Emmitsburg’s Evening of Christmas Spirit

Danielle Ryan

(11/22) Emmitsburg kicks off the Christmas season in style on December 5th from 6 to 9 p.m. with its annual "An Evening of Christmas Spirit." This event has become a town tradition, hosting hundreds of residents for an evening of entertainment and fellowship. Sponsored by The Carriage House Inn, the Town of Emmitsburg and the Emmitsburg Business and Professional Association, this event is sure to represent the true meaning of Christmas spirit.

This year’s "An Evening of Christmas Spirit," which has always been held in conjunction with the town’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony, marks the 28th year that the Carriage House Inn holiday event has been formally held.

A few years ago, the community Christmas tree lighting ceremony was moved back to its traditional location at the Town Square. Mayor

Briggs said, "The Lighting of the Christmas tree on the Square is a time honored tradition. Bringing the ceremony back to the Square, the crossroads of the community, is a natural part of our emphasis on the community and why we are directing design, planning and investment into it."

The festivities will kick-off at 6 p.m. with the Christmas tree lighting ceremony on the square. Santa Claus will arrive on the scene to celebrate the tree lighting around 6:15 p.m. Residents will be invited to join local choirs, including the children’s choir from Mother Seton School, in singing favorite Christmas carols.

The Holiday festivities will then shift to the Carriage House Inn with Santa’s arrival at 6:30 p.m. Santa invites everyone to the Carriage House Inn for hot dogs, cookies and hot cocoa. There will also be a live Nativity, entertainment and hayrides for all to enjoy.

From 7 to 9 p.m. the Carriage House Inn will be hosting local choirs and vocalists, including choirs from St. Joseph’s Church, Mount St. Mary’s University and the Fairfield Show Choir, in Joann’s Ballroom. Come out and enjoy some holiday music with friends, family and community neighbors.

Carriage House Inn owner Bob Hance said, "An Evening of Christmas

Spirit has certainly become a town event since the tree lighting joined us many years ago. It seems to keep growing and I don’t see it slowing down anytime soon."

Canned goods and donations for the Emmitsburg Lions Club Christmas

Food Drive will be accepted at the Carriage House Inn during the evening. Look for boxes in designated locations to place your canned goods or donations. The donations will fill Christmas baskets for local families within the community in need.

Come celebrate the true meaning of Christmas spirit on December 5th with an evening of holiday festivities!