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Chester County Press

Oxford celebrates with traditional holiday favorites at Country Christmas

12/08/2014 01:38PM ● By Steven Hoffman

You never know what's going to happen at the Oxford Country Christmas celebration.

Last year, The Grinch—that deplorable little character with the black heart that is two sizes too small—attempted to steal the town's Christmas tree only to redeem himself by eventually helping Mayor Geoff Henry light the tree, much to the delight of those gathered.

This year, the Oxford Country Christmas takes place on Friday, Dec. 12 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. There will be carriage rides, jingle hayrides, a tree-lighting ceremony, the opportunity to take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and much more.

The Oxford Country Christmas is one of the most eagerly anticipated events on the calendar.

Based on the momentum of our First Friday events, we expect the Country Christmas to be very well-attended,” said OMI executive director Sue Cole. “There is something fun to do for every member of the family.”

The tree-lighting ceremony takes place at 6 p.m.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the Coatesville Savings Bank for photos. Frosty will be roaming around, greeting downtown visitors, and Santa's elves will be stationed at National Penn Bank.

Stores in downtown Oxford will have extended hours and will be offering a variety of special sales for the event, which captures Oxford's small-town charm perhaps more than any other event, with the sights and sounds of the season on prominent display.

Local church choirs will be caroling and students from several local dance studios will be performing holiday numbers.

Businesses in the downtown are competing in a window decorating contest again this year.

The 10,000 Villages Gift Shop, which is set up at the Oxford Presbyterian Church at 6 Pine Street, will be open from 5:30 to 8 p.m. for Oxford Country Christmas. The normal hours for the gift shop are Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The shop offers fairly traded home décor, plant and garden items, personal accessories, and gifts handcrafted by artisans around the world.

The Oxford Arts Alliance Artisan Gift Shop, which is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. between Dec. 5 and Dec. 23, will be offering unique, inspired and locally handcrafted gifts for everyone on your list.

Approximately 30 vendors will be set up throughout the downtown, offering food and a wide variety of items.

The Grinch hasn't lost any of his Christmas spirit since last year. He's returning to Oxford to pose for photos at Oxford Odds & Ends.