Two community events will complement the season-long celebration of Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles.
On the evening of Dec. 2, the community will gather for Skaneateles Sings.
The program starts at 6 p.m. at the Skaneateles Library, with Father Christmas and Mother Goose greeting children, reading stories and posing for photos. At 6:30 p.m., the Rev. Thomas McGrath of St. Mary’s of the Lake will dedicate the crèche in a candlelit ceremony.
The ceremony will be followed by candlelit caroling with the Dickens characters and Girl Scouts; lighting of the Christmas tree and remarks by Ken Slentz, superintendent of the Skaneateles Central School District, at the gazebo; children’s stories read by Father Christmas at the United Methodist Church (where the Girl Scouts will serve holiday refreshments); and an open house at village stores.
Skaneateles Sings is sponsored by KeyBank and organized by the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Skaneateles Garden Club.
First Friday art openings and exhibitions will also take place that evening throughout the village.
“The Chamber would like to extend a special thank-you to Strawberry Fields, which donated the Christmas tree for the gazebo, and Jennifer Miller of Shine, who decorated the gazebo,” says executive director Tara Lynn. “We’d also like to thank the village and town for their financial support of the decorations and the Village Electric Department for its help in putting up the decorations, which will be enjoyed by the community all season long.”
During Shop Skaneateles, Dec. 6, you’re invited to shop throughout the day and Shop, Sip and Stroll from 5 to 8 p.m.
Many village shops will offer free gift-wrapping and refreshments. In the evening, parking will be free village-wide.
Among the merchants offering specials are:
- Imagine – 15 percent off all purchases, plus additional discounts on already reduced items
- Rhubarb – savings and specials on Swiss Diamond Cookware, Wusthof Cutlery and Cuisinart, plus sampling of gourmet dips
- Gallery 54 – $5 off any purchase
- cate&sally – complimentary gift wrapping, gift registry and gift cards
- Infused! – sampling of specialty products
- Emma James Boutique – 10 percent off all purchases
- Fleur de lis Florist – glass of wine and tasty treats
- Mid-Lakes Navigation – Christmas pudding tasting
- F. Oliver’s – tastings of warmed apple cider with assorted balsamic vinegars, including Autumn Cinnamon Pear, Honeyed Ginger and Sunday Morning Maple
For more specials, go to http://www.skaneateles.com
Dickens Raffle tickets will be available at shops throughout the village, at $5 each, three for $10, 10 for $20. Prizes are a $750 gift certificate from Mirbeau Inn & Spa, a family membership to the Skaneateles YMCA and Community Center, an overnight stay at Hannum House, $200 Shop & Dine gift certificates, two SU Men’s Basketball tickets and a gift basket from Infused!
Anyone making a purchase that evening will have their choice of a free drink from the Blue Water Grill, LakeHouse Pub, Sherwood Inn or Finger Lakes on Tap (New York State glass of wine or New York State draft beer).
Shop Skaneateles is sponsored by the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce.
