Editor’s Note: This review was written in 2011; so pricing and other information may be a little different. Click here for information on the 2012 holiday season festivities in Old Town.
From trees lit along King Street to the grand tree in Market Square, the spirit of Christmas emanates in Old Town. Stay away from the crowded malls and spend time in this quaint, historic 18th-century seaport lined with brick and cobblestone streets. The Old Town Boutique District has set up three wonderful ways to embrace the festive season.
Window Wonderland
Old Town takes pride in designing their window displays. Stroll through the sidewalks and enjoy a window wonderland. Ornaments, baubles, twinkling lights and snowflakes grace the scene. With so many unique stores, there’s bound to be Christmas gifts for everyone on your list. Vote online for your favorite boutique window between now and December 5 for a chance to win breakfast for four with Santa. I particularly loved the window of dachshunds pulling the sleigh at Diva.
Photos with Santa
Every child loves meeting Santa. Hands down, the best Santa Claus is in Old Town. From his long red cloak to his natural white beard, this Santa is authentic. There was no line to see him and he spent a significant amount of time getting to know each child. Santa sang the ABC song with my four year old, gave her a stuffed reindeer toy and let her ride his rocking horse. It couldn’t be a more magical experience.
The great thing is the photographer takes several photos ensuring the perfect shot of your little one with the big guy. A 5 x 7 photo can be purchased for $15, but you can go online to order more pictures in other sizes and poses. With your purchase, you are also entered to win four tickets to breakfast with Santa.
It was a little confusing because there were no signs specifying where the line begins for Santa. The same goes for the set up where you choose your photos and then pay for them.
Santa will be at 210 S. Union Street in Old Town every weekend until December 18. Photos take place Saturdays from 10 am to 5pm and Sundays from noon to 5pm. On December 3, see Santa in the Scottish Walk Parade and afterwards for photos from 1-6 pm. A portion of the proceeds benefitting Meals on Wheels.
There are restrooms here and a parking garage on the same block. We will definitely make seeing Santa in Old Town an annual tradition.
Breakfast with Santa
Right before Santa heads back to the North Pole to prepare for his Christmas ride, join him for breakfast on December 23. Union Street Public House will host a breakfast buffet from 8:30 to 10:30am. There will also be craft stations, cookie decorating and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Cost is $10 per child, $20 per adult and seating is limited. You can make your reservations online.
Parking
The Old Town Boutique District spans eleven blocks. Depending on where you want to go, there is limited street parking and several parking garages. If you take metro, exit at the King Street Station and walk or hop on the free King Street trolley.
