Village on Saturday, Dec. 9 may have felt a little like being amongst the hustle and bustle of Santa’s Workshop up at the North Pole — though it was certainly much warmer.

In Onset, ice was sculpted into festive art pieces, carolers traveled around the village singing classic holiday tunes, vendors lined up all their best treasurers, trinkets and toys for gifting and Santa Claus met with children and families at a local pizza shop. 

The avenue was decorated with an assortment of festive trees, candy canes and wreaths, all for the Onset Bay Association’s annual Christmas in the Village event.

Nicole and Johathan Fox and their two kids, 4-year-old Cordelia and 9-month-old Fiona, came out to the village for a chance to meet Santa at Marc Anthony’s.

Cordelia said meeting him was “pretty cool.” 

Despite having met Santa “like a hundred times,” Nicole said her daughter told the jolly man, “I’m pleased to meet you.”

Cordelia said she was also excited to see the Victorian Carolers, who were sponsored by Walter's Barber Shop.

“It felt like they were singing special just for me,” she said, adding her favorite holiday song is “Jingle Bells.”

Jonathan said overall, the event has been “a lot of fun.” 

He added it was “nice and warm, so it's great to walk around outside.”

Nicole said her family is often looking for things to do around this year and also loves Onset Village, so coming out for the day seemed perfect. 

She added, “We're thankful for everyone who helped to make it happen.”

Victoria Anctil was with her two kids, 8-year-old Aislyn and 11-year-old Tatum, as well as Tatum’s friend Landon Monteiro, 11, at the village.

The kids all agreed getting goodies and candy from the various businesses was the best part of the day’s event, including the festive hats they received from Santa.

Victoria said, “It's very nice that they do this.”

She added she appreciates how the event brings the community together, as well as the good weather, given it had been raining at last year’s event.

The group discussed their favorite parts of the Christmas season, including spending time with family and presents. 

The Bennett family shared the same sentiment. 

Elizabeth Bennett along with her two daughters, 6-year-old Caroline and 9-year-old Anabelle, were at the Spinney Memorial Library getting balloon art made by What the Fun, Inc., which was sponsored by Hyline Cruises.

Anabelle got a balloon fishing pole with a hooked fish and Caroline got a balloon ladybug on a flower that she could tie to her wrist.

Elizabeth said her family came to the event a few years ago and decided to come again. 

She said, “It was so worth it. It was amazing.”

Elizabeth added, “I hope they keep doing it because it's so fun.”