Santa Slogs Through Snowy Sleet to Meet and Greet in Maplewood Village

Much like the U.S. Postal Service, Santa was not deterred by snow or sleet this afternoon when he arrived by firetruck to greet young children in Maplewood Village. 

Children peeked in at the Dickens Village houses as they waited for Santa's arrival at Ricaton Square. Others huddled across the street at the Maplewood Theater to hear period-costumed carolers sing holiday songs.

When Santa arrived at about 1:30 p.m., the children gathered around to say hello. They then paraded down the street to Mona Lisa Gallery and Framing to have their pictures taken with Santa. Due to the weather, Santa knocked off at 2:30 (there were no more children waiting for photographs), but for those who missed their free photo op with Santa today, never fear! The Maplewood Village Alliance reports that Santa will be back next Saturday from 1:30 to 3:30 for pictures.

Up the street at Coldwell Banker, newswoman Michelle Charlesworth and local actor Emily Zacharias were reading holiday stories to children.

The rain and sleet in the Village had turned to snow by 2 p.m. and shops were bustling with shoppers. The Village Wine Shop held a wine tasting and No. 165 was proferring free apple cider and gingerbread cookies from the Able Baker.

Meanwhile, Santa will be returning at 5 p.m. to help Mayor Vic DeLuca light the tree.