“Sleigh bells ring are you listening, in the lane show is glistening…” (Winter Wonderland by Bernard and Smith). Hearing sleigh bells ringing is a staple during the holiday season in snow-blessed Vermont. What better way to celebrate the Christmas season than the Annual Wassail Weekend in Woodstock, Vermont from December 9 to 12, 2011. This quarter century old tradition has the popularity and sentiment to last generations as it welcomes hundreds of visitors to its annual holiday celebration. This year’s event will be graced by the world famous Vienna Boys Choir concert on Friday, Dec. 9 at 7:30pm at the Town Hall Theater. Tickets for this holiday treat can be purchased through the Pentangle Society’s website at www.pentanglearts.org.
A favorite part of the weekend is the Horse parade where horses and their riders dress up in 19th century inspired costumes on Saturday, Dec. 11 at 2:00pm. They hail their greetings and merriment to the town folk and visitors lining the parade route as they pass by. The Woodstock Chamber of Commerce sponsored Cafe on the Green will be serving home made hot drinks, soups and chili to keep visitors warm. There is a Holiday Crafts fair all throughout the weekend where locals and visitors can purchase handicrafts and goods from local farms and cottage industries.
Although some events require ticket purchases like Christmas at the Billings Farm in www.bilingsfarm.org and the Holiday House Tour at www.pentanglearts.org, there are a host of other events that are free for visitors like the Dana House “dressed for Christmas” tour made possible by the Woodstock Historical Society on Friday Dec. 9 from 5 to 7 pm, and again on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 12am to 4pm. Following the Horse Parade on Saturday, Dec. 10 is the Yule Log and Memories lighting ceremony at the Green at 2:30pm and “Christmas Visions” held at the Woodstock Little Theater from 2:30 to 4:30pm.
The weekend closes with the Annual Messiah Sing on Sunday, Dec. 12 at 4pm in the Lady of the Snows Catholic Church on Route 106. Everyone is welcome to listen to Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus sung with the angel voices of the choir and orchestra led by Scott Woolweaver. Donations are welcomed for this event.
Going to this annual holiday celebration is a heartfelt experience for everyone. More information on the Wassail Weekend can be found in www.woodstockvt.com/wassail.php