Skaneateles Sings will bring Father Christmas, candlelight caroling and a Christmas tree lighting to the village Nov. 27, followed by Shop Skaneateles on Dec. 10.
The two events complement the season-long Dickens Christmas celebration, according to a Nov. 12 announcement supplied by Group M Communications.
Skaneateles Sings moves earlier in the season
Skaneateles Sings is scheduled after the opening-day festivities Nov. 27. Organizers said the event is taking place earlier in the season this year to encourage participation.
Father Christmas will greet children and pose for photographs at the gazebo beginning at 5 p.m. Candlelight caroling with Dickens characters and the Christmas tree lighting will follow at 5:30 p.m.
The evening concludes with a reception at the United Methodist Church featuring Father Christmas and a magic show by the Prestidigitating Packwoods.
Skaneateles United Methodist Church and Skaneateles Girl Scouts sponsor the event, which is organized by the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
Shop, Sip and Stroll runs from 5 to 8 p.m.
Shop Skaneateles takes place throughout the day Dec. 10, with Shop, Sip and Stroll scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. Many village businesses will offer free gift-wrapping, refreshments and other specials. Village-wide parking will be free that evening, according to the announcement.
The release lists these participating merchants and offers:
- 1st National Gifts: An entry to win an Inis gift bag valued at $75 with every $20 spent.
- All My Friends Books: A complimentary tote bag with purchases of $75 or more, while supplies last.
- Bev & Co.: 10% off full-price styles.
- DROOZ and Company: Complimentary gift bags and gift tags.
- Lake Life Laser Studio: 40% off select holiday merchandise.
- Rhubarb Kitchen Shop: Tastings of Finger Lakes Harvest holiday Glögg, 10% off purchases of 12 or more gourmet hot chocolate packets, and holiday promotions from WÜSTHOF cutlery and Cuisinart cookware. The shop will also offer Syracuse Salt Co. gift sets for the first time and announce additional specials on its Facebook and Instagram accounts.
- Sea Culture Brand: 20% off storewide, excluding cigars, shoes and some third-party merchandise, plus a complimentary beverage and light bites.
- The Local Branch: A $10 gift card with purchases over $100, a $20 gift card with purchases over $250, or a $50 gift card with purchases over $500. The gift cards are valid through Dec. 31, 2026.
- The Savage Homestead: Boutique-only specials and complimentary deluxe samples with every purchase, while supplies last.
Anyone making a purchase that evening will have a choice of a free drink from area establishments, according to the release. Shop Skaneateles is sponsored by the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce.
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Community groups support holiday decorations
Chamber Executive Director Lindsey Babbles thanked Strawberry Fields for donating Christmas trees for the Masonic Temple and gazebo, and the Girl Scouts for decorating the gazebo tree.
Babbles also recognized the village and town for financially supporting the seasonal decorations and the Village Electric Department for helping install them.
For more information about Dickens Christmas and the related events, call 315-685-0552 or consult the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce or Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles Facebook pages.
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