Jingle, mingle, celebrate: Acton Center kicks off holiday season
The town will debut its “Jingle & Mingle” event tomorrow, with tree lighting festivities to follow on Sunday.
Acton Center’s season of wreaths and garlands is getting some new bells and whistles.
On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the town is debuting “Jingle & Mingle,” a new event linking the town’s many seasonal celebrations with the aim of transforming the first weekend of December into a coordinated holiday showcase.
The annual tree lighting will follow on Sunday.
Town Economic Vitality Manager Mimi Graney said she hopes the new connection will prompt people to stick around longer.
“Up to now, these events haven’t really had an umbrella over them,” Graney said. “We’re adding music, a gift-wrapping station, hot chocolate and cookies — all to make it more of a whole neighborhood party and encourage people to explore everything Acton Center has to offer.”
‘Personal connection’
Along with the usual festive cheer of holiday music, poinsettia-adorned wreaths, and twinkling lights, visitors to the shopping-focused event can view gingerbread houses crafted by local businesses and schools on display at The Colonial Inn, check out musical performances at Wright Tavern, and peruse sales at local stores.
The array of holiday shopping and arts events throughout the district includes the annual book sale at the Acton Free Public Library, the Acton Museum’s Holiday House Tour, a Acton Orchestra performance, and more.
One familiar event on the schedule is the Winter Market at the Umbrella Arts Center. Umbrella Marketing Manager Kelby Siddons said it’s a chance to buy a unique gift directly from an artist.
“People can visit working studios, see pieces for sale on the wall, and have that personal connection with artists,” she said. “Hopefully, they will [find] something they’ll make part of their home.”
For the first time, Siddons said, Winter Market shoppers can enjoy live piano music while exploring the studios and galleries.
“I’m very hopeful that Jingle & Mingle can connect people to every corner where creativity and holiday spirit is thriving here in Acton,” she said. “Over the years, maybe we can create an even more connected experience, so visitors can enjoy every storefront and artist studio.”
Tree-ditional festivities
With the new additions to the holiday kickoff weekend come the classics.
On Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m., music, vendors, and food trucks will lend a festive atmosphere to Acton Center.
The traditional parade, featuring Santa aboard a fire truck, steps off from Hunt Gym at 4:30 p.m., with the lighting scheduled for approximately 5:10 p.m.
Why does Acton’s tree-lighting weekend appeal to thousands? Graney said it’s the charm of downtown and the festive atmosphere that draw visitors from near and far.
“Acton Center is such a quaint spot, and our retailers do the most gorgeous displays that really feel like the quintessential New England setting,” she said. “The holidays bring out everyone’s sense of nostalgia, and with the streets closed, it’s a safe and welcoming place for families to walk around and enjoy the festivities.”
In the event of severe weather, the town will decide by 9 p.m. on Saturday whether to update Sunday events. For more information on the weekend’s offerings, go to visitconcord.org.
