Santa's Village is a ticketed guest experience that will take place on the second floor of the Commander's Mansion during the Merry Mingle on December 1, 2024. Tickets must be purchased in advance. All proceeds will benefit future city events. Each group ticket can accommodate up to 6 guests. During check out, please select the total number of guests that will be entering with your ticket. There are 10 group tickets available for each 15 minute time slot. All attendees must be in line for their photos during the 15 minute window following their entry time. At the start of your time slot, please meet at the bottom of the grand stairway in the foyer on the floor first. The name of who purchased the group ticket will be on our guest list along with the indicated number of guests in the group. After checking in, your party will be invited to head upstairs to Santa's Village! Elevator access to the second floor is also available. In addition to your photo session, there will be other guest experiences on the second floor that your group is welcome to enjoy after their photos with Santa. These treats and activities on the second floor are included with your ticket price. Please note that once you return to the first floor, there will be no re-entry. One digital download from your gallery is included with your ticket. You will be notified by the email used during check out once your gallery is ready to view. Additional photos will be available to purchase for $10 each. Tickets are not transferable and there are no refunds.
The Holiday Bazaar is an initiative of the Commander's Mansion as part of the annual winter holiday event. Commander's Mansion staff and their colleagues in the Department of Community Development & Planning have final say in all matters pertaining to the Holiday Bazaar.
LOCATION, PARKING, AND ACCESS
The Holiday Bazaar will be in a 40x80ft tent outside the Commander's Mansion on the South Lawn. Artists may park in the parking lot behind the Commander's Mansion which is directly adjacent to the Holiday Bazaar tent. The walkway from the parking lot to the tent is fully flat and accessible.
DAY AND TIME
The Holiday Bazaar will take place from 4-8 PM, rain or shine! Selected artisans must remain for the duration of the Holiday Bazaar unless otherwise agreed. Please keep the weather in mind when packing and preparing.
FEE & LIABILITY
Selected artists must pay a flat fee of $50 and complete an Artisan Vendor Liability Release to confirm their participation. The fee may be paid by credit card or check and the Artisan Vendor Liability Release form signed before the date of attendance or upon arrival. In the event that the Merry Mingle is cancelled by the City of Watertown, the $50 fee will be refunded. Details about payment and the Artisan Vendor Liability Release will be sent to selected artists.
CANCELLATIONS
All cancellations must be done at least 24 hours in advance of the event. Please let us know as you as you need to cancel so we may schedule another artist.
SPACE AND SETUP
A location will be assigned in the Holiday Bazaar Tent. Each artist will have a 10ft wide and 6ft deep space. Arrival and setup can begin at 2:00PM, to be ready for the event start at 4:00PM. Selected artists must remain for the duration of the Holiday Bazaar unless otherwise agreed. One 6ft table and two chairs will be provided. If you need electrical hookup, please indicate on your application as there are limited spots with electrical access. If you are planning to bring additional equipment, all items must fit within your assigned 10x6' allotted space with no bumping out.
DISPLAY
Artists are encouraged to create engaging tables that enhance the Holiday Bazaar experience for customers with activities, interactive elements, etc. It is important to bring signs, banners, or something to identify who you are and draw attention to your table. Money handling is the responsibility of the artist. Participants are responsible for keeping their space attractive during the market hours and for cleaning up their space after the market closes, including removing garbage and debris. At no time may representatives walk through the event handing out information or soliciting. Groups may not aggressively solicit donations while at the Merry Mingle, including the Holiday Bazaar.
HELP SPREAD THE WORD
Because our relationship with visiting artists is a partnership, we ask that you promote the Holiday Bazaar within your own communities and social networks, including your website, and social media accounts. It promises to be a fun-filled event!
EVENT DAY/TIME AND LOCATION
December 1, 2024 from 4-8pm at the Commander's Mansion (440 Talcott Avenue in Watertown, MA)
REGISTRATION WINDOW AND DEADLINES
Applications will be accepted through November 1, 2024.
ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT
Upon selection, registration can be paid by credit card or check.
EVENT ORGANIZER CONTACT
Contact the Events Team at jnicholson@watertown-ma.gov at the Commander's Mansion with any questions.
