Not even a pandemic can stop Grafton Celebrates the Holidays

For a while, it seemed like the town’s signature event, Grafton Celebrates the Holidays, would be another victim of COVID-19.

The townspeople may not be gathered around Grafton Common singing Christmas carols and causing the Grinch’s heart to grow two sizes, but Grafton Celebrates the Holidays is happening right now. A virtual craft fair started on Sunday, November 22 and runs until Sunday, December 6; a holiday decorating contest, complete with a map of home and businesses, runs December 5 through 13; and yes, an in-person town wide celebration, complete with Frosty Stops, is happening December 6.

It’s a Christmas miracle, thanks to the Grafton Recreation Department’s elves, who have arranged a celebration that is socially distant but still full of cheers.

Masks, it has to be said, are required. Accessorize with some festive hats and scarves, maybe a little pair of reindeer horns. If you’re in a Hallmark Christmas movie frame of mind, grab a cup of cocoa and look for your soulmate at any of the 12 frosty stops, which include:

1. Apple Tree Arts, 1 Grafton Common — Goody bags and virtual family fun packs with Christmas party games, a playlist, and opportunities to win Apple Tree merchandise
2. Grafton Historical Society, 71 Main Street — Join theZoom Presentation Virtual Storytime “The Magic Christmas Key” from 2 – 3:30 p.m. Register by December 4 to get additional details. Call 508-839-0000
3. Grafton Fire Department, 26 Upton Street — Kids can write letters to Santa and mail in an official North Pole mailbox! Mailbox is available daily from 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. through Christmas Eve.
4. MA State Police Museum, 308 Providence Road — Swing by for a tour of the historical exhibits describing the Nation’s first state police agency formed in 1865. See antique cruisers, a collection of police motorcycles, historical uniforms, badges and weapons as you follow the growth of the State Police from patrolling on horseback through the use of modern technology to solve crimes. Children will receive a goodie bag with stickers, patches and at-home activities. The Norman Rockwell “Runaway Diner” model will also be available for family photos. Due to COVID restrictions capacity is limited, so feel free to call 508-839-0001 to ensure that there is no wait.
5. Congress Insurance, 1 Grafton Common, rear — Stop by the office storefront to pick up some ‘Snowman Soup’ (a goody bag with hot cocoa fixings) and enter a raffle for a goodie basket with local business items! Share a message of HOPE which will be displayed as part of our holiday window display ‘Home for the Holidays.’ Supplies provided or bring your own completed 3×5 index card. Available times: Dec 1 – 18 (Mon, Wed., Fri. from 9-4) and during GCTH from 12-4pm.
6. JCSI Corporate Staffing, 2 South Street — Swing by the Historic Fisher Mansion and see how it’s all decked out for the Holidays! JCSI employees will be outside, handing out gift boxes for the kids with some Holiday fun to take home.
7. Bushel ‘N Peck, 8 Worcester Street — Pickup a complimentary chicken noodle soup curbside.You will also receive details for a holiday scavenger hunt and the first five to complete it will receive a $25 gift card.
8. Wreath Sale, Grafton Common — Boy Scout Troop 107 will be selling wreaths on the Common.
9. Grafton Public Library, 53 North Main Street — Stop by the Grafton Public Library to pick up a family grab and go activity bag via no-contact curbside pickup, while supplies last. Also, keep an eye out for a link to a very special virtual holiday storytime featuring Anna and Elsa starting at 12pm and available after on demand! Visit graftonlibrary.org/gcth for details.
10. Grafton Community TV, 26 Providence Road — Stop by the studio to create a video in front of the Green Screen for Family, or loved ones deployed overseas. Must bring a Thumb Drive for the finished product.
11. Grafton Grill & Crust, 10 Bridge Street — Stop by to drive through an interpretation of Santa’s Village. What’s a holiday celebration without gifts? Santa’s villagers will be handing out a Hot chocolate kit and goodie bag to-go while supplies last! Kids and adults can enter a raffle. 
12. Santa Drive-Thru at Grafton High School, 28 Providence Road — Visit Santa drive-thru style! Santa is in town and looking forward to seeing you (socially distanced, of course!). Santa’s visit, normally held at Homefield Credit Union, will be held outside at Grafton High School as a drive-thru event so everyone can remain safely in their cars. Drive by to see Santa as he waves to you and wishes you Happy Holidays! Sponsored by Homefield Credit Union. 

The Holiday Craft Fair is virtual this year, running through December 6. See the attached brochure for vendors, their links, and information about pickup.

The Grafton Fire Department will also be helping Santa and the Grinch travel around town in a fire truck visiting South Grafton to Grafton Common on December 5 and North Grafton to Grafton Common on December 6, both nights from 3- 6 p.m.

Finally, the map above details the viewing map for Grafton Celebrates the Holidays decorating contest, featuring local families and businesses competing for Best Light Display, Best Decorations Display, and Best Business Display. Light displays should be viewed 5-8 p.m. Vote for your favorite at tinyurl.com/GraftonHolidayVote.

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