Hundreds turn out for inaugural Christmas event at Hartness House

To kick off the Christmas season, on Nov. 25 the Hartness House Inn welcomed 300 extra guests throughout the day to witness the wonder of a live interactive theatrical experience put on by the dancers of Gem Starz Training & Performance Center, volunteers and friends.

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Hundreds turn out for inaugural Christmas event at Hartness House | December 03, 2017 Santa Claus joins his elves and a couple of youngsters during a Christmas event at Hartness House Inn in Springfield. — COURTESY SPRINGFIELD, Vt. — To kick off the Christmas season, on Nov. 25 the Hartness House Inn welcomed 300 extra guests throughout the day to witness the wonder of a live interactive theatrical experience put on by the dancers of Gem Starz Training & Performance Center, volunteers and friends. Groups of up to 20 at a time were taken on a tour, lead by Santa’s elves, where the first stop in the living room brought poinsettias to life in the form of little dancers, along with their snowmen and nutcracker friends — it was beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Next was a visit to some of the guest rooms on the second floor where children were nestled all snug in their beds — except the one who sang “One More Sleep” and invited audience members to have a look out the window where Santa’s sleigh and reindeer parked. The puppets in the next room made everyone laugh with their own Christmas rendition of the Frozen theme song. The family in room four enjoyed opening gifts around the Christmas tree as they sang and handed out treats. On to a third-floor guest room where Mrs. Clause magically transformed into Santa as she sang “I Could Be Santa Clause.” Finally out to the heated tent where elves did flips and danced to introduce their leader, Santa himself! Children had a chance to visit with Santa and get their photo taken while enjoying hot chocolate and chatting with friends. There are already plans in place for the 2nd annual Christmas event hosted by the Hartness House, Gem Starz and the Springfield Area Parent Child Center (SAPCC). Proceeds from this event go to SAPCC to further their work strengthening families in our local communities. For more information about SAPCC, visit www.sapcc-vt.org