By Jules Happy Rone
Berkeley Springs, WV, is getting ready to celebrate the holidays in style yet again. With decorated meters, a Santa’s mailbox, newly refurbished lanterns, holiday “elfie” stations for photographs, visits with Santa, small business shopping and events all season long, visitors looking to get into the holiday season will be right at home in this charming town reminiscent of a Hallmark movie.
“Downtown Berkeley Springs is absolutely charming in December,” says Kate Kolbe of Mineral Springs Trading Co. and a representative from Hometown Holidays in Berkeley Springs, a local group of shopkeepers helping to create and promote holiday events. “There are so many wonderful events to enjoy the warmth of the season and the kindness of the people in this small town.”
Last year’s incredibly successful Cocoa Crawl, where area merchants stayed open late and each offered a different flavor of cocoa, will return on December 6th. Last year’s inaugural event had more than 500 people flock to downtown Berkeley Springs to sip and shop, so organizers are planning for even more cocoa this year.
“Last year we started announcing events and almost immediately the response was overwhelming,” says Kolbe. “We watch movies about people having magical holidays while we live in a town full of magic. I think everyone is looking forward to bringing that movie magic to life, no special effects required.”
An Ugly Sweater Fun Run & Walk, a reading of “The Night Before Christmas,” music, a sock hop, luminaries, shopping specials, bazaars, holiday craft classes, visits with Santa, caroling, dances, a memorial tree and an open house are just some of the events the town expects to host again this season. Many of the events will also benefit local organizations.
Four years ago, a group of people in town led by local resident Hunter Clark decided they wanted to bring back the holiday spirit they remembered from years past. That launched the Town of Bath Christmas Decorations Project and the Winter Fest Parade. The fourth annual Winter Fest will be held on December 7th. Decorations will be all over town, including many from years past that have been refurbished or remade to bring back memories. Many people who grew up in Berkeley Springs remember the sleigh—complete with Santa and reindeer—that always sat in front of a local house. After more than 50 years it has been restored and returned to its place.
Two years ago, the chamber of commerce organized parking meter decorating, which was an immediate blockbuster hit. Town officials allowed 30 meters to be decorated for the holidays. All over town meters turned into angels, snow people, trees, chimneys, presents, Santa and more unusual themes like the leg lamp from “A Christmas Story” and a giant decorated martini glass. The second year the town generously allowed the project to use all 92 meters in town.
Lori Hansroth, executive director of the Berkeley Springs Morgan County Chamber of Commerce was thrilled with the response.
“We really didn’t know how well the Deck the Meters project would take off the first year, but the response from the community was phenomenal,” she says. “We not only had individuals and groups lined up to decorate meters, but the entire downtown area saw an increase in foot traffic as folks took the time to walk around and check out the decorated meters. The overwhelming level of community engagement was just heartwarming.”
Groups and organizations now plan year-round so an impressive display is expected again. All parking is free in Berkeley Springs between November 24-January 5 while the meters are decorated.
More events are being announced on the Hometown Holidays in Berkeley Springs Facebook page. The events kick off on November 30th for Small Business Saturday and continue through the end of the year. Skip the hassle of big cities and plan to be in Berkeley Springs this year for the holidays.
About the Author
Jules Happy Rone bought a gift shop in Berkeley Springs when she was only 17. Twenty-two years later, she is proud to be one of the oldest businesses in town with a website that ships worldwide. When she’s not promoting her store or her community, you can usually find her at home with her tools working on her house, baking or taking a well-deserved nap. Find her on Facebook at Jules Enchanting Gifts or online at JulesEnchantingGifts.com.
