Ho, ho, ho … it's Colony Christmas

PALMER -- Christmas is about the small-town celebrations you only dream about in your head, but never actually experience -- sharing hot chocolate while singing Christmas carols after a day spent with friends and family.

That dream still does exist -- it's called Colony Christmas, and it takes over Palmer every December for one weekend, as the community comes together in holiday cheer.

There truly is something for everyone at Colony Christmas -- mom and dad can do their holiday shopping at the various craft fairs taking place around town while the kids get to pet a live reindeer at the Palmer Visitors Center. There are horse-drawn hayrides for the whole family, and it can get topped off with a rousing fireworks display at the end of the day.

This year, Colony Christmas -- which is put on every year by the Palmer Chamber of Commerce -- takes place Dec. 13-14. Some events even start before that, as the residential outdoor decorations judging starts on Dec. 6, along with the snow sculpture contest.

An arts and crafts sale starts at 10 a.m. on Dec. 12 at the gift shop in the Palmer Visitors Center. On Dec. 13, the event really gets going, with a full day's schedule. Tentatively, the schedule consists of arts, crafts and gifts sale at the gift shop in the Palmer Visitors Center and at the Palmer Depot. They go all day. At 5 p.m. on Friday, the Christmas tree lighting takes place, which will be followed by community caroling. Both events will take place in the library parking lot.

On Saturday, there are crafts sales going on, as well as a carols and musical performances at the Pioneer Square Shopping Center. A winter triathlon gets started in the morning.

Throughout the day, there are free reindeer cart rides, horse-drawn wagon rides and horse-drawn sleigh rides leaving from the borough gym. From noon to 4 p.m., there will be photos of Santa Claus taking place in the gym as well.

The fireworks and bonfire begin at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, wrapping up the community festival that is a hit with everyone.