As the holiday season sparkles to life, there’s something special brewing in Vermilion, Ohio, that’s bound to rekindle the magic of a good old-fashioned Christmas. The Vermilion Chamber of Commerce proudly presents “Santa is Coming to Town,” a beloved holiday celebration returning to our cozy lakeside community on November 30, December 7, and December 14. This annual event is designed to bring the entire community together, from the little ones marveling at Santa’s arrival to neighbors reconnecting over warm drinks and holiday cheer.
This year, the festivities are set to transform East Exchange Park into a winter wonderland. At the heart of it all, the Santa House will be open for all to visit, bringing with it the nostalgia of holidays gone by, where simple joys and togetherness shine through the season.
Santa’s Grand Entrance: A Uniquely Vermilion Tradition
Mark your calendars for the unforgettable kickoff on November 30, 2024. At 10 AM, watch as Santa arrives in true Vermilion style on the Scarlet, a bright red Christmas boat that will cruise down the Vermilion River. Captain Edwards and Elva will join Santa on board, ready to share tales of Vermilion’s holiday spirit with “Story Time with Sid,” a charming storytelling session sure to capture the imaginations of both young and old.
The best places to catch this one-of-a-kind river cruise are along East Exchange Park, McGarvey’s Landing, Liberty Avenue’s Blue Bridge, and Waterworks. Be sure to find a cozy spot by the river as the Scarlet draws near, completing her journey at East Exchange Park around 11 AM.
Once on shore, Santa will settle into his Santa House, where hot chocolate from Martino’s International Cafe and sweet treats from Miss Kitti’s Bakery and Dunkin’ Donuts await, creating the perfect holiday photo opportunity for families. The morning will also include a special recognition ceremony to celebrate the winners of the Vermilion Arts Guild Christmas coloring contest, adding an extra splash of community pride to the festivities.
Meet Santa in the Santa House: December 7 & 14
For those who miss Santa’s river arrival, or simply can’t get enough of holiday magic, he’ll be back at the Santa House on December 7 and December 14 in East Exchange Park. From 11 AM to 2 PM, children can visit with Santa, and families can take part in a festive Christmas ornament craft workshop, creating personalized keepsakes to treasure each holiday season. Santa’s cozy house will be decked out with seasonal charm, ready for visitors to stop by and share their Christmas wishes.
Light Up Vermilion: A Night of Holiday Sparkle
In addition to Santa’s appearances, the town will come alive on December 6 for “Light Up Vermilion,” an evening filled with holiday cheer as shops and restaurants in the historic downtown area glow with festive lights and decorations. Local merchants invite everyone to shop, dine, and experience the warmth and camaraderie that make our town so unique. Grab your loved ones and enjoy a stroll through beautifully lit streets, festive window displays, and perhaps some last-minute shopping as we ring in the season together.
Other Holiday Highlights
The Christmas spirit doesn’t end there. Mark your calendar for December 17, when Santa will take to the streets once more—this time on a fire truck! Courtesy of the Vermilion Fire Company, “Santa on the Fire Truck” will roll through local neighborhoods, spreading holiday joy to every corner of the community. This event is made possible by generous donations, and it’s a heartwarming chance to see Santa in an unforgettable, up-close way.
For those who want to send a special message to Santa, don’t forget to stop by the Main Street mailbox, located on Main Street’s porch. From Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve, you can drop your letters, and they’ll be delivered to the North Pole just in time for Christmas. It’s a small but meaningful way for kids to share their wishes with Santa.
Be Part of the Celebration!
“Santa is Coming to Town” is more than an event—it’s a reminder of the magic and sense of community that define the holidays in Vermilion. The Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas Committee has truly outdone themselves in bringing the spirit of the season to life for all of us to enjoy.
So, whether you’re planning to watch Santa arrive by boat, cozy up with a cup of cocoa in East Exchange Park, or follow along as he tours the town on a fire truck, this season’s celebrations offer something for everyone. Be sure to invite family and friends to experience this uniquely Vermilion Christmas. And if you’d like to support the festivities as a sponsor, reach out to the Chamber at info@vermilionohio.com to help keep this holiday tradition alive for years to come.
With these heartwarming events just around the corner, let’s all come together, celebrate, and make this a season to remember.