PARADE …The Lighted Parade had an abundance of holiday-themed floats and tractors.
PHOTOS BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
ICE SKATING … Zoey Brigman and Mia Billegas enjoyed the Empire Street Skating Rink on Saturday evening.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
Montpelier celebrated a full slate of holiday activities as the annual Olde Tyme Holiday Gathering returned on Saturday, November 22, 2025. It brought a mixture of longtime traditions and new attractions to the downtown area for community members to enjoy.
Events began at 10:00 a.m., with a craft show and book fair at Montpelier Schools, paired with a children’s craft at the Montpelier Public Library. A craft show was held simultaneously at Venue 401 on Brown Road, running until 3:00 p.m.
Later in the afternoon, the focus shifted to the downtown area with the Empire Street Fair, opening at 4:30 p.m. Families enjoyed free ice skating, made possible through support from the Montpelier Civic League, Rotary Club, and Fire Department.
The street-based rink was a smash hit for children of all ages – laughter bounced off the Empire Street buildings.
The street fair featured a wide variety of seasonal attractions, including food trucks, vendors, face painting, and open shops along the route.
The National Honor Society students hosted a s’mores station, while the Montpelier Civic League held a prize wheel for participants to try their luck.
Several local businesses and organizations also participated, including the Montpelier Veterans serving kettle corn, PST Bakery with sourdough goods, Dick’s Maple Farm with their signature home-made syrup, and House Daggett Roasters offering fresh coffee beans.
Visitors could take part in a mini holiday photo session courtesy of LT Tree Farm, which was located in the alley just off of Empire Street. Children and families also had the chance to meet seasonal characters throughout the evening – the Grinch and Santa Claus.
Santa Claus made his grand entrance during the parade, where he rode in on one of the many decorated floats and tractors.
Afterwards, Santa greeted children at his Santa’s House, and later on distributed candy canes with assistance from the Miss Montpelier crew.
At 6:00 p.m., the annual lighted parade had the downtown streets packed with eager locals. Hundreds of people were present, proving that the locals continue to love and support the tradition of Old Tyme Holiday Gathering.
New to this year’s celebration was a free lighted hayride, offered from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., adding another opportunity for families to enjoy the downtown holiday atmosphere.
Organizers have acknowledged the broad collaboration required to bring the event together, recognizing local sponsors, businesses, and village departments for their roles in supporting the many events held Saturday night.
With attractions scheduled throughout the day and evening, the Old Tyme Holiday Gathering successfully provided a welcoming, family-friendly kickoff to the holiday season in Montpelier, Ohio.