Ashland Christmas Tree Returns After Two Years

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Schuylkill County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

ASHLAND, PA — It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in downtown Ashland with the return of the borough tree during the weekend.

The tree was not placed for the past two holidays due to safety concerns after high wind caused two trees to fall — fortunately, without injuries.

The tree placement is sponsored by the Ashland Rotary Club.

The Christmas tree is a major part of the holiday décor of the downtown, joining the many lighted decorations and Christmas banners placed by the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Christmas tree project, along with the annual Santa Claus visit and parade, was a long-standing tradition of the Ashland Kiwanis Club. When the Kiwanis disbanded in 2007, the Rotary club picked up the tree and parade projects.

Read more: http://republicanherald.com/news/ashland-christmas-tree-returns-after-two-years-1.1792596

Wilkes-Barre Christmas Parade 2014

Wilkes-Barre Announces Annual Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Luzerne County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

WILKES-BARRE, PA — The City of Wilkes-Barre has announced plans for this year’s annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony.

The city will kick off the holiday season on Nov. 22 with a full day of downtown events, concluding with the arrival of Santa in the annual parade, followed by the lighting of the Christmas tree on Public Square.

“The City of Wilkes-Barre’s Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting ceremony is the perfect way to bring the holiday season to life in downtown Wilkes-Barre,” Mayor Thomas M. Leighton said in a news release. “We are thrilled to offer many free family friendly activities for the young and young-at-heart to enjoy throughout the day.”

Festivities will begin at 11:30 a.m. with storytelling by Mrs. Claus at Barnes & Noble on South Main Street.

Read more: http://www.timesleader.com/news/local-news-news/50673067/

Chillin’ On Main In Boyertown

Macy’s Exits As Lead Sponsor Of Pittsburgh’s Holiday Parade

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

Department store operator Macy’s has pulled out as lead sponsor of Pittsburgh’s holiday parade kicking off the Christmas season, ending a 32-year relationship with the event.

The change was announced this morning by WPXI-TV, which said it is seeking a new sponsor to help support the event.

“We will do everything in our power to keep this parade alive, and we fully expect to,” said Ray Carter, vice president and general manager of the station, in a prepared statement.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/business/2014/02/27/Macy-s-exits-as-lead-sponsor-of-Pittsburgh-s-holiday-parade/stories/201402270254#ixzz2uYsJr8AQ

Santa Express Brings A Little Christmas Magic To Bellefonte

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

BELLEFONTE, PA — Dressed as Rudolph this weekend, Mike Hawbaker made his way through the train cars of the Santa Express.

During one of the 11 trips, Hawbaker approached a small child, who gave the costume-clad volunteer a small piece of paper. The child had hand drawn a little picture of the reindeer and wanted to give it to the red-nosed Christmas staple.

“That’s why we do this,” Hawbaker said, smiling as he looked at the drawing.

The annual event is a joint effort among the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority, the Nittany and Bald Eagle Railroad and the Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society, train owner Jeff Pontius said. He also organizes similar events in Williamsport, Bloomsburg and Sunbury.

Read more here: http://www.centredaily.com/2013/12/22/3954871/santa-express-brings-a-little.html#storylink=cpy

After Philly’s Running Of The Santas, A Tragic Death

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Philadelphia County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

HE LAST SUIT Adam Herr wore was an outward expression of the ideals he embodied – joy, generosity and love.

The last suit Adam Herr wore was a Santa Claus suit.

Herr, 24, of Lebanon, Pa., was in Philadelphia for the annual Running of the Santas on Saturday when somehow, about 10:25 p.m., he found himself in costume and on foot on Interstate 95 South near the I-676 interchange.

Motorist Augustine Bangura, 27, of Philadelphia, was also on I-95 at the same spot at the same time, State Police said. Apparently he did not see Herr or his red suit.

Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20131209_After_Philly_s_Running_of_the_Santas__a_tragedy.html#Soa0zLfdrT4BTO5b.99

Bellefonte Victorian Christmas A Holiday Wonderland

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

Step into the holiday wonderland of the 32nd Annual Bellefonte Victorian Christmas, but watch out for some of its characters.

They may be stepping around you.

Charles Dickens, Ebenezer Scrooge, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Cratchet and the Fezziwigs will return to Bellefonte in all their festive sartorial splendor to stroll around and greet visitors during the Dec. 12-15 celebration.

They’re among the many attractions scheduled for the traditional holiday extravaganza organized by the Bellefonte Historical and Cultural Association. Carolers, arts and crafts vendors, concerts, horse-drawn carriage rides, gingerbread houses, visits with Santa and more await to put even the biggest Scrooge in a holiday mood.

Read more here: http://www.centredaily.com/2013/11/29/3911255/victorian-christmas-a-holiday.html#storylink=cpy

Scranton Santa Parade Slated For Saturday

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Lackawanna County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Floats, balloons, marching bands and even a horse-drawn carriage will lead Santa Claus into Scranton this weekend as the Santa Parade once again spreads holiday cheer throughout the city.

Organizers wanted to make the parade bigger and better this year, and it certainly has grown. Stepping off Saturday at 9 a.m., the 21st annual parade will boast at least 20 floats, double the number it typically has. More participants will make the parade more enjoyable, said Mike Gallacher, vice president of finance for Santa Parade Inc.

“The parade’s always great because there’s always great entertainment, but we’re going to have more variety this year,” he said.

This is the first year Santa Parade Inc. organized the parade rather than the Scranton Jaycees, the planner for many years, after members of the Jaycees decided to spin off the parade off into its own group. Jaycees members “age out” of the group when they turn 41, and a lot of people – Mr. Gallacher included – were nearing that milestone and did not want to see the parade dissipate, he said.

Read more: http://thetimes-tribune.com/lifestyles/santa-parade-slated-for-saturday-1.1588844

Reading Gets In The Holiday Spirit With Parade On Saturday

Reading, PA – You won’t want to miss the big-time addition to this year’s Holiday Parade in downtown Reading on Saturday. And when we say big, we mean big!

Snowflakes the Snowman will be the first-ever huge helium balloon to hover along the parade route. Measuring 50 feet high and 22 feet wide, Snowflakes will be holding a large bright-blue snow star in his right glove as he makes his way down Penn Street on Saturday morning.

The annual parade will start at 9 a.m. at 11th Street and proceed down Penn Street to Second Street. Free parking will be available at all Reading Parking Authority garages except the Poplar and Walnut garage.

In addition to the debut of Snowflakes, a second, smaller helium balloon in the shape of an antique ornament will be part of the procession, according to Charles R. “Chuck” Broad, executive director of the Downtown Improvement District, which is coordinating the parade.

Read more: http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=519726

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.