The holiday season commences in Zanesville next week with a series of celebrations sponsored by the Zanesville-Muskingum County Chamber of Commerce.

It all begins Wednesday, Dec. 4 in Downtown Zanesville with a variety of activities and entertainment leading up to the main event at 6:30 p.m. — Miracle on Main.

“The opportunity to be together with family and friends, walk around Downtown kicking off the holiday season is a great opportunity for locals and guests to our community,” said Chamber President Dana Matz.

Between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., the Zanesville-Muskingum County Welcome Center open its doors for guests to preview the 2019 Festival of Trees entries on the first floor. On the lower level, Eastside Community Ministry will provide crafts for children. At 7:30 p.m., Santa makes his arrival.

Also from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. is the holiday tour of Downtown businesses that will stay open late to welcome visitors.

“Businesses will decorate their storefronts for the season. Many will have an open house that evening, so it’s a chance to visit the Downtown businesses, the unique shops, do some early Christmas shopping if you’d like,” said Matz. 

Matz encourages visitors to explore the antique shops and unique stores scattered throughout Downtown, including those centered around shopping, arts, fitness, entertainment and cuisine.

“At the corner of Fourth and Market, you may visit the new wine bar, Vin Ami, visit the second floor for the Grassroots Yoga Studio and the newest business to Downtown on the third floor, Matz Fitness,” said Matz. 

New this year is the women’s boutique, The Townhouse, located above the Yellow Phoenix Antique and Arts Mall on Main Street. The shop features women’s clothing and accessories.

Another new business on Main Street is The Wood Shop, which specializes in woodworking. 

“Another unique experience would be a visit to the Masonic Temple, which is now under new ownership and features many art studios and galleries which will be selling their artwork,” said Matz.

Dutro Ford’s state of the art facility will welcome Downtown guests while featuring dancers from Movement on Main.

At the opposite end of town, the John McIntire Library is also hosting visitors with various activities for the whole family, including live music, activities and more.

“Some of the younger generations haven’t been in some of the buildings in Downtown, and it’s always inspiring to hear the stories from the older generations about their memories of our Downtown as well,” said Matz. 

At the Muskingum County Courthouse will be music provided by the Zanesville High School Jazz Band, Broadway Babies and Barbershoppers prior to the courthouse lighting and Santa’s grand entrance on an antique fire truck.

The festivities continue Thursday, Dec. 5 with a preview of The Festival of Trees from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Welcome Center.

Potential bidders and those looking for decoration inspiration can take a tour of the entries while taking note of the prize packages and creative arrangements.

People that come to the event are potential buyers, potential bidders for the auction, and guests that just want to see the creativity that comes from people in our community, the decorating trends and the unique entries.

Many of the businesses that have entries are promoting their company and their services or supporting the businesses that support them throughout the year in the form of gift cards, gift certificates and products. 

According to Matz, prizes begin as low as $20 to $25.

Bidding for the 27th annual Festival of Trees officially begins Friday, Dec. 6 at 9 a.m. and will be broadcast live on AM 1240.

Photos and entry descriptions, as well as the auction schedule, will be available online at www.zmchamber.com.

“The Festival of Trees Auction supports the Zanesville Muskingum County Chamber of Commerce and its entities which support area businesses with training, advocacy and development. Currently there are 699 businesses in our community that are members,” said Matz. “The chamber supports buying locally and on a daily basis, connects local businesses for products and services.”

The Zanesville-Muskingum County Chamber of Commerce is a registered 501(c)6, not-for–profit organization.

Wrapping up the week is the annual MVESC Holiday Choir Concert  at Secrest Auditorium featuring high school choir students throughout Muskingum County on Saturday, Dec. 7. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m.