Fairhaven hosts annual Old-Time Holiday event on Dec. 9. Here's what to know before you go

FAIRHAVEN — Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the town's annual Old-Time Holiday event returns on Dec. 9.

This year the Old-Time Holiday includes fairs at the First Congregational Church, the Unitarian Memorial Church, and the Town Hall, where you’ll discover handmade crafts, gifts, holiday greens, baked goods, and more.

The Unitarian Church will host guided tours of the sanctuary at this time as well. Various groups will have booths around town; there will even be a Santa’s Sweet Shop run by the Northeast Maritime Institute and Dorothy Cox’s Chocolate.

Taking place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 9 (with some events also on Dec. 10), the "old-time" event provides a unique opportunity to get into the spirit of the season. Festivities include holiday gift shopping, food and music.

What is happening on Saturday?

On Saturday, both the First Congregational Church at 34 Center St. and the Unitarian Memorial Church at 102 Green St., will hold fairs, with church members and outside vendors displaying a wide variety of items for sale.

Several of the town’s non-profit groups and a few commercial vendors will have tables at the Town Hall at 40 Center St. providing handmade crafts, gifts, holiday greens, delicious baked goods, gift baskets as well as silent auction items to bid on.

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In the Town Hall, there will also be a few children’s activities. All three fairs run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

At 6 p.m., the day will wrap up when the Fairhaven Improvement Association hosts its annual Sing-Along on the steps of Town Hall. There will be caroling and the arrival of Santa on a fire engine. Then hot chocolate and snacks will be available inside the auditorium.

The Unitarian Church, a magnificent English-Gothic style “cathedral,” will also give guided tours of the sanctuary during the day.

Even more holiday fun at the Millicent Library

Located at 45 Center St., the Millicent Library will have live music, treats, a book sale and a drop-in craft activity for children. The used book sale will be held in the downstairs auditorium, sponsored by Friends of the Millicent Library.

Upstairs in the children’s room, kids can stop in from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to make Reindeer Food for Santa’s eight tiny reindeer. The library will be open during its regular Saturday hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Santa will be at the Northeast Maritime Institute

Saturday is “Santa’s Sweet Shop” at the Northeast Maritime Institute at 32 Washington St. The Institute will team up with Dorothy Cox’s Chocolate to bring the building alive with holiday cheer.

They will have a hot cocoa bar and chocolates with Dorothy Cox and family, fun crafts, and Santa from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for pictures.

Where to get lunch during the day

Lunch will be sold Saturday and Saturday such as lobster rolls from Cove Surf and Turf, hot dogs from Boy Scout Troop 52, and a Soup and Sandwich luncheon from the North Fairhaven Improvement Association.

There will also be hot chocolate and popcorn from the Fairhaven Village Militia.

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Fairhaven to host first Youth Vendor Fair on Dec. 10

On Sunday, Dec. 10, a new event featuring youth entrepreneurs will be held at the Fairhaven Recreation Center, located at 227 Huttleston Ave., Route 6, from noon to 4 p.m.

The event includes Santa’s workshop, food and music. Admission is free.

Celebrating the holidays for 25 years

According to Christopher J. Richard, Fairhaven's Director of Tourism, in 1998, the Office of Tourism held a successful weekend for this holiday occasion complete with over thirty non-profit, school and church groups’ events.

During the two-year pandemic break, the event was renamed the "Old-Time Holiday" to encompass all holidays in December.

Where is the best place to park

Street parking is free on weekends in Fairhaven. There are no large parking lots or garages near the Town Hall area. Guests can find parking on the street around the area and plan to walk into the festival area.

You can find more information at https://fairhaventours.com/old-time-holiday/.

Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com. Follow him on twitter: @ChitwoodReports.Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Fairhaven Old-Time Holiday event celebrates 25 years in December