A live nativity scene was just one of the highlights at this year’s Old Fashioned Christmas at Oakwood Resort in Syracuse Saturday, Nov. 25.

Text and Photos
By Phoebe Muthart
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — Chautauqua’s Old Fashioned Christmas came alive Saturday, Nov. 25, at Oakwood Resort in Syracuse for the fourth annual event. Santa Claus was there, and his reindeer (for petting), as well as the live nativity, games and horse-drawn wagon rides.

Of course, the big tree lighting took place for all to delight in. The tree included over 7,000 lights this year.

The Christmas photo booth was available for the annual family Christmas picture. Families used props to take family photos.

Characters, including Frosty, the Grinch, Rudolph, Buddy-the-Elf, Toy Soldier and the Gingerbread Man, all were available for fun and photos with children.

The event was held outdoors on the grounds of Oakwood Resort, with activities starting on the stage in front of Oakwood at 5:30 p.m., which was earlier than previous years.

Members of the Wawasee High School Choir, the Chain Gang Barbershop quartet and members of the Vocal Artists of Heartland Sings kicked off the evening’s festivities. The Grinch threw out green Grinch T-shirts from the stage to eager children.

Carols were sung around the 50-foot Christmas tree, which was lit at 6:15 p.m. following the big countdown. Then, families  strolled up the lighted paths to see Santa and Mrs. Claus and take pictures with roaming characters.

Children listened to an elf read “The Night Before Christmas.” Music groups were strolling around singing carols. People got warmed up with some hot chocolate and munched on free cookies.

Families took a stroll up the luminary-lighted path to the historic Oakwood Chapel to hear the Christmas story read from the Bible. On the way to the Chapel, was a chance to stop and see the live nativity scene. Attendees also enjoyed horse drawn wagon rides around the park.

New this year were games for children on the path behind the event center. These were just some of the many fun activities at this year’s Old Fashioned Christmas celebration.

Event sponsors included: the town of Syracuse Parks Department, Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum, Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary Club, Oakwood Resort, Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber, Lakeland Youth Center, Milford Christian Church, and many local businesses listed in the event’s program guide.

Brooke Catron, right, gets s’mores from Alesha Breidert during the festive event.

Children listened to “The Night Before Christmas” at Oakwood tonight.

Old Fashioned Christmas featured a horse drawn wagon ride around Oakwood Park.

The Chain Gang Barbershop Quartet entertained the crowd with holiday songs.

The big Christmas tree was lit for the crowd to view.

Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber Director Ashley Dillon, left, looked on while Ethan Stahly played a game.

Eugene Mavis, 4, and his mom, Bridget Sevy, enjoyed the festive holiday event. Free glow sticks were handed out. “It was a lot of fun,” she said.