MONTAGUE — There’s no place like Turners Falls for the holidays.
“It’s a Wonderful Night In Turners Falls” is on Friday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. throughout downtown Turners Falls. The annual event features family activities, extended hours at local businesses and Santa’s arrival at Spinner Park.
Suzanne LaMonto, director of Turners Falls Riverculture, said the annual tradition of Santa’s arrival is accompanied by different shops doing a variety of things every year.
“Every year, it’s a little different mix of events,” LaMonto said. “There is a lot of enthusiasm about it.”
Holiday activities for the whole family are planned throughout downtown, including art exhibitions, live music, restaurant specials, holiday promotions and gift buying opportunities.
“We hope people will take advantage of it — it’s a really great event, kind of unique in Franklin County,” said Montague Town Administrator Steve Ellis. “It grows every year, as more people get excited about it.”
At 6:30 p.m., Santa will arrive at Spinner’s Park on a fire truck to collect the letters from children and adults in the community. Santa will also give out candy canes, and there will be hot chocolate, as well.
“Business owners put their caps on and get the place popping,” LaMonto said. “We look forward to this all year long to bring this village where it can be. We work hard in this town and it’s a celebration for us, too.”
Holiday Open Door Promo will be ongoing throughout the weekend. To play, pick up a game card at LOOT or Black Cow Burger, both on Avenue A. Collect 12 stickers at participating businesses in Turners Falls. No purchase is required. Two winners each receive $150 gift certificates, redeemable at 23 participating businesses. Winners will be selected on Dec. 22.
Kids’ Crafts: make a winter bird feeder at the Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A from 3 to 6 p.m.
Holiday youth art show and craft fair and holiday green screen photos at the Brick House Resource Center at 24 Third St. from 4 to 8 p.m.
Turners Falls Pop Up Shop Family Center, 78 Avenue A, from 5 to 9 p.m. Handmade gifts by local artists. Hot cider.
Santa Collects Wishes from the Magic Mailbox at Spinner Park at Avenue A and Fourth Street at 6:30 p.m. Live music and hot chocolate will be available, and Santa will arrive to collect letters and well wishes.
Holiday Spectacular with Mr. Drag and Karl: presented by Eggtooth Productions at the Shea Theater Arts Center, 71 Avenue A, at 7:30 p.m. There will be another show on Saturday, Dec. 15. Tickets $10 and children are free. To purchase tickets in advance, visit: www.sheatheater.org
There will be a video installation of “It’s A Wonderful Life” at FAB Fashion on 67 Second Street.
Mary Hakkinen’s Small Sculpture is at Nina’s Nook at 125A Avenue A.
There’s an opening reception for artists Tracey Physioc and Jody Payne at Flourish at 102 Avenue A.
For more information, visit: www.turnersfallsriverculture.org