Ringing in the Christmas season

Yuletide Village festival planned for Summerside’s Memorial Park in December

SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. —

The City of Summerside, Downtown Summerside and Explore Summerside are partnering to bring a winter wonderland to Memorial Park with a new winter festival, the Summerside Yuletide Village.

The festival will offer a variety of free, family-friendly activities for the holiday season.

“We want everyone to feel joy in this season and enjoy a sense of place in Summerside,” said Explore Summerside president Alex Clark.

“Bringing community together to enjoy good cheer and to celebrate together is impactful for our city and community at large.”

On Dec. 2, Santa is also heading to the Yuletide Village for a special appearance after he tours the city in the Santa Claus Parade.

Then, Santa and Mrs.

Claus will help light the city's Christmas tree.

Following the lighting, each Saturday from Dec. 3-17, between 3-8 p.m., festival-goers can look forward to visits with Santa, cozy campfires, a hot chocolate bar, carol singa-longs, winter lights tour wagon rides, a Yuletide Village scavenger hunt, s'more making and a mailbox to send letters to Santa.

The festival is also celebrating local artisans this season with a winter crafter fair, where local craftspeople will sell handmade gifts on Dec. 10.

“Community-focused events like this in our downtown are key to revitalizing our city,” said Downtown Summerside president Gian Martinson.

“Our businesses are ready to welcome you while you are in the downtown for this event, and we encourage you to support our local small shoppes this gift-giving season."

More information can be found online at www.facebook.com/SummersideFarmersMarket.