Essex Initiatives and the Whallonsburg Grange are joining together this year to Make Merry in Essex with two Saturdays of holiday delight. On December 4, the Holiday Festival in the Village (formerly Christmas in Essex) begins with Breakfast with Santa, followed by the Artisans and Crafters Fair, and activities throughout the day. On December 11, the annual Holiday Market takes place at the Grange and Whitcomb's from 12-3 with food and gifts from local farms and producers to fill your holiday table and shopping list. Fireside music and stories at Whitcomb's at 3:00.

Holiday Festival in the Village schedule, Saturday, Dec. 4

9:30 Santa arrives on Ferry
9:45-11:00 Breakfast with Santa at Essex Firehouse (eat in or take out)
10:00-2:00 Holiday Craft Fair in CFES
10-12:00 Sweet Adelines caroling around town
10-1:00 Gingerbread cookie decorating at Old Stone Church behind Essex Inn
11:00 Reindeer Run around Beggs Park
12:00-2:00 Holiday music with Cliff Reynolds
11:00-2:00 Photos with Santa at Old Stone Church
12:00 Lakeside School Puppet Show at Old Stone Church
1:00 Storytime with Steven Kellogg at Old Stone Church
2:00 Sweet Adelines concert at St. John's Church
2:15 Gifts from Santa at St. John's Church

Visit the local businesses for holiday specials:
Essex Inn will have dinner specials both nights.
Essex Community Church will have a take-out soup lunch on Saturday.
Barn Door Tavern will have a Holiday Happy Hour both nights.
Pink Pig will be serving baked goods, lunch and coffee.