Randolph’s Country Christmas weekend kicks-off Friday and runs through Sunday. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be the star attractions of the Christmas parade, Saturday at 6 p.m. Photo by Deb Everts

RANDOLPH — The spirit of the season is expected to return over the weekend with Randolph’s Country Christmas

Activities begin Friday at the East Randolph United Methodist Church where members will present their Living Nativity at 7 p.m. The presentation will be repeated on Saturday at 7 p.m., and the final performance will be Sunday at 6 p.m.

On Saturday, at 9 a.m., the Randolph United Presbyterian Church, 186 Main St., will host their “Cookie House” Christmas Bake Sale. Shoppers will have the opportunity to stock up on lots of homemade Christmas treats. The Cookie House closes when the baked goods are sold out.

The celebration continues Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the sixth annual Randolph Holiday Arts and Crafts Show at Randolph Central School (RCS), 18 Main St. According to co-organizer Debbie Luce, this is the biggest year of the event, to date. She said there are currently over 120 vendors signed up, so this year’s show has been expanded and will be held at both the high school and elementary school gymnasiums and cafeterias. Co-sponsored by the art guild and student council, holiday shoppers will find unique, one-of-a-kind gifts at the show. Luce said the senior class will have a full concession stand offering many new menu items.

“We are so excited about the many new craft vendors that are coming this year. They are going to be a great addition to the wonderful vendors we already have,” she said.

New at this year’s craft show will be the “Festival of Trees.” Local businesses, clubs, organizations and RCS classes have been invited to set up and decorate a Christmas tree to promote their uniqueness. The trees will be on display throughout the first floor of both schools. Festival attendees will vote on the best tree and awards will be given at the conclusion of the festival.

“This is a way we can showcase our local businesses, clubs and organizations that will be having specials, sales and activities in their venues throughout the weekend,” Luce said. “We want our Holiday Craft Show to accentuate the Country Christmas weekend that has taken place in Randolph for decades. This is just one more reason to come to our amazing little town.”

At the conclusion of the craft show, children are invited to see Santa and Mrs. Claus before the parade from 3-5 p.m. at the Randolph Library, 26 Jamestown St. Upon arrival, children can get their passport for the Snowflake Walk, which directs families to different businesses downtown where children will receive a small Christmas treat.

Randolph’s “Light Up The Night” Christmas Parade, sponsored and organized by Expressions Performing Arts Center, is taking place at night again this year. Line up begins at 5 p.m. in the large parking lot adjacent to TOPS Markets in front of the bowling alley. Starting at 6 p.m., the parade will proceed down Main Street and conclude at Wadsworth Street. There is no cost to participate. To register a float, group, family or organization for the parade, visit expressionsperformingarts.com, or contact Director Melissa Anderson at 499-3513.

New for 2017, the Memory Tree Ceremony will take place after the parade in Triangle Park at 7:30 p.m. Purchase a Memory Tree Ornament to honor a loved one’s memory or celebrate the life of someone special. All names will be read aloud and honored at the ceremony, and ornaments will decorate Randolph’s Christmas tree throughout the season. Memory Tree Ornament are $5 each and can be purchased through Dec. 1 at Cattaraugus County Bank, Randolph Retail Company and Yarn for Ewe. Ornaments can also be ordered online at enjoyrandolph.org. Please note, Memory Tree Ornaments are not available at the clerk’s window at the municipal building.

Mary Heyl, executive director for Randolph Area Community Development Corporation (RACDC), said Randolph’s Country Christmas embodies everything people love about living in a small town: a sense of community, friendship, and a real appreciation for the traditions of the past that get passed on every year to the next generation.

For more information about upcoming holiday events, contact Heyl at racdc@randolphny.net.