A live nativity, Santa Claus and the lighting of the town's Christmas tree are just some of the highlights of Manchester's Black Friday festivities, a tradition in the town for more than 10 years.

Bringing residents and merchants together, Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, and in Manchester it features special sales and events to usher in the holiday season.

"A little snow probably would be good," said Cynthia King, chairwoman of the event, which is sponsored by the Manchester Area Merchants Association. "It would add to the spirit of it."

Events will start at 6 p.m. Nov. 28 when Mayor Chris D'Amario lights the town's Christmas tree outside Town Hall, located at 3208 York Street.

Over the course of the evening, attendees can enjoy strolling carolers, Santa's arrival on a fire truck, the train garden at the Manchester Volunteer Fire Department -- then perhaps have dinner at Dutch Corner Restaurant.

"All merchants will have food and candy to give out," King said. "The whole town is involved in it."

Another attraction of the night will be a game card -- or map -- in which visitors to Manchester can collect stamps from each merchant they visit. Those with the most stamps will be entered to win a gift basket filled with merchandise from local stores valued at more than $1,000, King said.

To visit everything, a bus and wagon will provide rides up and down the street, stopping at stores to let people on and off.

For the first time, merchants not on the route will be able to participate in the festivities as well, with a special gathering at the firehouse.

"There will be 12 merchants not on the bus or wagon routes set up in the downstairs of the Manchester Volunteer Fire Department," King said. "The merchants there are not normally part of Black Friday."

An extra half-mile has been added to the bus/wagon loop to include a stop at Java Garage, too, King said.

Also part of the festivities will be St. Bartholomew's Roman Catholic Church, located just down the road at 2930 Hanover Pike.

The church will feature a Victorian choir, self-guided tours and refreshments.

"It is a very popular event," King said. "Everyone has a real good time. I'm looking forward to it."

Black Friday

Manchester's Black Friday events are scheduled for Friday, Nov. 28, beginning at 6 p.m. with the lighting of the town Christmas tree at town hall, located at 3208 York St., with stores open late and special events. (See story above.)

Manchester's Main Street is along Hanover Pike (Route 30). From points south, travel north on Route 30 through Hampstead to Manchester; or from Westminster, head north on Route 27 to Route 30, then turn right to the fire department and York Street.

All Aboard

The Manchester Volunteer Fire Department Train Garden will be open Fridays, Nov. 28 and Dec. 19 from 6 to 9:30 p.m.; and also Saturdays and Sundays through Jan. 4, from noon to 6 p.m. The fire department is located at 3209 Main St. (Hanover Pike/Route 30), Manchester, just north of York Street. To see a video about the layout, go to www.manchestervfd.org/train_garden.htm

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