Christmas 2020: Things to do in Butler County this week

John Drury, dressed up as Santa, dances with local children as he collects toys Wednesday for those in need in front of the historic Butler County Courthouse on High Street in Hamilton. NICK GRAHAM/STAFF

John Drury, dressed up as Santa, dances with local children as he collects toys Wednesday for those in need in front of the historic Butler County Courthouse on High Street in Hamilton. NICK GRAHAM/STAFF

COVID-19 has cast an additional wintry cloud over Christmas-related events, and there have been some losses. The Oxford Holiday Festival, Shandon’s Christmas in the Country, and the Olde West Chester Walk have been canceled until 2021. But there are still plenty of events throughout December to put you into a festive mood, though many are in altered form.

Through Jan. 1, 2021

Winter Wonderland Walk

This curated art walk is comprised of installations and interactive murals that pay homage to beloved holiday films. There are installations devoted to the “leg lamp” from “A Christmas Story,” Clark Griswold’s search for the perfect Christmas Tree in “Christmas Vacation,” Buddy’s breakfast spaghetti from “Elf,” Kevin from “Home Alone,” and the Misfit Toys from “Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the Island of Misfit Toys.” The Walk is open all day at Liberty Center, 7100 Foundry Row, Liberty Twp., through Jan. 1, 2021. There is no admission charge.

Through Jan. 17, 2021

Oxford Night Lights

During December evenings in Oxford, the red brick High Street running through the historic entertainment district will be lit up by murals, a sensory garden, interactive art, and lots of lights. At 5 p.m., a holiday-themed movie will be projected onto the Enjoy Oxford office. Get takeout and cocktails from downtown bistros and enjoy them while sitting at decorated picnic tables. Installations will be changed out throughout the month so you can return and have a completely new experience.

Masks are required, particularly in high-traffic areas. Visitors are being asked to come only with members of their own household, to carry hand sanitizer, and practice social distancing.

Through Dec. 28

Festival of Trees Gallery

This “indoor forest” features decorated trees sponsored by local businesses and associations. Enjoy a beverage from the café, and shop local at the Fairfield Farmers Market.

Masks are required. Staff and volunteers will be given daily temperature checks. There will be markers and signage for social distancing. Spaces will be cleaned regularly, and hand sanitizer will be available.

Check it out at the Fairfield Community Arts Center, 411 Wessel Drive, Fairfield, until Dec. 28.

Dec. 4-24

Santa House 2020

Come visit Santa at the Santa House. He will have candy canes and reindeer food for all visitors (while supplies last). Visitors are welcome to take their own pictures, but you can also purchase a 4X6 framed color photo with Santa.

COVID-19 measures: Masks are required at all times, including for photos (Santa will be masked, too). Only one family is allowed in the house at one time and each family party is limited to eight people. There will be one entrance and one exit and both doors will be open at all times. Hand sanitizer will be available at both places and there will be signage.

Santa House is located on the corner of High and Second streets in Hamilton. Hours are 4-9 p.m. Fridays, noon-9 p.m. Saturdays, and noon-6 p.m. Sundays. Beginning Dec. 21, there will be additional days and times.

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