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Celebrate Timeless Holiday Traditions in NEPA’s Countryside
Old-fashioned tree lightings, horse-drawn carriage rides and family trips to the Christmas tree farm might sound like scenes out of a Hallmark movie, but they’re all part of the real-life winter wonderland in the Endless Mountains of NEPA. The region’s historic towns and charming rural communities are where Christmas traditions come to life.
Join the fun this holiday season with “An Endless Mountains Christmas,” which promotes holiday events, attractions and deals throughout Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Wyoming counties. The Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, in partnership with the Bradford County Tourism Promotion Agency, has created a brochure and Facebook page to highlight the latest holiday happenings.
Now in its third year, “An Endless Mountains Christmas” is bigger and better than ever. Gather up the family and check out these highlights!
Small-Town Celebrations
In the Endless Mountains, our small towns boast some serious holiday spirit. Every year, local Christmas festivals bring music, vendors, parades and more to our historic downtown districts.
On December 2-4, Christmas in Montrose will host three full days of holly jolly fun. You’ll find live music, vendor villages, children’s activities and more all around town. Stop by the stunning Rosemont Inn Bed & Breakfast to admire their Festival of Trees and take free photos with Santa. And don’t miss popular events like the United Fire Company’s Parade of Lights on Friday night or the Jingle Bell 5K on Saturday morning.
Historic downtown Tunkhannock will hold Christmas in Our Hometown on December 2-3. On Friday night, part of Tioga Street will be closed to traffic, allowing visitors to stroll through the streets and check out local shops and restaurants. The Santa Parade will march through the heart of town and finish at the tree lighting at People’s Security Bank. The fun continues on Saturday with ice sculptures, music, horse-drawn wagon rides and a new vendor village.
On December 10, take a scenic country drive just outside of NEPA and visit Christmas in Dushore. The day is full of family fun like breakfast with Santa, a cookie swap, a tree decorating contest, a vendor fair, an ugly sweater contest and so much more. It all leads up to the tree lighting and Christmas parade on Main Street.
Festive Family Fun
No matter what age, you can’t resist a bit of Christmas magic. “An Endless Mountains Christmas” features plenty of activities that will bring the entire family together.
The Festival of Lights at Stone Hedge Golf Course in Tunkhannock is one of the can’t-miss events of the season. This drive-through Christmas light display is over two and a half miles long and features millions of lights. You’ll pass through forests of colorful trees, dozens of fun scenes and two enormous light tunnels. The show opens on November 23 and continues every night through December 31 (excluding Christmas Eve).
The Santa Train Rides in Tunkhannock are another favorite, especially for families with young children. On November 26-27, families can hop onboard the train at Riverside Park and take a ride along the Susquehanna. Saint Nick himself will stroll through the cars to meet and greet the kids.
And it just wouldn’t be Christmas without watching your favorite holiday movies. The Dietrich Theater in Tunkhannock is bringing back their beloved 12 Movies of Christmas. From December 2-15, they’ll offer free showings of classic holiday films. Don’t miss favorites like Elf and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, just to name a few!
Local Shopping
In the Endless Mountains, our downtown streets are lined with local shops and family-run businesses. You’re sure to find the perfect, one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list.
Even on our rural backroads, you’ll discover plenty of hidden gems. On November 25-27, hit the road for Christmas in the Country. This self-guided tour will lead you to 16 gift shops, artisan studios, antique stores, farm markets and more throughout Lawton and Auburn.
On December 2-4, the annual Factoryville Christmas Market will bring the spirit of Europe’s holiday markets to NEPA. Over 45 local vendors and artisans will set up shop in Christy Mathewson Park.
Plan Your Endless Mountains Christmas
Don’t miss out on these events—and many more—going on this holiday season in the Endless Mountains. For more information, check out our annual “Endless Mountains Christmas” brochure. You can request a free copy on the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau’s website or by calling (570) 836-5431. Or you’re welcome to stop by our Visitors Center at 5405 State Route 6 in Tunkhannock. We’re open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
You can also follow along online. Visit endlessmountains.org for a full listing of holiday events and deals, and check out An Endless Mountains Christmas on Facebook.
Featured Image (Top) Courtesy of Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau
