Bellefonte’s Victorian Christmas

Counties constituting the Happy Valley Region of Pennsylvania (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Editor’s note:  This is a great example of taking your strengths and maximizing them!

BELLEFONTE – This weekend you will find Bellefonte full of activity everywhere you look; it is the 31st annual Victorian Christmas. There will be something for everyone. Just some of the highlights are a Breakfast With Santa, arts and crafts at three locations, carriage rides, the home tour, walking tours and wonderful concerts.

The event’s opening ceremony is Friday at the Bellefonte Elementary School at 6:30 p.m.. featuring the Bellefonte Community Band, the Nittany Knights, the Bellefonte Elementary School fourth and Fifth Grade Choir, middle school Women’s Chorale, St. John’s Elementary School Choir, and other special performances including a preview performance of “Dickens’ Holiday.”

Mayor Kent Addis will officially open the event.

This year the Bellefonte Historic and Cultural Association offers historic walking tours downtown on both Saturday and Sunday.  The tours meet at 2 p.m. at the courthouse both days.

Read more:   http://www.lockhaven.com/page/content.detail/id/542378/Bellefonte-s-Victorian-Christmas.html?nav=5164

‘Hometown Holiday’ Turns Season Green In Pottstown

POTTSTOWN, PA — There’s a lot of money to be made, a lot of money to be spent and a lot of money to be won in downtown Pottstown this year as part of the “Hometown Holiday Celebration” planned by the Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority.

The money to be made and spent obviously involves shopping in local stores, but you probably want to know more about how the money can be won.

Well, there are two ways.  The first is an innovative raffle idea called “Five at $25.”

For $25, shoppers buy a raffle ticket at selected locations and spend $25 in four different participating downtown stores. Return the raffle ticket to the PDIDA offices on North Hanover Street with receipts attached and you’re eligible to win three prizes — $2,000, $1,000 and $500 in gift cards.

Read more:  http://www.pottsmerc.com/article/20121119/NEWS01/121119369/-hometown-holiday-turns-season-green-in-borough

Breakfast With Santa At Pottstown YMCA

Christmas in the post-War United States (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Freedom Valley YMCA at Pottstown, 724 North Adams Street, will host Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, November 24^th from 8 to 11 am.   Santa’s making his list and checking it twice, so plan to share a pancakes & sausage breakfast with Jolly Ole St. Nick.   Proceeds benefit the YMCA’s Seahawk National Swim Team.  Photos ops with Santa will also be available.

Tickets are available at the Y in advance or at the door – $3 for ages 3-11; $5 for ages 12 and older and children under 3 eat free.

For more information, call 610.323.7300 orwww.fvymca.org.

Pittsburgh Ready To Light Up The Night

A map of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with its neighborhoods labeled. For use primarily in the list of Pittsburgh neighborhoods. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Pittsburgh police are hoping Light Up Night revelers will avoid the buzz kill of a parking ticket or trip to the tow pound.

They are recommending extra caution tonight for those who drive to the festivities.  Because several parking meters have been removed and replaced with kiosks, the temporary “no parking” signs might not be as in-your-face as when they were attached to each meter.  They recommend that visitors park in lots or garages rather than on the streets.

As an added precaution, they are urging visitors not to leave valuables like iPods, laptops or GPS devices within sight in their vehicles.

“The holiday season is upon us and there are predators who seek the opportunity to vandalize vehicles when they observe unsecured valuables left in plain view,” said police spokeswoman Diane Richard.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-city/city-ready-to-light-up-the-night-662359/#ixzz2CP2kXJyz

More Light Up Night info here:

http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/life/lifestyle/downtown-will-be-packed-again-for-light-up-weekend-662083/

Reading Holiday Parade This Saturday, November 17th

Christmas in the post-War United States (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

About 3,500 proud participants will march down Penn Street this Saturday in the Reading Holiday Parade, presented by the Downtown Improvement District.

The Reading Police Honor Guard will lead the parade as it kicks off at 9 a.m. from City Park at 11th and Penn streets.  The Reading High School Marching Band will be the first of 10 school bands to fill the air with music.

When the parade arrives at Fifth and Penn streets, it will stop briefly while Mayor Vaughn D. Spencer lights the Christmas tree and the Menorah.  Then the parade will continue to its conclusion at Second and Penn streets.

“We expect more than 11,000 spectators,” said Barb Tarczynski, who celebrates her 25th year as parade chairperson this year.

Read more: http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=427904

Upper St. Clair Couple Create A Christmas Wonderland

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“Everybody comes in and says that they just can’t believe it,” she said proudly.

The trees are a beautiful sight to behold. Every room has a tree that befits the traditional decor of their home. In the entry hall, a spiral topiary-style tree is festooned with red and gold tapestry ribbon, glazed fruit and more. Packaged gifts in red paper and gold foil ribbon surround a classic Santa who is busily checking his pocket watch for the countdown to the big day. Lush swags of dried fruit and ribbon adorn the staircase.

Mrs. Wilson explained that each tree offers a hint of what’s to come in the next room. On her carefully planned tour, the next stop is the family room, whose tree has a woodland theme. Burgundy poinsettias, mini-birdhouses, charming birds, bird nests and tapestry ribbon fill the branches. The creche takes center stage beneath the boughs and an old-fashioned sleigh sits close by, filled with presents. A grand oak mantel is swagged with more ribbon, pine cones and stockings while the fireplace burns brightly within. Even the artwork on the wall is changed out, with holiday scenes of sleighs and Santas.

Read the full article: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11351/1197459-30-0.stm#ixzz1gr0nEICm

Downingtown Christmas Parade And Coatesville Historic District House Tours This Weekend

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The Downingtown Christmas Parade will start at 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 10th and will run along Lancaster Avenue.  For more information,  call 610-269-4203 or visit their website www.dtownchristmas.com

The Coatesville Lukens Historic District Holiday House Tour will take place today, December 9th from 4pm to 7pm.  The event is free.  Donations are requested.  For more information, call 610-384-9282 or check out their website www.lukensnhd.org.

Brunch With Santa At The Elmwood Park Zoo In Norristown

If you live in the area and have little ones who still believe in Santa, you can head on over to the Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown on December 11^th, 17^th or 18^th and have some holiday family fun!

The holiday event features food, zoo admission, entertainment and pictures with Santa for $25.00 per adult and $15 per child.

The menu includes scrambled eggs, an omelet station, French toast, Belgian waffles, Chicken Primavera, eye of round roast and much more!

The zoo is located on Harding Boulevard in Norristown.  Reservations are required!  Call (610) 277-3825, ext. 241 or click here www.elmwoodparkzooevents.wordpress.com

City Of Wilkes-Barre Christmas Parade, Saturday, November 19th

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If you love Christmas, and all things associated with it, the place to be tomorrow is Wilkes-Barre.  Saturday, November 19th is the Wilkes-Barre Christmas parade plus a fun-filled day of holiday activities in the city.  The best part of all is that it is FREE!

The fun starts at 10am with the showing of A Christmas Story at Movies 14, downtown.  If you bring an unwrapped toy to benefit Toys for Tots, you get in FREE!

From noon until 1pm, you can enjoy a free Christmas concert by the King’s College Cantores Christi Regis Singers in the lobby of the Ramada, also downtown.

At 12:30pm, for those who aren’t in the mood for a concert, there is Storytelling at Barnes & Noble.  You can meet Mrs. Claus and enjoy a Christmas story.

At 1:30pm there is a concert at the F.M. Kirby Center.  The YOUniveristy Suzuki Strings will be playing in the lobby.  Come out and show your support for these young people!

At 2:00pm there is a Christmas Carol sing-a-long on Public Square.

From 2:00pm until 6pm there will be holiday face painting on Public  Square.   That will cost you $5.00 per face

At 3:15pm the main event begins.   The Christmas Parade featuring Santa, floats, music and tons of fun begins at South and S. Main Street.  There are four divisions this year.

Immediately after the parade, there will be a tree lighting ceremony on Public Square.  There will be photos with Santa for $5.00 to benefit Valley Santa, courtesy of Boscov’s.  There will also be complimentary (free) hot chocolate from the Salvation Army and the Wilkes-Barre Lion’s Club.

The Downtown Wilkes-Barre Business Association sponsored a window decorating contest this year (Window Wonderland) and over 40 businesses have decorated their windows to add even more holiday spirit to this year’s event!

It’s Christmas time in the city!

More Pottstown Area Holiday Events Coming This Weekend

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Funky Santa 5K Run – The Brick House is sponsoring a 5K run and 5K relay this Sunday, December 12^th at 9:15 a.m.  Registration is from 7:30 a.m. until 9:00 a.m.  Click below for all the details: http://events.allaroundphilly.com/pottstown-pa/events/show/153161905-funky-santa-5k-run

 

Pottstown Hometown Holiday Celebration continues this Friday, December 10^th from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. in downtown Pottstown.  Click here for info: http://www.downtownpottstown.org/

 

Music at Emmanuel: Coventry Singers – Sunday, December 12^th at 4:00 p.m., Emmanuel Lutheran Church, corner of Hanover & Walnut Sts., Pottstown.  The concert will feature music of the season.  For more information: http://www.zvents.com/pottstown-pa/events/show/141102985-music-at-emmanuel-coventry-singers# 

 

Christmas in Birdsboro – Saturday, December 11^th from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Fun for your entire family!  More info:  http://www.birdsboropa.org/PDF/DatedEvents/ChristmasBirdsboro-2010.pdf

 

A Christmas Wonderland: Ocean City Theatre Company at Owen J. Roberts High School Auditorium, Friday, December 10^th at 7:30 p.m.  Billed as a family musical review, this is a one night only appearance in the Pottstown area.  Tickets are $12.00 for adults and $10.00 student/child.  For more information: http://ojrhs.ojrsd.com/modules/cms/announce.phtml?sessionid=a64d4c566a9dee9910d4fbf5f764e4df&sessionid=a64d4c566a9dee9910d4fbf5f764e4df  (Scroll down the page about half way)

 

A Christmas Carol: The Musical - Tri-County Performing Arts Center in downtown Pottstown.  Performances continue all weekend.  Info: http://www.tripac.org

 

The Historic Pottstown Neighborhood Association is proud to sponsor its annual holiday house tour, Historic Pottstown by Candlelight on Sunday, December 12, 2010. 

This event showcases some of Pottstown’s most treasured architectural wonders both on the outside of these properties as well as their interiors.  Come and enjoy our tour to see what Pottstown has saved from the past and kept for the future.

$12.00 Ticket includes:

Victorian Tea presented by the Doe Club, Pottstown Elks from noon – 2pm                                                        All homes and buildings on the tour are open from 1pm – 6pm 
Model train display
Free trolley transportation for all ticket holders
Free refreshments to ticket holders

For ticket information or if you are interested in having your home open for our annual holiday house tour, please contact Sue Krause at (610) 323-2229.

Fast Eddie’s Crib Open For Christmas Tours

If you live in the Harrisburg area or feel like taking a drive, the Pennsylvania Governor’s mansion is lavishly decorated for Christmas and open to the public.  There is live music and entertainment.  Santa will even stop by.  Check this link for dates and times the mansion is open for tours.

There are 15 pictures to check out as well.

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2010/12/governors_residence_open_for_h.html

Pottstown Area Holiday Happenings – This Weekend

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“A Christmas Carol – The Musical” opens Friday, December 3rd at the Tri-County Performing Arts Center in downtown Pottstown.  For more information click on this link http://www.tripac.org

Daniel Boone Middle School 29th Annual Holiday Craft Show runs this Saturday and Sunday, December 4th and 5th from 9 am to 3 pm both days.  Parking and admission are FREE!!  For more information http://www.danielbooneoptimist.com

Glick’s Greenhouse, Once Upon A Holiday poinsettia show.  December 3rd (9-9), 4th (9-5) and 6th (9-9).  More info at http://www/glicksgreenhouse.com

Christmas at Joanna Furnace, December 3rd & 4th, 6 pm – 9 pm, December 5th, 6pm – 8 pm.   A Victorian Christmas celebration.  Click on http://www.haycreek.org/christmas_at_joanna.htm for more information.

Schuylkill Valley Regional Dance Company presents The Nutcracker, December 5th at 2 pm at the Hill School Center for the Arts.  Tickets are $20.00 for adults and $15.00 for students.  Tickets are available online at www.danceboxoffice.com For further information please call SVRDC at 484-941-0683 or visit our website at www.svrdc.org

Pottstown Hometown Holiday Celebration, starts today, December 3rd at 6 pm and continues every Friday in December.  For more information on all the free family fun click here:  http://www.downtownpottstown.org/

13th Annual Holiday Celebration – Intercourse PA

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If you enjoy all things Lancaster County and Christmas in a small town atmosphere, the Village of Intercourse is the place to be this weekend.  Live music, children’s activities, food, crafts, live Nativity, a presentation of Charles Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol“, Santa and more!

Festivities start this weekend (December 4, 2010).  Click on the link below to see the calendar of events.  I would suggest perusing the rest of the website to learn more!

http://www.intercoursevillage.com/events.php?ID=9#anchor

Wilkes-Barre Christmas Parade Scheduled For Saturday

The annual Wilkes-Barre Christmas parade will take place this Saturday, November 20th.  The parade, which is part of a day full of activities, will start at 3:15 p.m. at the corner of South and South Main Streets.

Other events include a Christmas Carol sing-a-long, story-telling for kids and the tree lighting ceremony on Public Square after the parade.

It’s Christmas time in the city!

Dutch Winter Wonderland Opens This Saturday, November 20th

Dutch Wonderland reopens this Saturday as Dutch Winter Wonderland for selected weekends and a few weekdays.  Dutch Wonderland is conveniently located on Route 30 East in Lancaster.

Click here for all the information:

http://www.dutchwonderland.com/events/winter_wonderland/index.php

Harrisburg Holiday Parade Slated For This Saturday

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The annual Harrisburg Holiday Parade will take place in downtown Harrisburg on Saturday, November 20th.

The parade starts on City Island at 10 a.m., then travels over the Market Street bridge into downtown Harrisburg.

The parade, which marks the beginning of the Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year’s Day holiday season, will feature an appearance by Santa Claus, commercial floats, marching bands, giant helium balloons and specialty units.

If you are looking for some family fun this Saturday, check out the Harrisburg Holiday Parade.

Fleetwood High School Craft Show This Saturday!

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You are cordially invited to attend the 5th Annual Fleetwood Craft Show.

Date: Saturday, November 20, 2010

Place: Fleetwood Area High School

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Admission: FREE

Over100 vendors that will have their crafts and products for sale!  Come get a head start on some holiday shopping!

Food can be purchased at the concession stand. 

Children can have their picture taken with Santa!

Downtown Pottstown Christmas/Holiday Event Schedule

Please click on the link below to see all the exciting activities that will be taking place in downtown Pottstown during the December “holiday” season:

http://www.downtownpottstown.org/