DECEMBER 3-6: Christmas on the Creek
The picture-postcard village of Oxford shines it’s brightest at holiday time - from the twinkling white lights on the dock trees of Town Creek to the window candles and blazing hearths of the nineteenth century homes that line the brick walked streets. You’re invited to “Christmas on the Creek” - a destination weekend December 3-5, 2010 where the entire town stands ready to share warm hospitality with you. Take in all the sights, sounds, and scents of the season with old-fashioned, heartwarming activities for all ages.

Start your weekend with gospel music and community caroling Friday at 6:30 pm, at the beautifully restored St. Paul’s Church, featuring the Friendship Choir of Waters United Methodist Church.

Saturday begins with a Christmas Bazaar at Church of the Holy Trinity from 9:00 am to noon featuring baked goods, fresh holiday greenery and handcrafted items. Proceeds benefit outreach programs. Continue the day with a visit to Mystery Loves Company bookstore, where guest author Marcia Talley will sign her latest book “All Things Undying” from 12:30 to 3:00 pm. Enjoy hot drinks and snacks while browsing the outstanding selection of regional themes as well as the store’s unique collection of mysteries. For an additional literary treat, the Oxford Library will be open Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 pm with refreshments and a special sale of holiday gift books.

Round up the kids and visiting grandkids and head over to the Oxford Community Center for the children’s ornament workshop on Saturday at 1:00 pm. Make a few new trimmings for the tree and some memories, too. Adults have as much fun as the kids! Be sure to visit the train garden while you’re at the Center, a traveling exhibit courtesy of the Oxford Museum and open from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.

From 2:00 to 6:00 pm, both Saturday and Sunday, enjoy a “drop-in” holiday tea at the Ruffled Duck Inn, the charming circa 1876 B&B right in the heart of the town’s Historic District.

Learn more about the history of Oxford and enjoy refreshments at the Oxford Museum and Gift Shop open house on Saturday from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Right across the street at 5:30 pm, Santa arrives (with cookies!) for the lighting of the official tree in Town Park. Warm up before or after with the Homemade Soup Supper from 4:30 to 6:30 pm, right next door at Oxford Methodist Church. Three choices of soup, with corn muffin, beverage and dessert included! Dine in or carry out.

Rise and shine Sunday morning and take the family to the Oxford Fire House for an “all you can eat” breakfast with Santa from 7:00 to 11:00 am, and do a little shopping in the Ladies Auxiliary Gift Shop, too. Mrs. Claus has some very special goodies waiting; beautiful handcrafted ornaments and gifts along with delicious baked goods and other homemade delicacies.

Sunday afternoon, visit historic Combsberry Inn, a circa 1730 English country manor house, for holly and magnolia wreath-making in the barn from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. All supplies provided. Kids can enjoy hot cocoa and decorate gingerbread men in the main house. Wrap up the weekend with The Oxford Community Center Holiday Auction “White Christmas Wishes”, at 6:00 pm. This live and silent auction features a variety of unique gift ideas, from gourmet dinners and golf outings to exclusive getaways to the Bahamas and more. Includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Proceeds benefit the Center’s public programs.

Won’t you join us? Christmas on the Creek in Oxford just won’t be the same if you’re not here!