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11 Magnolia Lane

Sharing our easy DIYs, decorating, entertaining and more!

Its a Wonderful Life…

December 9, 2010 By Amy 6 Comments

This Post Contains Affiliate Links

6 shares

Local Choirs perform on the Courthouse Steps

What’s the saying, if you’re lucky enough to live in a small town, you are lucky enough? (OK, maybe that’s a liberal interpretation) We really are lucky enough, because we live in a small town outside of a very big city, so we get the best of both worlds. But, no time do I appreciate where I live the more than at Christmastime.

The first week of every December, our town has an annual celebration called “Gumdrop” Square. Folks from the town and surrounding areas bundle up and parade down Main Street  trailing behind Santa’s magnificent horse-drawn carriage accompanied by local children dressed up as elves. Santa is transported down the spectator-lined street to his special seat at Gumdrop Square, where children can visit him and his kid-friendly “Secret Shop” throughout the month of December.  That night, Main Street is lined with vendors offering wonderful goodies like hot chocolate and baked goods, and local musical groups perform carols along the way. It’s a truly magical night, one that I hope my children remember fondly for the rest of their lives.  This year was all the more magical because it started snowing shortly after Santa’s festive arrival, a rarity in Virginia early in December.

Despite the cold, the crowds and the millions of holiday “to-do’s” on the list, it’s a night that ushers in the Christmas season like no other.  It was truly a night to for all of us to treasure.

 

Santa's Elves

Gumdrop Square

Gumdrop Square

 

The town was even more beautiful this year as our store owners are participating in a window decorating contest.  I wanted to share a few of my favorites. It’s so nice to have local retailers who not only carry lovely things, but are also so nice to shop with!

Definitely a contender to win the decorating contest!

Definitely a contender to win the decorating contest!

 

A gorgeous and creative window

A gorgeous and creative window

 

A stop in the Wine Bar would cap off the night perfectly...

A stop in the wine bar would cap off the night perfectly…

Umm, yes I would like one of everything here please...

Umm, yes I would like one of everything here please…

 

Hope your holidays are also off to a magical start!

Thanks for stopping by!

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Filed Under: Christmas, Holidays Tagged With: celebration, holiday, santa, small town, window decorating

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kathiey says

    December 10, 2010 at 8:35 am

    Love your blog. I am visiting you from New Friend Friday and am now a new follower.
    My husband and I are actually looking at a small town in Va. Possible move to the mountains:-)
    Thanks for your post!
    Kathiey:-)

    Reply
  2. 11magnolialane says

    December 10, 2010 at 4:10 pm

    You will love Virginia! Good luck with your move and welcome.

    Reply
  3. Amanda @ Serenity Now says

    August 31, 2011 at 11:06 am

    What a beautiful feature! Makes me want to rush Christmas here. 😉 I love hearing about special events like this! Visiting from Centsational Girl’s Hometown linky today. 🙂

    Reply
  4. Anne says

    August 31, 2011 at 2:19 pm

    It’s a beautiful town! I was married in the “Manor” and now my brother lives down there! Did not know about “Gumdrop Square” though. Will have to mark it on the calendar to bring the kids down.

    Reply
  5. Paula says

    August 31, 2011 at 8:00 pm

    Christmas in your town looks wonderful! I’m also in a small Virginia town and love where I live. I’m visiting from CG’s party.

    Reply
  6. Joanne @ Homestyling101 says

    September 4, 2011 at 6:56 am

    Wow! I think I might have to make my way down South this Christmas- just the name Gumdrop Square- found you on Centsational Girl- thanks for the tour!

    Reply

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6 shares