SHELBURNE FALLS — Moonlight Magic is an easy antidote to Black Friday frenzy. Bring the children, welcome in the holiday season with the Parade of Lights, visit Santa’s Workshop, and visit the village’s many shops and artists’ studios, while street musicians and carolers stroll by.
This is the one time of year when nearly all the shops stay open until 9 p.m. and when Bridge Street becomes a candle-lit pedestrian walkway, with many outdoor vendors along the way.
Sponsored by the Greater Shelburne Falls Area Business Association, festivities begin around 4 p.m. The Parade of Lights, which includes Santa’s arrival, generally begins around 5:15 p.m., starting on Conway Street and crossing the Iron Bridge. Watch for Santa and Mrs. Claus’ arrival in a horse-drawn carriage. The Shriners Clowns will be there, as will “Welcome Yule,” a midwinter celebration of carolers, the Shelburne Falls Senior Center’s drumming group, Ageless Waves of Rhythm, and the high-energy MEGAdance, which fuses fitness with Latin and international music.
The volunteers at the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum, 14 Depot St., have been busy lately getting Trolley Car #10 and the museum ready for Moonlight Magic. The decorated trolley car will operate throughout the evening, running between the Salmon Falls Gallery and the Trolley Museum’s visitors’ center. The visitor’s center will be open with a discount on all sales in the gift shop, including toys, stocking stuffers, clothing, tree ornaments and a large selection of collectible Lionel Train engines and cars. The wooden trains and the electric trains will be available for the youngsters to enjoy.
The Red Caboose has also been decorated with holiday lights and will be open so folks can enjoy a warm beverage and warm up by the stove. The trolley ride is $4 for adults, $2 for children 6-12, and free for those under 6.
Many of the shops offer special sales or price discounts. Greenfield Cooperative Bank will be offering cider and cookies in its Community Room; also the Shelburne Falls Area Women’s Club will be selling festive Christmas cookies inside the Village Information Center.