Going To Southington's 'Christmas in the Village'? What You Need To Know

SOUTHINGTON, CT — If you happen to stumble on the Village of Plantsville in Southington Thursday, Dec. 8, you haven't entered an alternate dimension where life is a Hallmark Channel movie.

You've simply stumbled upon the Village of Plantsville Association's 27th annual "Christmas in the Village."

Simply put, this is Southington's crème de la crème celebration of the holiday season — if not, the area's.

From 5:30 to 8 p.m., the village will be decked out with enough holiday cheer to prompt Scrooge himself to don a Santa costume and sing "Jingle Bells" (and do so before the ghosts visit).

The rain/inclement weather date is Friday, Dec. 9, at the same time and place.

It all starts with the lighting of, not just a tree, but of the Plantsville Green on Main Street, with contest winner Aviyana Picone flipping the Christmas switch.

Then, the Santa Fire Truck Parade commences, beginning an evening of family activities oozing holiday charm and Christmas cheer.

There will be ornament-making, face painting, hayrides, "train" rides, meetings with Santa, hot chocolate, a bonfire, chestnuts, treats, refreshments and a Christmas carol or two or three or many.

Hosted by the Village of Plantsville Association, this yuletide soiree wouldn't happen without a long list of donors, sponsors, volunteers and participating merchants downtown in Plantsville.

Traffic impacts

The event is so huge, however, the Southington Police Department has issued a bulletin notifying motorists and visitors of the do's and don'ts regarding travel in that area.

Local police will be assisting with road closures, beginning at 5 p.m., and provide detours through the area.

Police said the following areas will be closed and detours in place:

Road closures:

• West Main Street at its intersection with Main Street/South Main Street.

• West Main Street at its intersection with Church Street

• Summer Street at its intersection with Cowles Avenue

Roadway detours:

• West Main Street at Main Street/South Main Street

• Main Street: Westbound traffic will detour south onto South Main Street

• South Main Street: Northbound traffic will detour east onto Main Street

• West Main Street at Church Street

• Eastbound traffic on West Main Street will detour north onto Church Street

• Northbound traffic on Church Street will continue straight (north) to Prospect Street or turn right (east) onto Cowles Avenue, to Summer Street.

• Summer Street at Cowles Avenue

• Southbound traffic on Summer Street will detour west onto Cowles Avenue.

• Westbound traffic on Cowles Avenue may turn onto Elm Street or Church Street and continue to West Main Street or Prospect Street.

No Parking signs will be placed within the detour route beginning at noon.

For more information on "Christmas in the Village," click on this link.