We don’t want to brag but, we’ve got an in with Santa Claus. If your kids send their letters to him c/o the Addison Independent by Dec. 17, we’ll make sure they get a response from the jolly old elf himself — and we’ll print their letters in the issue before Christmas. Hand-drawn illustrations are welcome. Drop off the letters at our office in the Marble Works in Middlebury or mail them to Santa Letters, Addison Independent, 58 Maple St., Middlebury, VT 05753. Be good!
 
Santa Claus is coming in person to Bristol this Saturday, Dec. 8. Don’t pass up your chance to have breakfast with Saint Nick himself at Holley Hall. Breakfast settings are slated for 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Tickets are $10 for a hearty meal that will include pancakes, sausage, juice, milk, coffee and tea. Children 2 and under eat for free. The event will include carriage rides, arts and crafts and live music. Tickets are available online at BristolVtRec.com. Also take note: There will be a children’s candy cane hunt at the town green on Friday, Dec. 7, from 6-6:30 p.m., after which the community’s memory tree will be lit at then same location.
 
Come and check out what downtown Middlebury has to offer on two special evenings — Thursday, Dec. 6, and Thursday, Dec. 13. It’s called the “Midd Night Stroll” and will take place from 5-8 p.m. on both dates. Walk through the downtown for shopping, sampling and socializing. Many business owners, in concert with the Better Middlebury Partnership, are offering special promotions to attract Stroll participants. Check out experiencemiddlebury.com for more details. Attendees will have access to free tours of Town Hall Theater on Merchants Row from 5-5:30 p.m. during both Strolls. Meet at the former diner building next to THT at 5 p.m. to get started. The theater will be hosting live shows on both evenings, so the building will be alive with performers, students and staff.
 
A walk along Bristol’s Main Street is always a treat. A walk through Bristol with a sweet payoff is event better. Head on into the village this Friday, Dec. 7, for the 11th Annual Chocolate Walk and get a complimentary chocolate treat, courtesy of the Main Street businesses. Spend your evening browsing the stores, nibbling a delicious chocolate treat (or two), and getting your holiday shop on until 9 p.m. This year’s Chocolate Walk will feature more than 20 vendors, in addition to Bristol’s mainstay line up of downtown businesses. Shared across three Main Street locations — including Tandem, the Bristol Cliffs Café, and Vermont Tree Goods — the area’s best food and drink producers, and crafters, will be joining the event for holiday shopping and sipping. Chocolate Walk is part of the month-long Cool Yule celebration and is sponsored by Bristol CORE.
 
The Monkton Central School PTO is planning a Holiday Bazaar that will take place Monday, Dec. 17. It’s a wonderful event for the elementary schools students and a memorable tradition. Community involvement is encouraged. If you like to craft, knit or sew and would like to donate time, supplies or handmade items, please contact Katrina Roberts, [email protected]. “White elephant” items that can be dropped off at Monkton Central during school hours, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
 
Just a reminder: The new Makery is now open on Thursdays in the Patricia Hannaford Career Center, from 5-9 p.m. Drop in, take a tour, become a member and make something great. This makers space includes a lot of equipment to fashion inventions of all kinds. Ages 18 and up are welcome. Organizers are working to expand offerings to younger makers, so stay tuned.