This year, visit Schuylkill County for festive holiday happening that have become traditions for the entire community. And who knows? They just might become a yearly tradition as part of your holiday celebrations, too. Whether you’re interested in shopping, handcrafted beverages and arts, beautiful light displays or family fun outside, we’ve got you covered!

Vino and Twinkling Christmas Lights Pair Well Together at Lighting of the Vineyard

Benigna’s Creek Vineyard and Winery have been decorating their vineyard to create an awesome holiday event for the past twenty-three years. The winery, located in Klingerstown amidst rolling mountains, is home to two delightful evenings of holiday fun for all ages. You’ll be enchanted by 2.5 acres of grape vines trimmed in lights. You might even see them “dance” to holiday music.

I cannot tell you how many times I have attended this beautiful event. First with my own kids and later with my grandkids. It is blissful each and every time. This year’s event is being held November 25-26 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. It features new Christmas light displays, live nativity animals, tractor rides through the vineyard, campfires, homemade food, and of course, wine! The award-winning Hessian Red and Traminette will definitely become favorites in your repertoire. This is an outdoor evening event held rain, snow, or shine. Be sure to dress accordingly. Advanced ticket sales available now.

Get in the Holiday Spirit with Live Music, Carriage Rides, Carolers and Donkeys at Explore Schuylkill Holiday at Pioneer Evergreen Farms

Explore Schuylkill Holiday at Pioneer Evergreen Farms in Orwigsburg is another popular event that is quickly becoming a local tradition. It is planned for Saturday, November 26 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in picturesque Pioneer Evergreen Farms evergreen fields.

This holiday event features free horse and carriage rides from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. There are cozy fire pits with s’mores kits. Santa will be in his sleigh waiting to hear your Christmas wishes! The M&J Brass Trio will perform live from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Schuylkill Chorale Society Carolers will sing from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Cellar Beast Winehouse will be on hand all day. So will the friendly and festive donkey duo, Dominick and Matilda!

Stop by the Explore Schuylkill table to pick up a coupon for a free cookie and hot cocoa. This is an outdoor event that combines local talent and holiday traditions for all ages in a charming setting. It is free and open to the public. We have a Toys-for-Tots drop-off barrel for the day. Please consider a donation for those in need in our community.  Visit the event Facebook page for more details.

Traditional German Christkindlmarkt Full of Artisans, Holiday Music and Live Performances

Schuylkill County Council for the Arts’ 14th Annual Christkindlmarkt features holiday shopping at its finest. This year’s market, held inside the historic Yuengling Mansion in Pottsville, is slated for December 3-4. The Frank D. Yuengling Home was constructed in 1913 and is a fine example of early twentieth century Tudor-Jacobethan Revival architecture. It possesses a sense of grandeur that continues today.

The mansion is the perfect backdrop for a traditional German Christkindlmarkt. Enjoy the mansions decked halls, trimmed with the finest decorations by Pod and Petal. There will be plenty of holiday music and live performances, too. It is chock full of talented artisan vendors selling gorgeous handmade wares of every type. Admission is free. Hours are Saturday, December 3 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, December 4 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m..

Featured Image (Top) Courtesy of Schuylkill County Council for the Arts