MARBLEHEAD — Santa Claus rode into town in style over the weekend, not by sleigh, but by lobster boat in Marblehead Harbor, alongside Ms. Claus to kick off the town’s annual Christmas Walk. When they arrived on shore, they were greeted and hugged by bright-eyed kids waiting on land and with big smiles.
For the 52nd year, the walk kicked off the holiday season for Marbleheaders, with more than 60 events running from Thursday, Nov. 30 to Sunday, Dec. 2. Santa returned by boat a year after weather forced the cancellation of his waterside arrival.
Other traditional events from the walk returned this year, like the Holiday Shopping Preview Night held on Thursday and Friday’s Tree Lighting at 7 p.m., which took place at the National Grand Bank. The Chamber of Commerce’s Ray Moulton Person of the Year, Dan Dixey, was chosen to light this year’s tree.
In addition to the main, familiar events, there were some newcomers as well. It was an animal affair at Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish Center and Shubie’s as kids got to experience a a living Nativity scene with animals at the church Saturday, while some ponies did their best reindeer impressions outside of Shubie’s on Sunday despite some rainy weather.
“Shubie’s Marketplace Wines and Spirits isn’t letting a little rain put a damper on their “Reindeer Rides” today!!!” Marblehead Chamber of Commerce said in a post on their Facebook page.
Santa continued spreading Christmas cheer from boat to car during the weekend’s main event, the Christmas Parade. Those walking and riding in the parade included the Marblehead Old Car Club, led by President Tom Blackler, Glover’s Regiment, the High School Marching Band, and the Grinch.
This year’s walk concluded Sunday night with Old North Church’s Festival Chorus’ Holiday Concert. During the concert, numerous groups performed, including Marblehead High School Marching Band, Veterans Middle School Select Chorus, and Glover School Children’s Traveling Chorus.
