Set for Friday, December 12 and Saturday, December 13 is the new Christmas in the Village celebration in Paw Paw.

Destination Paw Paw Destination Experience Manager Janice Chittel tells us everything will kick off on the 12th at 6 p.m. with the Lighted Holiday Parade through the downtown. Then Saturday, the 13th will begin with the Rotary’s 5K Santa Run, followed by a whole host of activities downtown between 10 a.m and 4 p.m.

“We have ice carving donated by Destination Paw Paw and have the gazebo decorated for a photo op area,” Chittel said. “And then that will lead to all the downtown shops where downtown at the chamber of commerce office, we have kids crafts all day and a magician.”

Kringle Town will be set up on Paw Paw Street, with wooden buildings donated by Meyer Wood Products, and vendors. The day will also include the Merry Village Mingle throughout downtown shops with all kinds of deals and special cookies and drinks.

Chittel says the Christmas celebration in Paw Paw has previously only included the parade and the tree lighting, but this year they’re expanding with a whole extra day of fun.

“We really want to get the word out because with it all being brand new, obviously people aren’t looking for that in their traditions as they’re looking for something to do in their town for Christmas. So we just want to get the word out so people know all the different activities.”

Chittel says Christmas in the Village is about bringing the community together to celebrate the magic of the season, and she hopes it becomes a tradition.

The full schedule will be posted soon at DestinationPawPaw.com. You can also learn more right here.