Small Business Saturday Includes Santa’s Arrival, Tree Lighting

MILFORD – Holiday cheer spreads quickly, especially in Downtown Milford when Santa Claus arrives in style on top of a fire truck Saturday, Nov. 26.

The jolly man will be brought into town at 11 a.m. on Small Business Saturday with the help of Carlisle Fire Company, escorted by the Milford Police Department, before he begins to hear the hopes and dreams of children from inside his very own Milford residence.

Downtown Milford, Inc. helped arrange the month-long visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

Director Steve Twilley said Santa will see children until 3 p.m. Nov. 26 to start the season off right.

“He takes regular residency on Friday, Dec. 2nd (as part of Holiday Stroll) and departs on Friday, Dec. 23rd,” he said.

Santa will see children at the Santa House on Fridays from 5-8 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. He will also be at the Santa House Dec. 15 from 5-8 p.m. as part of Third Thursday.

Most downtown businesses will also be open during the day to celebrate Small Business Saturday with entertainment, refreshments and, of course, good deals.

City Manager Eric Norenberg stated, “Downtown businesses will be open all day Saturday, so shoppers can begin their holiday shopping by Shopping Small in the unique stores and galleries of downtown Milford.”

As the day closes, residents and visitors alike are invited to the city of Milford tree lighting event from 5-5:30 p.m., a first in more than 10 years, according to City Manager Eric Norenberg.

City employees have worked hard in recent days to place lights around town and on the tree at city hall in preparation for the event.

The Milford Central Academy Chorus will lead a community sing-a-long as guests gather in front of city hall located at 201 S. Walnut Street and prepare to turn on the holiday lights, starting with the city hall’s two Holly trees at 5:30 p.m.

“We encourage residents and visitors to join with friends and neighbors for the tree lighting after enjoying a day of shopping local in downtown,” Milford Mayor Bryan Shupe said.

In keeping with the holiday spirit, Mayor Shupe said this is a season to be thankful and to think about others. He encourages guests of the tree lighting event to bring a non-perishable food item to benefit the Food Bank of Delaware.

“We know there are Milfordians who are challenged to make ends meet during colder months.  I hope everyone will help those who might otherwise be hungry this holiday season, by bringing a can or box of food to the tree lighting event,” urged Mayor Shupe.