Luminaria 2023: Santa Claus Is Coming To (The Old) Town!

By Becca Vianello Hlad

Luminaria is a beautiful evening in Mariemont that has been a holiday tradition for decades. The Mariemont Preschool Parents Group (MPPG) is excited to bring this community fundraising event back once again! On Saturday, Dec. 2, the Village will celebrate this special night with neighbors as we gather together and carry on this tradition at the Old Town Square.

My mother, Suzi (McKee) Vianello, is a long-time resident of Mariemont and recalls many fond memories of gathering in the Old Town Square as a young girl. Suzi fondly remembers counting down for the tree lighting, visiting with Santa, and getting a candy cane! I, too, have had the opportunity to grow up in our wonderful Village and have similar memories. I love seeing this tradition carry on for my own children as they make these lasting memories during Luminaria evening at the Old Town Square.

Schedule of Events

Saturday, December 2, 2023

5:30-8:30 p.m.: Carriages rides, free hot chocolate provided by Biggby Coffee, activity tables provided by our generous sponsors

5:40 MHS Choir sings carols in the square

5:50 Pastor Todd Keyes, Towne Crier, Mayor Bill Brown, and MPPG President (Maggie Kenner) kick off further events

6:00 Tree lighting with countdown by raffle winner

6:05 Estimated time of arrival for Santa and Mrs. Claus

6:15-6:30 The Dance Coalition Performance

6:30 MHS Strings Orchestra performance in the Chapel

7:00 MHS Choir performance in the Chapel

7:30 MHS Strings Orchestra performance in the Chapel

8:30 Carriage rides end and conclusion of all events

We are grateful that we can gather again in a central location, fully bringing the Mariemont community together while bringing back some favorite traditions and offering some new events as well.

Luminaries and events kick off at 5:30 p.m. and will continue until 8:30 p.m. We are excited for one lucky raffle winner to lead our tree lighting countdown. Enjoy the beautiful luminaries on a horse-drawn carriage ride through Oak, Elm, Beech and Chestnut Streets. If you did not pre-order for the carriage ride, tickets will be sold the night cont'd on next page

Luminaria 2023 (from previous page) of the event for $5 (cash only, free for ages 2 and under).

The Village Church of Mariemont will also be opening up the Chapel for three performances from the talented Mariemont High School Choir and Strings Orchestra groups once again! Finally, we will welcome the Dance Coalition for a special holiday performance.

We will continue our house decorating contest this year. If you would like to enter the contest (deadline is November 15) or see a list of entries, you can do so by using the QR code found in the Luminaria kit program delivered with each kit. Voting will begin the evening of Luminaria and end at midnight on Sunday, Dec. 3rd. Voting can be done using the QR code on signs located in contestants’ yards or by using the following website: https:// www.mariemontppg.com/luminaria-housedecorating-contest/

If you have not purchased your Luminaria kits yet, a limited number of kits will also be available at the Boy Scout Christmas Tree Sale (located at the Mariemont Municipal Building/Firehouse) on November 24-26, and December 2 from 12-4 p.m.

We are looking forward to gathering together as a community once again for a fun and festive Luminaria evening to get everyone in the holiday spirit! Thanks for your support of our village and of MPPG!

Sundays