Holiday celebration with ‘Around the World’ theme awaits families who visit downtown Saturday

    “Christmas Around the World” will be celebrated in downtown Port Washington during the annual Christmas on the Corner celebration Saturday, Dec. 1.

    The event, which runs from 3 to 7 p.m., includes the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree at the foot of St. Mary’s Hill at 6 p.m., the annual holiday parade that follows and the fireworks show that will conclude the evening’s activities.

    Christmas on the Corner is a family event, with activities aimed at adults and children of all ages.

    It kicks off with special sales at area merchants, many of whom will offer refreshments to warm customers on what is generally a chilly evening.

    Visitors may chat with St. Nick as he walks the streets handing out stockings to good girls and boys or enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the heart of the city. Visitors can get on the carriage rides at the corner of West Grand Avenue and South Wisconsin Street.

    Carolers and costumed characters will also stroll the streets.

    Ten merchants will represent countries around the world during the event, flying their country’s flag. A gift representing that nation will be presented to shoppers, and students from Port Washington High School’s United for Youth group will lead children’s activities at these stores.

    Youngsters can decorate cookies at Dockside Deli and write letters to Santa at Blue Heron Artisan’s Gallery.

    Live reindeer will be on Main Street near Franklin Street. Visitors may have their pictures taken with the reindeer.

    Children may also visit with Santa at Port Washington State Bank and have their pictures taken with him by Grand Photo and Design.

    Holiday movies — “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and “A Year Without Santa Claus” — will be shown outdoors in the parking lot next to Beanie’s Mexican Restaurant on Grand Avenue. Those attending are asked to bring chairs to sit on.

    A live Nativity staged by Tello’s at the corner of Franklin and Pier streets will remind people of the reason for the season.

    Visitors may also help needy children enjoy the holiday during the event. Local businesses will have collection bins where donations to the Kapco “Kids 2 Kids” toy drive can be dropped off.

    Tinker the Trick Horse, a miniature horse, will be with the Salvation Army bell ringers on the street.

    At 6 p.m., the city will light its Christmas tree. Bounding Main will provide music during the ceremony.

    Immediately following the tree lighting, at about 6:15 p.m., the Christmas parade will kick off from the corner of Jackson and Franklin streets. It will head south on Franklin Street to Grand Avenue, then head west on Grand Avenue to Milwaukee Street, where it will end.

    The parade will feature local celebrities, floats, bands, clowns and more to entertain the crowd. The highlight will be the official arrival of Santa Claus on top of the fire department’s ladder truck.

    Following the parade, the crowd will move toward Rotary Park to view holiday fireworks — the only winter fireworks show in Ozaukee County, according to event organizers.

    Christmas on the Corner is sponsored by Port Washington Main Street.