Padanaram Village will celebrate the holidays a bit early with its annual Christmas Festival on December 8.

From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., shops and businesses around Padanaram will offer holiday-themed activities, events, and food. Twenty-two businesses have already signed up, with offerings ranging from snacks and giveaways to cookie decorating and ornament making.

At the corner of Elm and Bridge Streets, live entertainment, carolers, DJs, and performances by Dancer's Edge dancers will be offered, along with food from local restaurants and give-aways.

Anne Whiting Real Estate will host a meet-and-greet with the Grinch from 6 to 7 p.m., and Santa and his elves will arrive in the village at 6 p.m. Santa’s workshop will be set up at South Wharf with letters to Santa and ornament making.

Parking is available at the New Bedford Yacht Club, and free shuttle service will be provided from St. Mary’s Church to the festival.

For more information, and to view a complete listing of events, visit the Padanaram Business Association Facebook page, Facebook.com/PadanaramVillage.