Weekend of Dec. 2 kicks off Holiday Season in Historic Yorktown

Weekend of Dec. 2 kicks off Holiday Season in Historic Yorktown

November 16, 2011

FOR RELEASE AT WILL

Historic Yorktown will be full of holiday cheer Friday, Dec. 2 through Sunday, Dec. 4, as it kicks off the holiday season with four special events: a Christmas Tree Lighting, Christmas Market on Historic Main Street, Lighted Boat Parade and Cookies with Santa.

The weekend begins the evening of Friday, Dec. 2, with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Guests will be entertained by the Mt. Vernon Mustang Chorus with seasonal selections at the Yorktown Victory Monument from 6:30 to 7:10 p.m., followed by a performance of The Fifes & Drums of York Town.

The Procession of Lights, led by the Town Crier and the Fifes & Drums, will step off from the Victory Monument at 7:30 p.m. and proceed down historic Main Street to Ballard Street, then down the hill to Riverwalk Landing where the official tree lighting ceremony begins. Participants are encouraged to gather at the Yorktown Victory Monument by 6:30 p.m. The tree lighting ceremony at Riverwalk Landing includes holiday music by the U.S Fleet Forces Band Brass Quintetat 7 p.m., and a visit from Santa Claus until 8:30 p.m. This event is freeand sponsored by the York County Historical Committee. 

The excitement continues Saturday, Dec. 3, with the 6th AnnualChristmas Market on Main Street. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can enjoy musical entertainment, demonstrations, arts & crafts vendors with unique shopping opportunities, living history exhibits, classic cars, roasted chestnuts, food and more. Historic buildings and museums, including the Nelson House, Custom House, Yorktown Victory Center, Museum on Main, Yorktown Battlefield, the York County Historical Museum, and the Gallery at York Hall will be open and decorated for the holidays.

The Town Crier will ring in the market at 10 a.m., followed by a performance of The Fifes and Drums of York Town to officially open the market. Main Street entertainment begins at 10:30 a.m. with strolling instrumental ensembles, caroling and holiday arrangements, concluding at 4 p.m. Strolling entertainment will roam Riverwalk Landing from 1 - 3 p.m., and don't miss Santa and Mrs. Claus visiting children young and old throughout Yorktown. 

Living history exhibits and interpreters will include The Civil War Belles of Dixie, the North-South Skirmish Association, and the York Privateers of the Watermen's Museum. Classic cars will be on display along Historic Main Street and the Peninsula Model Railroad Club will present an exhibit of antique model trains in the lower level of York Hall.

The Christmas Market is co-sponsored by the York County Historical Museum and York County. Entertainment provided in part by a grant from the York County Arts Commission. 

Following the Christmas Market, the waterfront lights up with the spectacular 15^{thYork River in competition for "Best of Show."}  Annual Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade. Decorated in holiday spirit, local sail, pleasure, and work boats parade the

Waterfront events begin at 6 p.m. with complimentary hot cider served by Boy Scout Troop 123 of Seaford. Musical performances by the Yorktown Chorale and The Fifes and Drums of York Town are presented in the glow of a beach bonfire while awaiting the magnificent parade of lights. Parade judging of the dazzling display begins at 7 p.m. Join the festivities as you cheer for your favorite! As an added safety precaution, families are encouraged to bring flashlights to assist in navigation around town at night. This event is free and is sponsored by the Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade Committee and Wormley Creek Marina. 

On Sunday, Dec. 4, from 1 to 4 p.m., the Gallery at York Hall will feature Cookies with Santa. Children and parents of all ages can visit with Santa and do some holiday shopping. Parents are encouraged to bring your cameras to capture the children's excitement! Refreshments will be available. This event is freeand is sponsored by the Celebrate Yorktown Committee. Artwork featured in TheGallery at York Hall is available for purchase and will make the perfect holiday gift. The Gallery showcases fine arts in all media by local artists and features selected artists on a revolving basis. For information on exhibits, call the Gallery at York Hall at 890-4490.

Public parking will be available at the Riverwalk Landing parking terrace on Water Street, York Hall (with the exception of Friday night), County Administration Building and Courts and Offices parking lots on Ballard Street. Additional handicapped parking will be available Friday, Dec. 2 on the lower level of the Riverwalk Landing parking terrace. To access the handicapped parking area, enter Yorktown from the west side of US 17 to Water Street and proceed to the parking terrace. 

Yorktown Trolley transportation will be provided on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The trolley will run its normal route stopping at several locations throughout town. The Yorktown Trolley is handicapped accessible.  

No rain dates are scheduled for the holiday weekend events. In the event weather conditions pose a threat, please call the York County event weather hotline for the most current information at 890-3520. For directions to Yorktown and a more detailed schedule of events, visit www.visityorktown.org. Specific inquiries may be addressed by calling 890-3500. 

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