A live nativity scene is shown during Middlebourne's Christmas celebration.

The town of Middlebourne held its Old Time Christmas Celebration on Saturday, December 7th. It was a festive day filled with holiday magic and timeless traditions. From vendor shows to horse-drawn wagon rides, visits with Santa, and the annual Christmas Parade, this celebration offered something for everyone to enjoy.

The day began with a Craft and Vendor Show at the Middlebourne Public Library where visitors shopped for unique, handmade gifts from local artisans which were perfect for holiday gifting.

Santa Claus made his usual appearance along with his elves and Rudolph at the Middlebourne Volunteer Fire Department greeting children and sharing treats, including a toy, a candy cane, and a treat bag, courtesy of the Fire Department Ladies.

Evening festivities kicked off at 5:00 PM with a variety of activities for all ages. Visitors enjoyed horse-drawn wagon rides beginning from the Union Bank parking lot, cookie decorating and face painting at Bogg’s Restaurant with the Tyler Consolidated Cheerleaders, and the Letter to Santa Station at the Firehall, where kids sent their Christmas wishes directly to the North Pole.

Meanwhile, festive food trucks, including Poor Daddy’s Wood Fired Pizza and Bobbie J’s Concessions, served up delicious holiday treats, and guests found a warmup station with complimentary hot chocolate at the gazebo, courtesy of the Indian Creek Southern Baptist Church.

Later in the day, Mrs. Claus hosted story time at the Library featuring holiday classics, while the Live Nativity experience brought the story of Christmas to life just outside.

The Tree Lighting Ceremony took place at the gazebo, hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary Tyler County Unit 48, marking the start of the holiday season in Middlebourne.

The highlight of the evening was the Christmas Parade featuring festive floats, fire departments, local royalty, the Tyler Consolidated Marching Band, and Santa Claus himself. Following the parade, the award-winning Tyler Consolidated Marching Band entertained with a performance of holiday classics on Broad Street.

The Old Time Christmas Celebration was designed to bring the community together and spread the joy of the holiday season. Congratulations to all those responsible that worked so hard to make this holiday season truly unforgettable!