COXSACKIE/ATHENS – Not to be outdone by their fellow river towns, the Village of Coxsackie came alive on Sunday for their 15th annual Christmas by the River celebration on Sunday, December 6, according to today's Daily Mail. "From Breakfast with Santa at Hose Company #3 to the vendors at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Village Building and all along Reed St., it was the official kick-off to the holiday season in Coxsackie," reads the report, which listed a variety of fundraising and gift-giving activities around the village. "The festivities were capped off late in the afternoon with a concert of Christmas music presented at St. Mary’s Church."

Coming up in Athens this Saturday, Dec. 11, will be Athens' own Victorian Stroll, which kicks off at 11:00 AM at the Athens Cultural Center on Second Street, where maps will be handed out, including directions to the Reformed Church where the Coxsackie Athens Band puts on an annual concert on the heels of their annual Winter Walk outing in Hudson, across the river. Victorian Stroll follows a Thursday evening community caroling in Riverfront Park from 5:090 to 5:30 PM.For more information visit www.visithistoricathens.com.