Home for the Holidays coming to square

Shoppers can come “Home for the Holidays” to celebrate the season in Chardon.

The Chardon Square Association and local businesses are offering free horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa, expanded hours, sales and restaurant specials as part of a daylong Home for the Holidays celebration Dec. 9.

“The annual event began in 2014 to encourage visitors to learn more about what local businesses have to offer while enjoying some traditional holiday festivities,” said Chamber Executive Director Stacia Clawson.

The celebration kicks off at 10 a.m. with Santa at the Geauga Lyric Theater Guild, 101 Water St. Youngsters also can make crafts and enjoy free refreshments until 1 p.m.

Beginning at 11 a.m., the Geauga County Mobile Library will be open on Short Court until 4 p.m.

Adjacent in the Heritage House, visitors can enjoy a complimentary hot cocoa bar while viewing a gingerbread contest display, until 6 p.m. The cocoa bar and contest is being sponsored by Chardon Tomorrow and the Chardon Area Chamber of Commerce, with donations from Beans Coffee Shop & Bistro and Square Bistro.

Free carriage rides will be offered around the square from 1 to 7 p.m. Victorian carolers from the theater will be strolling among shoppers, starting at 2 p.m.

At 4:30, Santa will make his way to the Heritage House for more visits and photo opportunities.

Shoppers can end their day by stopping by Park Auditorium at 6 p.m. to watch the Jasmine Dragons Winter Showcase — an aerial, acrobatic and hip-hop show. For more information on the show, visit thejasminedragons.com.

“A Christmas Carol” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. at the theater. Tickets are required for admission. For prices and other information, visit geaugatheater.org.

For more information about Home for the Holidays events and participating businesses, go to chardonsquareassociation.org.

To enter the gingerbread contest, see the registration form at chardontomorrow.org/gingerbread.