The Coast Guard Idlers are returning once again to open the holiday season at the Griswold Inn, 36 Main Street in Essex on Thursday, Dec. 1. The month-long celebration has become a winter tradition not to be missed, according to General Manager Alan Barone.

“It really is just a time to eat, drink, and be merry, while enjoying a really skillful and talented a capella choir,” said Barone.

The group usually brings between 10 and 14 singers, and puts on a couple of performances, at 6:30 and 8 p.m.

“The event is very popular and the whole first seating has been booked for about a month,” said Barone. “The second seating still has a few openings, but we don’t expect that to be true for long.”

For those who can’t make it out the first night of the month, there are plenty of other opportunities to get into the festive spirit. Every night in December, except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day when the inn is closed, patrons can enjoy the holiday atmosphere, complete with wreaths, garlands, four fireplaces throughout the dining areas, wait-staff in traditional period costumes, and madrigal singers.

“The Royal Court Singers are a group of three to five singers who rotate around the tables in the dining rooms and sing traditional holiday songs, or people’s favorite songs,” said Barone. “They’ve been doing this with us for over 30 years now.”

Every night in December also includes a variety of late night musical entertainment in the bar.

“It began as just a bit of holiday fun, but people really enjoy the ‘old inn’ atmosphere in December. We see a lot of people who game with their grandparents back in the day who now are bringing their own children, so it really has become a community tradition,” continued Barone.

Adding to that sense of tradition and reaching back to the past is the special holiday menu, featuring four different types of game per night, in addition to their more regular offerings.

“It’s a real fun throwback to days of old at the Gris,” said Barone. “It’s just the ideal way to celebrate the holidays.”