Houlton lights up for Christmas Community Advent Calendar
Houlton has stepped into Christmas with a host of Covid-secure celebrations to spread Christmas joy to the community this festive period.
The growing neighbourhood’s annual “Community Advent Calendar” has returned for the third consecutive year, which sees a beautiful festive window display revealed each evening from Tuesday 1 December on the run up to the big day.
Residents, friends and families will be able to follow a festive trail map around the development within their family bubbles and will also be able to enjoy the unveiling on Houlton’s social media platforms
Organised by local resident and member of the Diocese of Coventry, April Gold, the trail will include the Houlton Visitor Centre, The Tuning Fork, The Barn, St Gabriel’s CofE Academy, and April’s home at the Vicarage as well as lots of other residents in the community.
This year, all homes hosting a display will also donate a food parcel to Rugby Food Bank to help support local families in need, in place of residents gathering for refreshments as usual.
Santa Claus also paid a surprise visit to the community on Saturday 5, where he greeted children on their doorsteps, while the Urban&Civic team delivered Christmas gifts.
Galina Bardarska from Urban&Civic, said: “This year has been a challenging time for us all, and we’re incredibly proud of how residents have pulled together to support each other and the wider Rugby community.
“We are dedicated to helping build a strong sense of community at Houlton and normally organise a host of activities and events throughout the year. Although we were unable to hold traditional events this Christmas, we were still determined to celebrate safely with the community.
“The Community Living Advent Calendar is a lovely way to bring festive cheer and spread some much-needed joy throughout the neighbourhood, and we hope families will enjoy a winter walk to see the displays.”
“As well as a socially-distanced visit from Santa Claus, we will be sharing lots of activities and festive fun on social media, so keep an eye on our Facebook page and get involved,” she added.
Houlton’s Community Advent Living Calendar maps can downloaded from Houlton’s Facebook page.
