The Blanco Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with the Old Blanco County Courthouse Society, Keep Blanco Beautiful, local merchants, and lavender growers to encourage residents and visitors to “celebrate a hometown Christmas,” starting on Friday, November 27, and continuing throughout the holiday season at the Blanco Courthouse Square.

The holiday celebration features the Lavender Lights Christmas Market with more than 30 vendor booths, special entertainment, carriage rides, strolling carolers, an art show, and special visits by Santa.

In addition to the Lavender Lights Christmas Market, local merchants will serve refreshments and be open late for holiday shopping.

The Lavender Lights Christmas Market will open on Friday, November 27, 11am-8pm and Saturday, November 28, 9am– 6pm.

The traditional Christmas Parade will be held on December 12 at 10am, along with the Courthouse Holiday Market Day from 9am-4pm.

The courthouse will be lit in lavender and white from November 27 through New Year’s Day.

Several drawings will include the Blanco lavender cookbook, with more than 70 lavender-inspired recipes.

The Blanco Chamber of Commerce teamed up with Sibby Barrett of Onion Creek Kitchens at Juniper Hills Farm to create “The Local Flavor of Lavender” cookbook. The collection includes favorite recipes from chefs, caterers, and farmers in the Blanco area.

Culinary delights include chocolate-lavender mousse torte, grilled lavender chicken, lavender scones, and lavender powdered sugar.

The cookbook is available for $12 at the Blanco Chamber of Commerce.

Proceeds from the sale of the cookbook benefit Blanco Chamber of Commerce activities, including the Blanco Lavender Lights holiday celebration.

For more information, contact the Chamber at 830-833-5101 or send an email to info@blancochamber.com. Visit us on the web www.blancochamber.com or www.blancolavenderfestival.com.