According to Barb Martin, associate director of mission advancement at Garden Spot Village (GSV), the annual GSV Christmas market is a popular attraction. "It's very well attended," shared Martin, who noted that 1,000 to 1,500 visitors enjoy the shopping and activities associated with the celebration.

This year's Village Christmas Market, which will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., will turn the Village Square and adjacent areas at 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland, into a holiday-themed event featuring Mrs. Claus, food, shopping, and train room displays.

To appeal to young attendees, organizers have chosen to focus on the heart of the season, with live hourly readings of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" on the lower level of the Village Square, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Cookie decorating for children featuring ornamental cookies resembling Peanuts characters will begin at 10 a.m. The Train Room, where volunteers have constructed a 1,837-square-foot display of HO- and O-gauge trains on a miniature landscape, will be open to visitors from 1:30 to 4 p.m.

Members of the GSV Wood Shop will offer handmade creatures for sale at a Village Square display and in the hallway outside the Wood Shop. "They will have everything from children's toys and games to home and kitchen things to lovely sculptural (pieces)," said Martin.

The Wood Shop is one of several GSV groups that will take part in the event. "The Plants and Petals Club will (sell) live centerpieces and wreaths," shared Martin, who mentioned a cross-stitch club will have a display as well. Other residents contribute by donating to the bake sale, which will open at 10 a.m. "It's incredibly popular," said Martin, who added that baked goods are usually sold out by noon.

The Maker's Market will feature GSV resident artists and local artisans, some of whom have a special connection to GSV. "The Maker's Market is my greatest joy," gushed Martin. "I just love seeing what artisans can create." The nearly 40 vendor spaces in the market will be filled by creators like Linda Binder, who makes purses, winter shawls, and capes, and Jars of Clay by Sheena, a vendor who uses speckled clay with white glazes to shape mugs and other items. Martin said that a designer of jewelry using semi-precious gems will have a display, as well as a maker of live-edge furniture from driftwood and author Henry Youndt.

A silent auction featuring gift baskets and experiences will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Gift baskets, which are donated by residents and employees, will include a Peanuts-themed basket. Other themes that are traditional to the auction include a baker's basket, a pet basket, and a basket containing a small Christmas tree decorated with cash. Experiences that will go up for bids include hot air balloon ride tickets, passes to Applecross Country Club in Downingtown, Allegro Orchestra Lancaster tickets, Fulton Theatre tickets, and tickets to the Turkey Hill Experience.

Other holiday shopping opportunities at the event will be provided by the Linden, Artisans Corner, and Share & Care Thrift Store.

Food to satisfy hungry shoppers will be available for purchase at Charlie's Village Square Cafe, Refresh, the Harvest Table, and the Terrace Dining Room.

Proceeds from the Village Christmas Market are donated to the GSV Benevolent Fund to aid residents whose finances have been exhausted. Martin noted that all the GSV clubs that take part donate proceeds. "The generosity is just incredible," she stated.

Readers who would like more information about the Village Christmas Market may visit https://gsc.gl/christmasmarket.