Vineland's new Christmas celebration is an ode to the days of yesteryear.

This weekend's first "Olde Time Christmas on the Ave" is a fond recreation of Christmases in the style of Charles Dickens, according to organizers.

You are invited to bring the family and join the fun with Christmas carolers, photos with Santa, carriage rides, and a scenic Christmas stroll on Landis Avenue.

Vineland's Olde Time Christmas runs from Friday, Dec. 3 until  Sunday, Dec. 5th.

The fun kicks off at 5 p.m. Dec. 3 with the lighting of the Vineland Christmas Tree at City Hall, 740 E. Wood St., followed by a ribbon-cutting at the Landis Theater, 830 E. Landis Ave., featuring Jim Donovan from CBS 3.

Over the course of the weekend, you can enjoy free trolley rides, costumed characters, fire pits, pet photos with Santa, a performance by the Bay Atlantic Symphony Ensemble,  carriage rides, free outdoor movies at the Landis Theater, street vendors, and more.

Plus, lots of shopping! The Spot, at 618 E. Landis Ave., has more than 80 vendors with items for gift-giving and home decorating.  Other downtown merchants will be open late to offer more shopping opportunities.

“Christmas has become so commercialized today that it is refreshing to take a step back to when times were simpler, the Yuletide experience was warmer and friendlier, and the spirit of the holiday filled the air,” said Russell Swanson, executive director, Main Street Vineland.

See a schedule of events for this weekend's Olde Time Christmas on the Ave on Landis Avenue.

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