A young visitor flashes a grin while sharing a chilly-but-cheerful moment with Santa at the Farmersville Holiday Market on Saturday, Dec. 6. Sonia Duggan/The Princeton Herald

There’s no place like Farmersville for the holidays — especially now that Farmersville Parkway is officially aglow. As of Tuesday, Dec. 2, the lights were switched on for the season, inviting residents and visitors to walk or drive through the shimmering display. In historic downtown, the Christmas tree, the decorated gazebo and storefront windows add to the festive backdrop.

The celebration continued Friday, Dec. 5, as shoppers sipped and strolled during the annual Cocktails & Candy Canes event. Eighteen participating merchants stayed open late, offering seasonal drinks and specials that drew steady crowds to the square.

The following morning, the Farmerettes kicked off Saturday’s festivities by hosting Breakfast with Santa from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the FHS cafeteria. For $10, families enjoyed a hot breakfast, activities and photos with Santa — a cheerful start to a busy day around town.

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., shoppers braved the chilly weather at the Holiday Farmers Market at the Onion Shed, browsing seasonal goods, handcrafted items and local treats. Santa spent the day there as well, greeting families and hearing Christmas wishes from children who lined up to visit with him.

Across town, volunteers with the Farmersville Historical Society welcomed guests to the Bain-Honaker House for the annual Victorian Christmas. The 19th-century home, beautifully decorated for the holidays, offered a step back in time, while the Holiday Store featured locally made gifts and ornaments. Later in the day, Historical Society president Heidi Foist, along with LiAnn Pennington and Bertie Neu, served two fundraiser tea parties. Along with select teas, guests enjoyed mini Yorkshire puddings, cucumber sandwiches, cranberry-orange scones and gingerbread men.

“LiAnn and I both have our food handler licenses and love to cook and bake,” Foist said. “Each new tea [party] becomes a new challenge of intensity and desire to offer the best delectable yet!”

More holiday fun is on tap this weekend. On Saturday, Dec. 13, runners will take their marks for the annual Rudolph Run 5K, beginning at 8 a.m. at the Onion Shed. Registration is available at farmersvillechamber.com.

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows Pride Lodge 228 will again sponsor the local Wreaths Across America ceremony at the Farmersville IOOF Cemetery, 803 Windom St. Co-coordinators Tonya Fox and Billie Goldstein will lead this year’s program, which begins promptly at 11 a.m. 

The Farmersville Heritage Museum will host Holiday LEGOS and trains from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., then again from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The exhibit includes detailed LEGO village displays crafted by local builders, with some scenes modeled after downtown businesses.

The Bain-Honaker House will also open its doors again Dec. 13 for tours and Holiday Store shopping, offering residents another chance to explore the historic home dressed for the season. Foist said the house will feature “fresh baked goods and many glass ornaments including our annual fundraiser ornament of the year, the cardinal,” available for $15.

The day wraps up with one of Farmersville’s most beloved traditions — the Farmersville Christmas Parade — stepping off at 6 p.m. downtown. This year’s theme, “Our Favorite Christmas Movies,” invites participants to decorate floats and costumes inspired by holiday classics. Parade registration is open at farmersvillechamber.com.

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By Sonia Duggan | [email protected]