By Cindy Christy Fertsch
UPDATE: EVENT POSTPONED TO DECEMBER 10TH
Somers Point will be embracing the holiday feeling with its second annual Christmas at the Mansion 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 at Somers Mansion, 1000 Shore Road.
Shore Local, in partnership with the Patriots of the Somers Mansion, began the holiday festival in 2021 to draw attention and support to Somers Mansion, which at 300 years old is the oldest building in Atlantic County.
The inaugural event was wildly successful with more than 500 people touring the mansion. This year’s event is anticipated to be even bigger and better with more vendors and live music by some this area’s best local musicians.
It’s a celebration of all things local. From merchants and makers to historical landmarks and the local community, Christmas at the Mansion will be a day of fun and excitement including live music, vendors, food trucks, children’s activities, a chance to meet Santa, and the official Christmas tree lighting at 5 p.m.
Award-winning artist Beth Tinnon will kick off the festival, performing from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by the legendary Patty Blee from noon to 2:30 p.m. along with the always entertaining SSP’s.
The SPQR Stage Company will also be performing scenes from their beloved holiday show, “Magic Flowers.”
More than 25 vendors will be offering a wide variety of food and holiday shopping options. Pick up some gorgeous handmade Christmas gifts such as baskets, crafts, hoodies, jackets, tees, and candles.
We all know wrapping gifts is one of the lesser anticipated tasks of Christmas. Fortunately, Santa’s Elves will be happy to wrap your gift purchases at the wrapping station.
Tours of the Somers Mansion will be available throughout the day. Additionally, a historical re-enactor will be donning 18th century attire and cooking over an open flame, demonstrating life in the era the Somers Mansion was built.
This will definitely be an event you want to dress warmly for. No need to worry as the food and drink vendors will be there to keep you feeling toasty all day.
Grilled Cheese and Crab Cakes will be serving up tasty hot food and drinks along with Cherry’s Natural Foods truck. Soul Empanadas will be offering their amazing selection of Latin food, including classics such as fish and beef and an assortment of American inspired empanadas such as Philly cheesesteak, buffalo chicken, and chicken parm. Beach Buns Bakery and Go Cakes will be offering delicious baked goods. There will also be hot chocolate and coffee for sale throughout the day to warm you up.
Santa will be strolling around throughout the day, visiting and posing for free photographs with children of all ages. There’s no need to leave your furry friends at home as dogs on a leash are also welcome.
Kids’ crafts and activities, including face painting and a bounce house, will be available too, making this a must-do family event which is sure to get the kids ready for the big day.
At 5 p.m., the day culminates with an outdoor Christmas tree lighting by Somers Point Mayor Jack Glasser.
The event follows a tradition that began centuries ago in Europe. Christmas markets originated in Germany dating back to the late Middle Ages.
Traditionally, the markets would sell food such as gingerbread cookies, bratwurst, pretzels, stollen, and Glühwein (or mulled wine, a warm red wine), which are all German delicacies for Christmas time. They are now experienced all over the world, comprised of vendors who sell food, gifts, drinks, and more.
Now we are fortunate to be able to experience them here in South Jersey.
This is anticipated to be a very popular event so grab your family and come early. The event is free to enter with free parking, so there is no reason not to check it out and support a great local event with local merchants. This holiday season, let’s support one another and shop small businesses.
