Christmas in Lapel, the town’s beloved annual celebration, has deep roots in the community. Once known as the Lapel Community Association Christmas, the event took a multi-year break before being revived last year by Shellie Sears, the association’s president, and her dedicated team.
“This event had been a cherished tradition for years,” said Sears. “Residents looked forward to it and didn’t want to see it fade away.”
The revival came after overwhelming community support and nostalgic memories of past celebrations, including a live nativity scene. An organizational meeting in August 2023 drew significant interest, solidifying the decision to bring the event back to life.
“We managed to put the new version together in just a few months,” Sears noted.
This year’s Christmas in Lapel offers a mix of timeless traditions and new additions. Attendees can enjoy classic activities like a tree lighting ceremony, storytime, and the cherished live nativity scene. Meanwhile, modern updates include at least four food vendors, including a taco truck, and over 20 craft vendors.
“These vendors were introduced when we brought the event back,” Sears explained. “The original festival was smaller in scale, but the new additions have really enhanced the experience.”
Sears fondly recalled attending the festival as a child, describing it as a magical experience. “They used to light the streets with luminaries,” she said. “We’ve tried to recreate that nostalgic charm while adding fresh elements to keep it exciting.”
The Lapel Community Association remains dedicated to preserving the festival’s enchanting atmosphere while modernizing it for today’s residents and visitors. With its mix of tradition and innovation, Christmas in Lapel continues to be a heartwarming highlight of the holiday season.
