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More weekend Christmas activities

Saturday:

Victorian Tea - The Lafayette Hotel, 2-4 p.m.

Christmas Village Craft Show - Betsey Mills Club, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Merry Tuba Christmas - Hermann Fine Arts Center, Marietta College, 4 p.m.

Downtown Holiday Loft Tour - 5-8 p.m.

Sunday:

Handel's Messiah Concert - St. Mary's Catholic Church, 7 p.m.

Snow may have been the only thing missing from the community Christmas tree lighting and Merry-Etta Moonlight Savings shopping events in downtown Marietta Friday.

"I think people wait for some snow to get them in the mood for Christmas shopping in Marietta," said Diane Griffin, owner of Salem Candles on Putnam Street.

Though her store seemed to be doing a brisk business Friday night, Griffin said through the week there haven't been as many shoppers as in years past.

Out on Putnam Street, the "clip-clop" sound of horses' hooves could be heard striking the brick pavement as the Hardly Able Carriage Company provided free carriage and covered wagon rides around town. Mayor Michael Mullen said the horse-drawn vehicles were reminiscent of Christmases past in the Pioneer City.

"We have a great tradition here," he said. "And what a great way to kick off the Christmas season, with a tree-lighting on the armory lawn, carols, shopping and Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus arriving by carriage."

Jan Powell, with WASCO Inc., noted that this is the fourth year the organization's adult advocacy group has provided free hot chocolate for the occasion.

"They probably made about 20 gallons of hot chocolate for this event," she said.

It didn't take long for Ron Wright, of New Matamoras, to find a bargain on a 5-foot-high snowman and Christmas tree yard decorations at American Flags and Poles on Front Street.

"I'm going to light these on my front lawn," he said.

Wright, his wife and some friends travel to Marietta for the festivities every year.

Among the busiest stores in town Friday night was The Cook's Shop at 180 Front St.

"We had a soft opening on Black Friday and haven't done any advertising, but it's been busy here all week," said Dagmar Kupsche, who co-owns the kitchen gadget and supply store with husband, Ken.

"People seem thrilled that we're here, and Marietta has been very good to us," she said.

"We're happy. All week people have been saying, 'What an incredible job you've done with this building,'" Ken Kupsche added.