MARBLEHEAD — The holiday spirit was in full swing as Marblehead celebrated its highly-anticipated Christmas Walk weekend, drawing crowds of hundreds of visitors and locals to the streets.
The weekend-long celebration kicked off on Thursday with a festive Holiday Shopping Preview Night and continued with the Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday. Festivities didn’t slow on Saturday when Mr. and Mrs. Claus arrived to kick off the day. All was wrapped up on Sunday with a final slate of holiday cheer for friends and family.
The weekend began with the Holiday Shopping Preview Night on Thursday, when Marblehead’s local shops hosted late-night shopping events with refreshments and special offers. The Marblehead Arts Association welcomed shoppers to the historic King Hooper Mansion with festive decorations. Tory’s Jewelry shop offered refreshments for those looking to start their holiday shopping early.
Friday night’s big event was the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. The festivities, sponsored by National Grand Bank, kicked off at 5:30 p.m. in the National Grand Bank parking lot on Essex Street, where families gathered for music, hot chocolate, and the excitement of the 7:00 p.m. tree lighting.
Local children also had the opportunity to sing during the ceremony, offering further entertainment and a small-town feel to the whole event.
The town was also treated to a special Lobster Trap Christmas Tree Lighting at Mud Puddle Toys, followed by carol singing led by the Glover’s Regiment.
The real magic of the weekend arrived on Saturday, when Santa and Mrs. Claus made their grand arrival by lobster boat at State Street Landing. Children greeted the couple with excitement, while parents enjoyed complimentary hot chocolate.
The fun continued throughout the day, with the Marblehead Bank Gingerbread House Party offering games, crafts, and the chance to meet mini horses from Mini’s With a Mission.
Shoppers had no shortage of local holiday options, with more than 20 artisan vendors showcasing handmade gifts at the Winter Artisan & Craft Fair at the Marblehead Arts Association and the Gingerbread Festival at the Marblehead Museum’s Lee Mansion.
In addition to the festive shopping, the local favorite Christmas Walk Parade kicked off at 11:45 a.m. with bands, floats, and plenty of holiday cheer. Many locals gathered to see Mr. and Mrs. Claus as well as all the beautiful floats that graced the streets of Marblehead.
Local businesses, like Irresistibles and MAHRI, hosted special promotions, while St. Michael’s Church, The Unitarian Universalist Church, and Our Lady Star of the Sea all held holiday fairs, offering unique gifts, raffles, and delicious food. The day ended with an Old North Church Festival Chorus Holiday Concert at 8:00 p.m..
Sunday marked the final day of the festivities, but the holiday cheer continued throughout the day. Free trolley service ran from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to make it easy for visitors to explore the town and its events.
The day’s activities included the Gingerbread Festival at the Marblehead Museum, the Snowflake Festival at EOS Designs, and Shubie’s Reindeer Rides, a favorite attraction where families could enjoy free reindeer rides in the parking lot.
Santa made another appearance at All Chic at 152, where families could take photos with him, while CC Paws hosted pet photos with Santa for furry friends.
For those who wanted to relax and enjoy the festive atmosphere, the Marblehead Arts Association offered a traditional Tea in the Tavern at the King Hooper Mansion, an event that raised funds for the arts association. The weekend wrapped up with the final performance of the Old North Church Festival Chorus Holiday Concert at 7:30 p.m..
As Marblehead’s Christmas Walk came to a close, the town was lit with holiday spirit. From Santa’s paddle around the harbor to Reindeer Rides and festive shopping, the weekend was a celebration of the season. Residents and visitors alike agreed this year’s Christmas Walk was yet another example of what makes Marblehead’s holiday traditions so special.
