MANCHESTER — It isn't the holiday season in Manchester until Christmas by the Sea, a roughly 30-year-old tradition of festive events for all ages. The fun starts this evening and continues through Sunday.
"It's a nice weekend," said Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce director Michael Costello. "It's traditionally the weekend that kicks off the season."
The weekend will be full of traditional features, including a charitable pancake breakfast at the Landing, the Jingle Bell Walk, and the arrival of Santa by boat. The events will culminate with the lighting of the Friendship Tree, which stands 85 feet tall on the town common.
"It's kind of a low-key series of events," said Chris Shea, owner of the Landing. He said the Landing has hosted the pancake breakfast, which will benefit the Friends of the Council on Aging, for the past five years.
"It's a fun event," he said of the breakfast. "Dennis (the chef) makes a nice Mickey Mouse pancake, which the kids like. It's nice to see all the volunteer servers. They take their job very seriously that day."
While most of the festival has remained unchanged, its decorations for downtown got an upgrade. Costello said organizers worked with the Board of Selectmen and the Downtown Improvement Committee to trade in the usual wreaths for garlands and lights.
"For the first time, we have actually decorations that show up at night as well as during the day," he said.
Costello said it took about $3,000 to prepare for and promote the event. He said most of those costs were covered by the events' many local sponsors.
Amanda Flitter may be contacted at gt_reporter@gloucestertimes.com.
Christmas by the Sea events
Tonight
6:30 to 9 — Reception for the "Small Works Show," Central Street Gallery. Meet the Cape Ann artists who created the paintings featured in the show, which runs through Dec. 21.
SATURDAY
8 to 10 a.m. — Pancake Breakfast, the Landing Restaurant. Tickets can be bought at the door, and all proceeds benefit the Friends of the Council on Aging.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Sacred Heart Christmas Fair, Sacred Heart Hall.
10:30 a.m. — "Prince Caspian, Book 2: The Chronicle of Narnia" by the Hampstead Players, First Parish Chapel. This event is hosted by Manchester Public Library and sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Free tickets can be picked up in the library's Children's Room.
Noon to 2 p.m. — Cape Ann Jazz Band.
Noon to 4:30 p.m. — Captain Dusty's Ice Cream. This special one-day opening will feature seasonal flavors and discounts on gift certificates.
1 p.m. — Santa's Arrival by Boat, Masconomo Park.
1 p.m. — Jingle Bell Walk. The parade will go from Masconomo Park to Singing Beach and end at the Community Center. Hot chocolate, cookies, a visit with Santa, and horse-drawn hayrides will follow. Sponsored by the Manchester Community Center and the Mothers' Club.
1 to 3 p.m. — Manchester Community Center Open House featuring visit with Santa.
1 to 3 p.m. — Make your own Holiday Season Potpourri, Manchester Public Library.
5 to 10 p.m. — Seaside Cycle Annual Open House.
Sunday
3:30 p.m. — Christmas Concert and Lighting of the Friendship Tree, First Parish Congregational Church, sponsored by the Manchester Women's Club
