CUMBERLAND — This holiday season, Cumberland’s Downtown Development Commission is promoting a monthlong Winterfest celebration, with programming offered every Saturday between the traditional city tree lighting Friday and a New Year’s Eve ball drop Dec. 31.
“Downtown Cumberland gives people something that they just can’t get everywhere — a nostalgic feeling that touches the heartstrings,” Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss said.
“There’s no place better to capture the spirit of the holidays. City Center will feel like home for the holidays, regardless of where any of us first discovered that feeling.”
Tree lighting
By tradition, on Friday after Thanksgiving, the downtown lights up when the mayor flips on the switch, and Santa can be seen waving to the crowds from the rooftop of the Cumberland Arms building.
The tree lighting begins at 5 p.m. and features music, open houses and visits with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.
Streets around the event will be closed to vehicular traffic, but open for pedestrians.
Small shop Saturday
Nationwide and locally, Saturday is an opportunity to support and shop in small, local businesses.
Many of the shops will be offering specials and discounts.
Saturday Santa breakfasts
Each Saturday morning from Nov. 29 to Dec. 20, children, parents and grandparents can enjoy Breakfast with Santa, beginning with breakfast at Café Mark Nov. 29, followed by the Culinaire Café Dec. 6, Queen City Creamery and the Community Café Dec. 13, and Mezzos Dec. 20.
Santa at The Rosenbaum
Mr. and Mrs. Claus will visit The Rosenbaum each Saturday from from 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 29 through Dec. 20 for visits — sharing Christmas wishes and photos. A special North Pole mailbox sits in its traditional spot in front of the large Christmas tree at the Liberty Street Plaza.
Winterfest Market
From 4 to 9 p.m. Dec. 13, the downtown streets will be filled with local craft artisans, music and entertainment, games and carriage rides, and Santa will be greeting visitors. The streets will be lined with firepits, and shoppers can warm up and roast marshmallows. The Chamber of Commerce will offer complementary s’more kits.
New Year’s Eve ball drop and fireworks
Between 10 p.m. and midnight, Downtown Cumberland will offer music and a lighted ball drop at the stroke of midnight, followed by fireworks.
Polar Express trains
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 23, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad offers rides on The Polar Express. Inspired by the hit movie, the holiday favorite comes to life for all those aboard.
Set to the music of the motion picture soundtrack, families can experience a trip to the North Pole, complete with hot chocolate and cookies.
Tickets and information can be found at wmsr.com.
For more information on Downtown Cumberland or its holiday events, visit www.cumberlandalive.com.