Going Places with Dina Guzzardo
Halloween is over and preparations for Christmas have begun. Whether you are someone whose tree goes up November 1st, or you prefer a more low-key vibe, Christmas time is undeniably a magical time of the year. The food, drinks, family, and music are all just some of the elements that give you a feeling like no other at the end of the year. With what has been a difficult year for many and with New Jersey finally starting to get back to normalcy, there is so much to celebrate this Christmas. Somers Point will be embracing the holiday feeling with their Christmas Fair and Market on December 4th from 10 am until 5 pm at the Somers Point Mansion (1000 Shore Rd, Somers Point, NJ 08244).
Christmas markets originated in Germany dating back to the Late Middle Ages but are now experienced all over the world, mostly popularly in Europe. They comprise vendors who sell food, gifts, drinks, and more. 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. As the markets increased in popularity, their presence has started to be seen globally, and now we are fortunate to be able to experience them here in South Jersey.
This annual tradition will be making its way to Somers Point this year for a day of fun and excitement including live music, vendors, gift shops, games, Christmas Carols, a chance to meet Santa, and the official Christmas tree lighting at 5pm. Although Christmas markets conventionally follow a traditional German theme, these markets will be focused on celebrating and promoting all things local. From merchants and makers to historical landmarks and the local community, Christmas at the Mansion will highlight all the incredible people that have come together over the past year of adversity to build a stronger and more resilient South Jersey.
Vendors will be offering a wide variety of food and holiday shopping options. 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. They also offer a vegan “beef” empanada which uses impossible meat and vegan cheese. House of Cupcakes will be selling their delicious classic cupcakes along with some seasonal specials such as caramel apple, maple walnut, and pumpkin spice. There will also be hot chocolate and coffee for sale to warm you up as we start to feel the bite from the cold winter frost. This will definitely be an event you want to wrap up warm for, but the food and drink vendors are on hand to to keep you feeling toasty all day.
Pick up some gorgeous handmade Christmas gifts such as baskets, wallets, hoodies, jackets, tees, and essential oils. Scentsy will have their iconic Christmas aroma with a wide selection of candles, natural oils, and diffusers. We all know wrapping gifts is one of the lesser anticipated tasks of Christmas, and fortunately, Santa’s Elves will be happy to wrap your gift purchases at the wrapping station. Santa will be strolling around all 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 will be available too making this a must-do family event which is sure to get the kids ready for the big day.
Vendor registration is still open, and this is only a small list of the fantastic merchants who will be available throughout the day.
School and community choirs and dancers will be performing a range of Christmas classics throughout the day. At 5 pm, the day culminates with an outdoor Christmas tree lighting and Christmas Carols led by a professional father and daughter duo. This is when you will want to grab that hot chocolate or coffee and enjoy the countdown to Christmas.
If you are interested in signing up as a vendor, you can head to the Shore Local website (shorelocalnews.com) and fill out a form to apply. This is anticipated to be a hugely popular event so be sure to bring your A-game – Christmas decorations and themed foods/gifts are welcome and encouraged!
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.
Dina Guzzardo is the President and Executive Promoter of Dina Media Group LLC. Dina Media Group is an innovative cutting edge event production and marketing company that produces and promotes large events as well as a talent agency that manages some incredible talent.www.dinamediagroup.com
