Holiday Stroll: Santa, S’mores, Songs … And So Much More!

Over 2,000 Westporters (and out-of-towners) of all ages (especially kids) filled downtown yesterday afternoon (and evening).

They posed for photos with Santa (and Buddy and his elves) (and in a photo booth), roasted s’mores, petted piglets, caroled with the Orphenians, sent letters to Santa, dropped off toys for the Police drive, got face paint, shopped and enjoyed store giveaways, met neighbors and friends — and did it all in perfect almost-winter weather.

The 5th annual Holiday Stroll was by far the biggest and best yet.

S’mores by Nômade, elves and more. (Photo/John Walker)

Co-sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association and “06880,” it’s our gift to the town. And the town embraced it.

Thanks to all who made it happen — especially the hard-working WDA crew (Maxx Crowley, Beth Meyer, Huong Belpedio, Brian Spurr and others). Thanks to Santa; the fabulous Staples Orphenians, characters and face painters; the retailers and restaurants and non-profits who welcomed all and handed out “stuff” — and everyone who strolled.

Staples Orphenians’ first stop, above Brandy Melville. Other caroling spots: the clock, “Tunnel of Love,” and Bedford Square courtyard. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Westport sure rocked around the Christmas tree.

And the brand-new, but looks-like-its-been-there-forever, Main Street clock.

At the clock: 1st Selectman Kevin Christie, Westport Downtown Association president Maxx Crowley, “06880” founder Dan Woog. The WDA donated the clock to the town; the WDA and “06880” co-sponsor the Holiday Stroll. (Photo/John Walker)

A classic shot. (Photo/John Walker)

Staples Players Scarlett Shope, Claire Kresser, Ellis Maroney and Seamus Brannigan are all in character. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Riverside Realty’s piglets were favorites. (Photo/Thomas Samaranayake)

Senior Cat Betit conducts the Orphenians. The day before, they sang at Radio City Music Hall. . (Photo/Dan Woog)

Orphenians singing at the clock. (Photo/John Walker)

Listening to the Orphenians. (Photo/John Walker)

(Photo/John Walker)

Annette Norton’s Savvy + Grace mailbox was filled with dozens of letters to Santa. The popular downtown store also sponsored the photo booth. (Photo/Dan Woog)

(Photo/John Walker)

(Photo/John Walker)