Laconia's 49th Christmas Village celebrates tradition, adds new fun

LACONIA — For 49 years, the city community center has gotten a temporary holiday makeover, with red and green, reindeer and elves. And of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus provide their warm hospitality. With some new additions, Christmas Village returns for another year as a Laconia tradition.

Christmas Village will be open from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 5-6, and from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7-8. Time is reserved for senior citizens from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 7, and for people with physical disabilities from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Dec. 8.  

Volunteer Skip Hounsell, who has staffed the village for 28 years, shared what he is most excited for each year.

“My best part is the first day when the doors open up, when that first little kid looks up [with] bright eyes and the open arms,” he said.

The mayor participates in a ceremony each year to receive a key to Christmas Village to officially open the event. This year, Mayor Andrew Hosmer will have the honor. Other than the key ceremony, he fades into the background, letting the festivities shine. He also thinks about an old friend, former Councilor Bob Hamel, one of the original volunteers at Christmas Village. This will mark the second event since Hamel's death in 2023.

“It’s always a thrill to get the key, and it brings back sort of bittersweet memories, of my friend Councilor Bob Hamel, and how passionate he was about this,” Hosmer said.

Hosmer also recognized the Bolduc family, who has helped a lot through the years.

This year, 25 volunteers have already dedicated their time to the village. Another 70 children have committed their time to being elves, providing the necessary Christmas spirit. Hounsell said there can be anywhere between three to 15 volunteers on a given night, and the group is still looking for volunteers.

“Even if it's an hour or two of your time, it helps, because that way we can get it up, or we can have you decorating, or when we tear down,” he said.

Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Laconia Christmas Village on Facebook at facebook.com/Laconia-Christmasvillage-100092218346359.

Many in the community have donated time and talent to contribute to Christmas Village. Lakes Region Home Builders & Remodelers Association donated four new benches, and the Laconia High School’s building construction program at the Huot Career and Technical Center made three new benches as well. Artist Mary Logsdon is creating new paintings to replace the fading 50-year-old decor, and is expected to replace them all for the 50th anniversary.

People can also donate money in person or by contacting Laconiachristmasvillage@yahoo.com.

Christmas Village provides the opportunity for kids to see Santa and Mrs. Claus. Parents can take photos of their own or can also purchase one. All children also receive a gift. Hounsell said this is a way to give back to the community.

“With the times we have right now, you have families and kids that it's very tough, and some of the parents [are] either homeless or just not have the money for gifts,” he said. “We feel when they come in here, it's festive, it's free. They can sit down, relax, and each child, no matter who it is, gets a gift.”

Hosmer is also excited to see Santa Claus.

“I love chatting with Santa and Mrs. Claus,” he said. “I got to make sure that my bad behavior in the previous months doesn’t negate my ability to receive Christmas gifts.”

A new addition this year is holiday-themed activities for children. The line for Christmas Village can be up to a three-hour wait, and to keep children having fun, activities and learning opportunities will be available throughout the line as it progresses. Children will be able to get a “passport” stamped at different countries and learn how Christmas is celebrated in each one. Next year’s theme is the Polar Express.

Despite changes, the tradition of Christmas Village persists, and has become a staple in the city. Amy Lovisek, director of recreation & facilities, said she visited Christmas Village as a kid, and now has taken her children. She hopes the cycle continues.

“People really like the idea of bringing their own children back to see what has changed and what has stayed the same,” she said. “The magic of the transformation of a community center into a winter wonderland is inspiring for people.”