Christmas Candlelighting Ceremonies at Historic Roscoe Village
By Kyle Valentini
November 8, 2012
343
Summary: It is the simple things we remember about Christmas. Visitors to Historic Roscoe Village can create memories that will last a lifetime as they participate in the long-cherished Christmas Candlelighting Ceremonies taking place in the village in December.
Visitors to Coshocton County at Christmastime have three opportunities to participate in the regions most poignant event at the Annual Historic Roscoe Village Christmas Candlelighting taking place on Dec. 1, 8 and again on the 15th.
The simple act of lighting a candle in the company of others in honor of our most blessed season is truly memorable and allows visitors to recall the real meaning of Christmas that goes far beyond the superficial and commercial aspects that have taken over the Christian celebration.
Historic Roscoe Village is truly a gem here in East Central Ohio. The village is a restored canal-era town, that houses historic building tours with costumed interpreters; delicious dining options in several restaurants; and unique, delightful shops perfect for year-round shopping, said Jan Myers, Director of the Coshocton County Convention and Visitors Bureau. During the Christmas holiday, Roscoe Village is a popular location for visitors to get away from the busy malls and box stores and experience an old-fashioned Christmaspeaceful and relaxing, without all the hustle and bustle.
Hundreds of people gather each year to take part in the ceremony that includes prayer, music sung by a local youth choir, storytelling, the holiday tree lighting and the passing of the candlelight flame through the crowd. Each participant receives a complimentary candle. As the flame makes its way around the crowd the candles are lit and the holder begins to sing Silent Night. The voices get louder. The candlelight gets brighter and the birth of Jesus is celebrated. It is a very moving and meaningful ceremony and there are many families who have made Roscoe Villages Christmas Candlelightings a major part of their familys holiday traditions, said Myers. Attending the Christmas Candlelightings is free to the public.
The Christmas Candlelightings in Roscoe Village are held the first three Saturdays in December. Throughout the Candlelighting days, visitors can enjoy complimentary hot mulled cider, cookies, making holiday crafts, horse-drawn carriage rides, roasting chestnuts, live music and carolers throughout the village, and of course, shopping and great food, said Myers.
Roscoe Village offers unique shops that include candy, Vera Bradley, kitchen wares, handmade leather goods, gourmet foods, wines, floral arrangements, jewelry, clothing, toys and gifts for everyone on your shopping list.
This is a perfect time to take a tour of the historic buildings on A Roscoe Christmas Tour, there is even one offered in the evening by lamplight. This tour is a great way to learn about what the holidays were like in the 1800s. The Candlelighting Ceremonies begin in the evening around 6:00 p.m. at the main stage in the center of the village. The street is closed off to traffic as hundreds of visitors gather around the huge Christmas tree.
Historic Roscoe Village was once an important stop on the Ohio and Erie Canal. The creation of the railroad and devastation caused by flooding put an end to an era for the village. Not until the 1960s did restoration begin to bring the village back to life where it is now a destination for travelers and residents in the region.
It is true that Roscoe Village attracts numerous visitors each year, but locals also spend a great deal of time there, said Myers. When you drive through the village, you will see locals frequenting the restaurants and shopping in the shops. I dont know about you, but whenever I go to a town I am unfamiliar with, I always look for where the locals are hanging out because you know it must be great.
Christmas Candlelighting Ceremonies at Historic Roscoe Village have been an annual event since 1971. Make a visit to the restored canal town a part of your family tradition this Christmas and every Christmas you celebrate.
Historic Roscoe Village is located at Coshocton. For more information about the village and all things happening in Coshocton County this holiday season, contact the Convention and Visitors Bureau at (740) 622-4877.
