So, shall I let the cat out of the bag right from the start? Santa’s coming to the Woodstock Village Green on a camel this Christmas Eve. No, wait…he’ll be arriving by balloon…or was that on the back of WikiLeaks’ celebrity du jour, Julian Assange?

I have to break down and admit to you that the actual means by which Mr. Claus will be coming to this scenic town on the evening of December 24 – in what has been among the region’s top holiday draws for years now – is totally Top-Secret. And I’ve vowed to have my fingers crushed and tongue triple-pierced should I reveal any further details than the time, place and possibly the weather predictions…which I should also admit not knowing. Really.

In the past, we’ve seen the portly one come in from the North Pole and emerge for his hundreds of cheering fans via flying bus, spacecraft, cannonfire and a giant dove. We’ve witnessed good weather and really, really bad sleet and rain. But there’s always a joyous crowd, some great, rollicking seasonal rock ‘n’ roll and presents for all the kiddies.

According to most accounts, the celebration has been going on for more than 70 years now, and always by a new means kept secret to the last minute, but surely involving the creative talents of many in town sworn to utmost secrecy. The big arrival usually occurs around 5 p.m., not long after sunset. And it all wraps up in time to get one’s little ones in bed.

There’s no one to turn to for further information; just head for Woodstock on December 24. And be prepared for a surprise!