Oxford was transformed into a wonderland on Dec. 12, as the town was filled with the sights and sounds of the season—strolling carolers sang holiday favorites, Frosty and the elves roamed the streets spreading cheer, Santa and Mrs. Claus met with children, and the town’s Christmas tree was lit during a festive gathering early in the evening.

“It’s great to see the community come together to celebrate Christmas,” said John Thompson, who serves on Oxford Borough Council. “The businesses did a great job on this.”

“It’s a beautiful night,” added Ron Hershey, borough council president, who helped light the Christmas tree.

There were activities throughout the downtown area.

At Flickerwood Wine Cellars, Maria Sovine, the owner of Wicked Concoctions, was offering samples of the seasonal jams and chutneys, including the popular spiced elderberry and tart winter flavors.

At La Sicilia Restaurant, visitors could gather around a Christmas tree that was decorated by kindergarten and first-grade students. The school district's Oxford Community Outreach program also organized story times for children.

Members of the Avon Grove Community Theater sang Christmas carols and spread holiday cheer.

At the Coatesville Savings Bank, Santa and Mrs. Claus met with children like Destinee. She was asking for an iPod and an American Girl doll.

Teens danced in the street as a bagpiper played festive tunes.

And the Oxford Arts Alliance was full all evening as guests shopped for Christmas gifts at the Artisan Gift Shoppe.

Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. (OMI) once again took the lead in planning the Country Christmas celebration.

Sue Cole, the executive director of OMI, said that it’s always nice to see families who come out to the Country Christmas year after year, but it’s also great when new people come to the event.

Cole added that it takes the work by a lot of people—from the police to the business owners to the public works department to the vendors to performers like the carolers and dance groups to make the celebration a reality.

“It’s great to see everybody come together for this special evening,” Cole said.

“I think it’s a great evening,” said Jim Price, the president of Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. “The tree-lighting went well.”

Melissa Pacella, the special events coordinator for OMI, said, “We’re thrilled that people come out like this. Everybody’s having a great time. It’s got a warm atmosphere even if it’s a little cold outside.”