Christmas in Shepherdstown
The historic town of Shepherdstown WV will kick off its annual "Christmas in Shepherdstown" celebration on Friday, November 24, the day after Thanksgiving. The November 24 schedule will include a series of evening events that are traditional for the town: a bonfire, the lighting of the town tree, the arrival of Santa, and children's visits with Santa. Other highlights of that weekend will be live Nativity performances, a "Children's Extravaganza" at the Community Club, and a Christmas concert at O'Hurley's store. After that, there will be many different events every weekend and some weekdays until Christmas. Most events will be free. Every weekend will include children's activities; holiday marketplaces selling handmade crafts, baked goods, and greens; carriage rides; and special musical performances. Many shops will be open late on Fridays and Saturdays. The town will hold its annual Christmas parade at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 2. That evening, Shepherd University's Masterworks Chorale will present a concert featuring the Fauré Requiem. Also that weekend, the George Tyler Moore Center for the Study of the Civil War and the Shepherd University History Department will present a "Civil War Christmas in Shepherdstown," which will include many activities such as lectures and panel discussions, military re-enactments, children's activities, period music and street entertainment. Highlights of the remaining weekends before Christmas will include Shepherd University's annual Holiday Gala concert December 9 and 10, performances of " "The Nutcracker" at the Frank Center December 16 and 17, and a TUBACHRISTMAS concert December 16. There will be free parking in all the town's metered spaces on Friday, November 24 and every weekday from the 18th of December through January 6. There is always free parking at Shepherdstown's metered spaces on weekends. Free weekend parking is also available in the Shepherd University parking lot at High and Princess streets, one block from downtown. Events and activities will continue to be added. For an up-to-date listing of all events keep checking the calendar on the Shepherdstown Visitors Center website at www.shepherdstown.info. Or contact the Center at 304-876-2786 or shepherdstownvisitorscenter@gmail.com.