Oxford’s Holiday Festival of Lights ceremony will be on Sunday, November 28, at 5 p.m., at the heart of the village, around the Cole Fountain and Veterans Memorial Walkway. (Submitted photo)

OXFORD – The Oxford Village Mayor, Terry Stark, will be dusting off his top hat for one of Oxford’s grandest events of the year, the holiday season kick-off. Preparations have been made, a Gingerbread contest will be announced, and a petite Christmas tree will be raffled.

You are invited to join the Mayor in LaFayette Park for the annual Holiday Festival of Lights ceremony on Sunday, November 28, at 5 p.m. Gather at the heart of the Village, around the Cole Fountain and Veterans Memorial Walkway, as it will once again be the site of an old-fashioned community festivity of lights, refreshments, caroling, and perhaps even a few new surprises!

See the spectacle of lights when they’re first lit! The Park will be sparkling, and tables will be full of delicious cookies, hot cocoa, and cider. After a couple of carols, Oxford Village Mayor Terry Stark will announce the winners of the Gingerbread “House” Contest.

Spirited carols will fill the air by some of Oxford Academy’s talented student chorus members, and everyone is encouraged to join in song. Music will be provided by DJ Jim Baldwin of the Oxford Lions Club, and his gingerbread house sound system. There will be a pause for the ceremonious tree lighting with a countdown. Some young assistants from the Primary School will pull a large light switch to turn on the lights.

Adding a little magic to this evening is the “jolly old elf himself,” Santa Claus. Santa’s busy right now pressing his red velvet suit to look his best when he arrives in Hoppie’s Banquet Room. He will be waiting, amidst twinkling lights and a display of gingerbread houses, ready to listen to wishes from hopeful young ones. Parents, ready your cameras to catch that magical holiday twinkle, or have a professional photo taken by Desseray Dee Photography.

Additionally, the purchase of raffle tickets for a beautiful tabletop Christmas tree, on display at Hoppie’s, will also help. Tickets are $2 a piece, or 3 for $5. The drawing will be held in mid-December.

A big thank you goes out to all the community groups and individuals that help to make this Oxford festivity a success.

The printable (PDF) 2021 keepsake flyer is available on the OxfordNY.com website here: http://pon.oxfordny.com.

- From the Village of Oxford