by Lisa Schauer
Santa’s elves at the North Pole are surely just as busy as those here in the Town of Bath preparing for Christmas.
Volunteers are needed in an “Operation Save Christmas” drive to decorate the town for the holidays.
Anyone who can lift, carry, or hold a ladder is needed to hang lights and wreaths around town.
Every Saturday in November at 10 a.m., volunteers will meet at the “Elf Shack,” located behind the old hospital, down from WVU Extension Office.
Decorating for Deck the Meters begins on Friday, November 28. Applications are open now for any individual or organization interested in decorating a parking meter. The application is on the Town of Bath’s website or at Town Hall.
Applications are now also open for entries into the Winterfest Parade, set for December 6. Updates on the application and parade can be found on the event’s social media pages. 
The eighth annual Cocoa Crawl in downtown Berkeley Springs will take place on Friday, December 5 from 5 to 9 p.m. Visit shops around town and sample different flavored cocoas while you shop local.
Bath Christmas Market will be back this year with the ice rink from Friday, December 12 through Sunday, December 14.
The market opens at noon on Friday, and closes at 2 p.m. on Sunday, with variable hours in between.
Kids 12 and under skate free, under a grant from the Seeley Foundation.
Holiday events
The Town of Berkeley Springs has released its official schedule of holiday events for December 2025. The annual programming includes family-friendly activities, community gatherings, and seasonal traditions throughout the month.
The schedule of major events is as follows:
Cocoa Crawl – Thursday, December 5, 5 p.m.
Downtown Berkeley Springs will host its annual Cocoa Crawl, featuring participating businesses offering a variety of hot chocolate samples to visitors. The event encourages local shopping and provides an opportunity for residents and guests to enjoy extended evening hours downtown.
Christmas Parade – Saturday, December 6, 5 p.m.
The Berkeley Springs Christmas Parade will take place along Washington Street. The parade will include local organizations, marching groups, and the arrival of Santa Claus by fire truck.
Hallmark Movie Showing and Food Drive – Saturday, December 6, following the parade
Immediately following the parade, the Star Theatre will present a free public screening of “A Sweet Christmas Romance” (2019), a Hallmark film that includes scenes filmed in Berkeley Springs. Nonperishable food donations will be collected for the local food pantry.
Deck the Meters – throughout December
In partnership with downtown merchants, the “Deck the Meters” initiative returns for the month of December. Decorated parking meters throughout town indicate free parking in designated downtown areas.
Bath Christmas Market – December 12–14
The Bath Christmas Market will operate downtown with vendors, music, and children’s activities. Hours are 12 noon to 6 p.m. on December 12–13 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on December 14. The market will include a “Kid Village” with Santa’s Workshop, candy canes, and complimentary ice skating for children under 12.
