Christmas Shines in Claremore There is something very special about the Christmas spirit in 2021.
BY TOM FINK
N
ovember, 2021: Christmastime comes early and stays late this year in the city of Claremore. Let your heart warm to the Christmas spirit and veritable host of fun meaningful activities for every member of the family. Behind the scenes, Santa’s elves – notably Tanya Andrews with Visit Claremore, Layla Freeman and Nancy Phelps with Light of Hope, and an army of staff and volunteers have been making their lists and checking them twice to ensure months of fun, safe Christmas activities for the 12 |
Claremore community and its holiday guests. Thursday, Nov. 18 Ne-Mar Christmas Tree Lighting & Free Photos with Santa Claus “First off, we’re going to be kicking off the Christmas season at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, with a tree lighting celebration at Ne-Mar Center,” Andrews began. “There will be hot cocoa and cookies, with Safenet providing the hot cocoa and Visit Claremore providing the cookies, all of which will be free. “Not only that, but Santa will be on-hand to visit with the children
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and to be available for photos – also for free,” she continued. “We’ll have a community prayer being offered by some of our local church community members, after which, we’ll light the tree and officially kick off the Christmas season in Claremore.” Some of the merchants at NeMar Center, located at 1000 W. Will Rogers Boulevard in Claremore, may opt to stay open for extended hours due for the evening, Andrews said, allowing some to get started on their Christmas shopping early. Nov. 19-20 Dickens on the Boulevard After this, a Claremore tradition returns to the downtown area with Dickens of the Boulevard on Friday, Nov. 19, and Saturday, Nov. 20. Dickens on the Boulevard is a Victorian-themed Christmas festival which will be in its 26th year this year. Traditionally held the weekend before Thanksgiving, the festivities begin at 6 p.m. each evening as visitor to the downtown area of Claremore can enjoy live stage entertainment, food, pictures with Santa, a living Nativity, and much more in the spirit of Christmas as it would have been during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
