Take the family for a stroll alongside ducks, roosters and chickens at Country Village’s 19th annual Holiday Open House in Bothell this weekend.
Meander through the family-owned and -operated shopping center while listening to holiday music. View special demonstrations, participate in activities and sample refreshments Saturday and Sunday.
Rustic buildings nestled on the farmlike property will be decorated with thousands of twinkling lights to help set the holiday mood.
Other activities of the Holiday Open House include live music on the main stage, and pony and train rides for kids. Complimentary roasted chestnuts will be handed out at 5 p.m. Saturday.
Some stores offer special events this weekend, including a demonstration on holiday makeup 1-2 p.m. at Ronna Lane Aesthetics, a wine tasting featuring holiday wines 2-5 p.m., and hand quilting demonstrations 2-5 p.m. at Keepsake Cottage Fabrics. There will be ongoing demonstrations on card and gift-tag making at Stampin’ in the Rain.
The Doll Palace is jump-starting its holiday celebration with a Christmas-theme doll, teddy bear and toy show and sale 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday at the Courtyard Hall.
You can view hundreds of antique and modern dolls, new and used teddy bears, doll clothing, cases and collectibles from vendors and exhibitors. Bring your favorite doll in for repair at the Doll Hospital.
Set up like a small town, Country Village houses a variety of shops. According to manager Leeann Tesorieri, the shopping area features 45 retailers, including arts and craft, furniture and home decor stores, restaurants and artist spaces.
“People love the relaxed, quirky ambience,” Tesorieri said.
Participants at the Holiday Open House can grab a bite to eat at one of four restaurants. Along with the traditional country fare served up at Country Cafe, there is a northern Italian-style restaurant, Stella Mia. Papa’s Place features healthy deli items and Peach Tree Bakery and Tea Room serves bakery items along with a full high-tea service.
For kids there are two merry-go-rounds, a playground and train rides courtesy of Iron Horse Railway.
Glass art lovers can watch as artists fuse glass into unique creations at Wildfire Glass Studio. The studio regularly provides artist demonstrations each Friday and Saturday and will feature ongoing demonstrations this weekend.
Make the weekend even more fun by participating in the scavenger stamp hunt. Pick up a passport at Urban Country, get it stamped at participating businesses and receive a prize when it’s turned in at Read My Books.
Tesorieri asks drivers to be on the lookout for chickens, rabbits, a resident cat and even a peacock while driving through the streets.
Reporter Tanya Sampson: 425-339-3479 or tsampson@heraldnet.com.
Herald photos
Bothell’s Country Village will be in the holiday spirit this weekend.
Holiday Open House
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Doll show at Doll Palace, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Country Village, 23718 Seventh Ave. SE, Bothell.
Cost: Free, $1 admission to doll show.
Information: 425-483-2250, www.countryvillagebothell.com.
Holiday Open House
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Doll show at Doll Palace, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Country Village, 23718 Seventh Ave. SE, Bothell.
Cost: Free, $1 admission to doll show.
Information: 425-483-2250, www.countryvillagebothell. com.
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