Watkins, Odessa set for holiday celebrations

WATKINS GLEN, ODESSA—The village of Watkins Glen will be holding the annual Village Christmas celebration this Friday, Dec. 6. The event will run from 5 to 8 p.m. throughout downtown Watkins Glen.
The event will take place along Franklin Street and will allow vendors to begin setting up their booths at 3 p.m. Those who attend can enjoy live music and entertainment, along with several gift ideas available at the local booths and shops. Seasonal food, cookies and other treats will also be available during the event.
The official village Christmas tree will be lit in Gifford Park on Milliken’s Corner on Fourth Street during the night. The “Visions of a Christmas Past” parade begins at 6:30 p.m., and will travel north along Franklin Street after leaving Specchio Ford.
Santa Claus will have an extra gift for the children he meets this year. Santa will be distributing crayons and coloring books featuring the art of students from Watkins Glen high school. Watkins Glen Promotions and the Village Christmas Committee are also selling tickets for “12 Gifts of Chance” at Village Memorabilia, 211 N. Franklin St. Tickets can be purchased at the Watkins Glen Promotions office at 211 North Franklin St. through the evening of Village Christmas. For more, call 607-535-3003 or visit www.watkinsglen.com/promotions.
Odessa will be holding Kids Christmas at the Odessa Fire Department Sunday, Dec. 8 until 5:45 p.m. The annual tree lighting ceremony will take place at the end of the Christmas party at 5:45 p.m. and will feature carolers along with free coffee and hot chocolate. There will also be a special mailbox for letters to Santa outside of the village office which will be accepting letters until Friday, Dec. 20.