How to go
What: 23rd Annual German Village Christmas Walk
When: Sunday, Dec. 7, noon to 5 p.m.
Where: Hamilton’s German Village Historic District—Dayton, Village, Second and Third streets.
Cost: Free
Thousands will celebrate the season on Sunday, Dec. 7 during The 23rd Annual German Village Christmas Walk, which is set for noon to 5 p.m. The event will be filled with fun and holiday-themed activities including food, crafts, horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers, musicians, reindeer and some of Hamilton’s finest historic homes and businesses, which will be decorated during the festivities and open to the public.
“We have more buildings open this year, including two new homes. There are seven more stops than we had before, so we are really thrilled about that,” said Ann Dennett, chairman of the German Village Christmas Walk.
Also among the highlights this year is a concert — “Celebrating the Seasons of Advent and Christmas with Scripture and Song” — from 4 to 5 p.m. at St. Julie Billiart Catholic Parish. It will feature the Parish’s choir and children’s choir, Dennett said.
Students from the InsideOut Studio will offer one-of-a-kind ornaments and gifts for sale inside the Butler County United Way building. InsideOut Studio is an initiative of the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities. The studio provides an opportunity for artists with disabilities to produce, market, and receive an income from their artwork.
Visitors will have an opportunity to take a nostalgic look at Christmas by touring private homes, businesses and the historical buildings, including the Lane Hooven House, St. Julie Billiart Catholic Parish, Butler County Historical Museum, Lane Public Library, Butler County United Way and the Carriage House, among others, which will all sparkle with Victorian décor.
Horse-drawn carriage rides will be available from noon to 5 p.m., and Yuletide Brass, a quartet of strolling musicians in Dickens-era attire, will perform on the streets from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Additional live entertainment will be featured at several locations, including Celtic Aire from 2 to 4 p.m. at the YWCA and fingerstyle guitarist Dave Sams, who will perform at the Lane Hooven House from 1 to 4 p.m. Treva Boardman will entertain guests from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Emma Ritchie Auditorium. Gerhard Albinus will be at the Carriage House from noon to 5 p.m. Joyful Noise, which has taken part in every German Village Christmas Walk, will also be performing.
Children’s activities will include the reindeer and a petting zoo from 1 to 4 p.m. Santa Claus will be greeting children in the Emma Ritchie Auditorium at the Butler County Historical Society from 1 to 5 p.m.
“It’s exciting that we have so many new participants that want to share their buildings and their history. That’s what makes the Walk, are the places that are open for people to see. People like to hear about the old buildings and the people who owned them,” Dennett said.
There will be activities in 25 different locations, from the YWCA to the Lane Public Library and more, offering something for everyone. Guests will also be able to purchase gifts and crafts from local artisans. Food vendors will also be on hand.
Members of the youth philanthropy group from the Hamilton Community Foundation will greet guests, provide directions and pass out fliers with a map and a complete schedule of events.
About the Author