If you’re on Wall Street and around the Uptown Stockade District Friday, Dec. 9, between 5-8 p.m., keep your imagination open and your eyes peeled and you might have a chance of spotting Santa.
Linda Fusaro, owner of Full Circle Wet Weather Boutique, and Bop to Tottom shop owner Karen Clark Adin, with support from the Kingston Uptown Business Association, are hosting the sixth annual Uptown Holiday Open House. The fest will include Kingston Catholic School’s strolling carolers, 4-H “Gentle Giant” draft horses pulling carriages for rides from the county courthouse parking lot, wreath sales, raffles of gift certificates for uptown businesses at Dream Weavers and an appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus at the North (Front Street) Pole.
All visitors will receive a Christmas stocking at any of the participating vendors to fill with free give-aways such as jewelry, toys, candy, trinkets and treats. Additionally, many of the participating businesses will be offering refreshments like cider, coffee, tea, donuts, cookies and more. Local businesses are encouraged to bring in their own entertainment, such as musicians or performers.
More than 26 businesses and organizations are involved, including many of the uptown restaurants. Tonner Dolls will be dressed in elaborate costuming. The Parent-Teacher Store will offer face painting, and Toad Lily at the Burgevin will bedeck the bluestone with a lighted rose-petal walkway. The event goes on, clear skies or snow. “People love coming to this and going into the stores,” said Fusaro. “They get to meet the shop owners and see what stores are offering.”
A three-mile tour
Folks can also take a three-mile round trip through the City of Kingston on the Catskill Mountain Railroad in a restored caboose or special, open-air car for $6 with Santa aboard and live music. The train departing Kingston Plaza at Westbrook Lane Station Saturdays and Sundays in December and Jan. 1 and 2 at 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. For more information, visit catskillmtrailroad.com or call (845) 688-7400.
Featured image: Sinterklaas parades Saturday on the Rondout. (Photo by Kevin Buso.)
Join the family! 
