Christmas in the Valley is an annual winter event that happens in Middletown. This event brings joy to children and adults for the winter season by having Santa and other types of events to excite them.

There is also a toy drive where participants can give brand new toys, still in the box, to the station outside of town hall. In return, those will receive a stocking that they can fill with toys, candy and other treats as they cycle through the town’s businesses. 

The toy drive that the town hall held only for one day, with a few exceptions for late donations, had over 200 brand new toys donated that evening. 

These toys will be going to Middletown Valley People Helping People for their Christmas distribution next week.

Burgess John D. Miller said, “Christmas in the Valley is about small town America and it is a unique kind of event.” Miller also added, “Is about building a sense of community.” 

“Improving the electrical outlets” to make the tree “actually light up” this year and the new “downtown decorations” bring in more holiday cheer, said Miller 

Businesses offer hot cider, hot chocolate, and holiday-themed cookies as you go through the street.

Miller said that this year had the “largest turnout,” for Christmas in the Valley.

Although most Middletown residents have heard of Christmas in the Valley, this tradition has been around longer than people might think. 

Christmas in the Valley has been around for about 30 years. It “started out as a pretty simple event,” said Miller, “with a tree lighting then a kid oriented program in one of the churches.”

“Christmas is a time for people of all ages and that is what the spirit is really about when we’re down there lighting the tree and sharing the Christmas spirit.” added Miller.