Norwood Holiday Extravaganza: New Day, More Activities!

Bella Caggiano
Issue Date: 
November, 2018
Article Body: 

What could be the perfect ending of a long weekend filled with a family holiday, delicious leftovers and shopping deals? Norwood's Holiday Extravaganza, of course! Due to its popularity, this holiday party expanded its activities, and offers even more events all ages can enjoy. Maybe it should be renamed, the Norwood Holiday Extraordinary Extravanganza!
On Thanksgiving weekend, while stores and shopping malls are offering their weekend specials to kick off the holiday season, Norwood hosts a great afternoon that has become a favored holiday tradition, The Holiday Extravaganza. The fun-filled (and FREE) family event will be held on Saturday, November 24, (Small Business Saturday), 1-4 p.m., on the Town Common and the Norwood Civic Center. The celebration includes a storefront decorating contest, a reindeer dash, hayrides, entertainment, arts & crafts, holiday readings, face painting, barnyard animals, a parade, and music. The afternoon concludes with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Clause who have the honor of lighting the Town Common!
This holiday celebration was moved from Sunday to Small Business Saturday to engage local businesses in the season’s spirit with the Storefront Decorating Contest. Downtown stores and restaurants will be decked out and residents will judge the winner! Voting slips can be picked up at the common bandstand. The Reindeer Dash returns as children race around the Town Common and receive a set of antlers for participating. Face painting and holiday crafts as well as barnyard animals are activities that will be held at the Civic Center. Horse-drawn hayrides will be offered on the Town Common while local choirs will perform. The afternoon concludes with holiday readings, and a parade where Santa and Mrs. Clause will light up the Norwood Town Common for the holiday lighting.
Plan that holiday shopping and decorating around the Holiday Extravaganza for a community celebration the entire family will enjoy and remember for years to come!
Saturday, November 24
All Day
Small Business Saturday Prize Card Competition
Storefront Decorating Contest
Downtown Norwood

1-130 p.m.
Reindeer Dash
Town Common

1:30-3:30 p.m.
Face Painting
Holiday Crafts
Norwood Recreation Department, Nahatan St.

2-4 p.m.
Horse-Drawn Hayrides
Barnyard Animals
Civic Center gym
2-3 p.m.
Local musical choirs
Walter J. Dempsey Bandstand

3 p.m.
A reading of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" with Linda Rau
Walter J. Dempsey Bandstand

3:20 p.m.
A reading of "Twas the Night Before Christmas" by Selectwoman Helen Abdallah Donohue
Walter J. Dempsey Bandstand
3:35p.m.
Parade starts at Guild Square, through Norwood Center to Town Common

3:45 p.m.
Santa and Mrs. Claus Turn on the Holiday Lights on the Town Common!

This schedule is subject to change, depending on weather.

Norwood residents would agree that no town unites like Norwood, and this year's holiday celebration is a great opportunity to connect with friends and neighbors and kick off the holiday season!