The first annual Jingle Bell Jubilee holiday celebration and carol sing will be held Saturday in Unionville center. Think of it as all the village’s holiday traditions tucked together and tied with a bright red ribbon.
The day is coordinated and sponsored by the Unionville Village Improvement Association, Unionville Museum and Unionville Business Cooperative in hopes of drawing residents in to enjoy Unionville businesses and community events together.
“We see the Jubilee as an opportunity to kick off the holidays with festive activities and holiday cheer and enjoy our downtown businesses and restaurants.” said Tim LeBouthillier, UVIA president and event organizer. “We’d like to see folks stop by a few shops for some gifts, join us for the many festivities, sing a few carols, then dine at one of our fine restaurants.”
A carol sing has been held at the gazebo in for about 20 years, LeBouthillier said, and has always put together a holiday exhibit, with a few lights strung around town; and held independent events. But the Jubilee ties them all together.
“We don’t want to make this a wintertime Unionville Festival… we want to make it a holiday tradition for families,” he said.
With so many groups participating, there’s plenty to do. Children’s games, ornament and wreath making and cookie decorating will be ongoing in the afternoon and hot beverages will be available at “Frosty’s Warming Station” at the .
At dusk, the event will center around the Unionville’s Gazebo and Clover Pinney Park which will be transformed into “Jingle Bell Square” with a bonfire, holiday light displays and live choral performances by , St. Mary’s and Vandermere Voice and Arts choirs.
A carol sing will be held at 5:30 p.m. and Santa is expected to arrive at the gazebo on a fire truck at 6 p.m.
Unionville Museum will be open all afternoon to showcase the Yuletide in Unionville exhibit, made up of Christmas trees decorated by local businesses and organizations. See George's Pizza's themed tree with pizza slices, a West District tree signed by the school's students and 15 others. The museum's tree is covered with birdhouses handpainted by local artists. The ornaments will be auctioned off, beginning Saturday, to benefit the museum.
"We're really excited," LeBouthillier said. "We hope folks will come out and enjoy it."
Schedule of Activities:
Unionville Museum Yuletide Open House - 2-7 p.m.
- Holiday tree exhibit and bird house ornament auction
Rudolph’s Reindeer Games (Youth Center Annex) - 3-5 p.m.
- Kids games & Activities
- Storytelling & Children’s Book Signing
Santa’s Workshop (First Church Congregational) - 3-5 p.m.
- Ornament and Advent Wreath Making
- Gingerbread Cookie Decorating
Penguin Hall (Unionville Youth Center) - 3-5 p.m.
- Take your photo with our Holiday Winter Backdrop
Frosty’s Warming Station (Tunxis Hose Firehouse) - 3-7 p.m.
- Stop by for a hot beverage
Jingle Bell Square (Gazebo & Clover Pinney Park) - 3-7 p.m.
- Bonfire, Programs, Toy & Food Drop-Off
- Holiday Tree and Vehicle Light Displays
- Holiday Music, Refreshments, Popcorn, Hot Cider
Live Choral Selections - 5 p.m.
- FHS Oriana Ensemble
- Zoe Vandermere Voice & Arts
- Laurie Welch & Members of St. Mary’s Choir
Carol Sing - 5:30 pm
Visit From Santa - 6 pm
Many local businesses contributed to make the event possible. See the list of sponsors and find out which businesses are offering deals for the event.
To see the complete schedule, sponsor information and to sign up to receive emails about future events, visit jinglebelljubilee.org.
