Looking for a new annual tradition? Are you sick of miserable impersonal shopping experiences like those of Destiny USA or Amazon? Or maybe you're just looking for a break from shopping or need a nice daytime date idea with boatloads of holiday spirit? Well, while you're too late for this year, bookmark this article for next year, because Skaneateles has your answer!
Every Christmas, for 30 years now, on weekend afternoons between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the lakeside village of Skaneateles transforms itself into the town from A Christmas Carol. The shops lavishly decorate their windows, passersby are dressed in their Victorian finest and the air is filled with carols, and if you keep your eyes peeled, you'll see Marley and his chains, Tiny Tim, and Father Christmas himself. among others. I was told the performers furnish and maintain their own costumes. It's a tradition for many of them too; one I spoke with had been doing it since 2007.
Although the day was grey, with rain in the forecast, the streets and stores were packed the day I was there. Parking was tight in the heart of the village, but overall was still reasonably easy to find on a nearby residential street. wearing their holiday finest, and I must say the variety and creativity of holiday wear on display was impressive. The afternoons are full of activities for all ages. Offerings include eggnog and roasted chestnut tastings, musical performances by instrumental and caroling groups performing around the town, to even a children's story time with Mother Goose herself.
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