Christmas in the Village once again filled Spruce Forest Artisan Village with candlelight, music, and old-fashioned holiday charm as the annual celebration took place December 5 and 6, 2025. The historic village at Little Crossings became a glowing backdrop for artisans, family activities, and seasonal traditions in the heart of the Grantsville Arts & Entertainment District.
Organizers noted that this year’s event continued the long-held spirit of the village. “What a magical first Christmas in the Village for Mountain Grape Tavern and Maple & Vine!” said MGT co-owner Emily Edwards. “We had some celebrities stop in and felt the magic of the Christmas season will all of you! Thank you for a wonderful weekend!”
The weekend opened Friday evening with the traditional tree lighting and caroling at 7 p.m. With parking limited at the village, an event shuttle remained busy throughout both days.
Visitors explored artisan cabins, the Miller House, Casselmead studios, and vendors in the Great Hall. Yoder Art & Framing, The Gallery Shop Too at Maple & Vine, Fernwood Soaps, Penn Alps Craft Shop, and Little Crossings Pantry offered additional shopping opportunities. The House of Yoder Museum and Stanton’s Mill were also open for tours.
One attendee shared, “Peggy Nixon is my favorite. She has gorgeous watercolor items that are highly affordable. I picked up 3 bookmarks and five notecards for only $18.”
Music filled the Village Chapel both days, with performances by Mountain Friends Homeschool Group, the Durst Brothers, students from Grantsville and Route 40 Elementary, the Amity Church Choir, Chords of Grace, St. Mark’s Bell Choir, Casselman Valley Travelers, and Loretta Hummel.
Luminaries placed across the Casselman River Bridge by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources helped transform the village into a glowing winter scene, while free children’s activities hosted by the Grantsville Arts & Entertainment District kept families engaged throughout the event.
Local dining spots Penn Alps Restaurant and the Mountain Grape Tavern stayed busy, and additional refreshments were available around the village. The Grantsville Lions Club collected non-perishable food items as part of its annual community food drive.
This year’s event was made possible through support from the Grantsville Arts & Entertainment District, Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area, Somerset Trust Company, Garrett County Arts Council, and the Town of Mountain Lake Park, with additional assistance from the Town of Grantsville, Commissioner Paul C. Edwards, Grantsville Lions Club, and Keystone Lime.
