Niles Kauffman, left, and Salem Crough, spend a moment with one of Santa’s reindeer during last year’s Old Fashioned Christmas festival, held at Oakwood Resort in Syracuse. InkFreeNews file photo by Keith Knepp.

By Mark Knecht
Chautauqua-Wawasee

SYRACUSE — Are you looking for a unique fun-filled Christmas family activity?  If so, then mark your calendar now for Saturday, Nov. 26, as Chautauqua’s Old Fashioned Christmas has the answer.

After Thanksgiving’s turkey stupor, come to Oakwood Resort in Syracuse.  Yes, Santa will be there, and his reindeer (for petting). You can also witness the live nativity, enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides and, of course, be part of the big tree lighting.

The reading of the Christmas story from the Bible at the historic Oakwood Chapel is back by popular demand.  The Christmas photo booth is perfect for the annual family Christmas picture. Using your phone’s camera we will take your family photo.  Watch out for characters who are roaming around, including Frosty, the Grinch, Rudolph, Buddy-the-Elf, Toy Soldier,and Gingerbread Man, who all available for fun and photos with kids.

The event will be held outdoors on the grounds of Oakwood Resort, with activities starting with music near the Oakwood Inn  at 5:30 p.m., which is earlier than previous years.  Music groups take the stage at 5:30 p.m. and carols will be sung around the 60 foot Christmas tree which will be lit at 6:15 p.m.

Afterward, you and your family can stroll up the lighted paths to see Santa and Mrs. Claus, take pictures with the roaming characters and listen to an elf read the Night Before Christmas.  Two barbershop quartets will be strolling around singing carols, along with two other music groups.

Get warmed up with some hot chocolate and munch on a cookie., and don’t forget to pick up some deer food to take home for Santa’s reindeer. Take the opportunity to stroll up to the historic Oakwood chapel to hear the Christmas story read from the Bible.  On your way to the Chapel, stop to see the live nativity.  And, you’ll want to relax and enjoy a horse drawn wagon ride around the park.

These are just some of the many fun activities at the Old Fashioned Christmas celebration.  As we celebrate Christmas, we often think of those in need. A collection bin for the Syracuse Food Pantry is available for your canned or non-perishable goods. Hope for a bit of snow, but if severe weather occurs, check the Chautauqua-Wawasee website or Facebook page for information and updates. 

Event sponsors include the Town of Syracuse Parks Department, Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum, Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary Club, Wawasee Property Owners Association, Oakwood Resort, Syracuse Chamber and many local businesses which will be identified in the event program.

All events are free of charge. This is an outdoor event, so be sure to dress warmly for the weather. For further information, email [email protected].