Santa Claus returns for the 30th annual Holiday Walk in Williamstown. See pictures of last year's Reindog Parade here.

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The 30th annual Williamstown Holiday Walk kicks off on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 3 to 6 p.m. with popular Reindog Parade, followed by fairs, shopping and visits with Santa in the downtown.

 

Musical interludes along Spring Street will include a selection of student works from Minerva Arts Center: Musical Theatre Troupe, Minerva Voices and The Gleekers! will perform selected scenes, song and dances that feature local youth. In between the performances, passers-by can participate in karaoke holiday songs, hosted by DJ Kane.   

 

Where'd You Get That!? will host Mount Greylock Regional High School students from the performing arts program. The Grizzlies, local jugglers, and members of the performing arts club Muse will perform on the front lawn. In addition, the club and chorus will sing carols with a twist and Scrooge will "bah, humbugging" from information booth window next to Tunnel City Coffee. A Victorian "misfortune teller," Madame Evmerelda, will also foresee good or ill fortunes. All donations to the carolers and Madame Evmerelda's crystal ball will benefit the performing arts club. The store will also donate 10 percent of sales during the Holiday Walk to the club.

 

Santa Claus and his elves will be at The Log, with hot cocoa provided by North Adams Regional Hospital. Also in The Log, the Holiday Cookie Bake-Off will be taking place with Santa, of course, as the judge. A reading of "A Christmas Carol" by Jeffery Welch and Drew Gibson starts at 4:45 p.m.  

 

The Williamstown Community Chest will sponsor the traditional Penny Social in Lasell Gym, with chances for prizes donated by local businesses and organizations. The Habitat for Humanity Christmas Tree Showcase display and raffle runs from 2 to 5 at First Congregational Church.

 

The evening will close with a candlelight caroling processional and the lighting of the holiday tree at the bottom of Spring Street.

 

The weekend will be filled with other holiday activities. The Clark Art Institute holds its annual Holiday Concert on Friday, Dec. 6, at 8 p.m., featuring the Irish-American band Solas. Tickets are $35 ($30 members) by calling 413-458-0524; holiday concerts usually sell out.

 

On Sunday, Images Cinema will offer a free viewing of "The Nightmare Before Christmas" at 1 p.m.

 

The Holiday Walk is organized by the Williamstown Chamber of Commerce and the Holiday Walk Committee. Sponsors include the chamber, MountainOne Bank, The Print Shop at Berkshire Direct, Adams Community Bank, Clark Art Institute, Williams College and the town of Williamstown. An up-to-date listing of the day's events and sponsors can be found at www.williamstownchamber.com or on Facebook at Williamstown Holiday Walk.