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Christmas Magic Comes to Life in NEPA’s Countryside
Christmas is already in the air in the Endless Mountains, from our glittering, frost-covered forests to the festive glow of lights along our downtown streets. Here in the mountains, the snowy scenery and small-town charm can make it feel like we’re living in a Christmas movie.
The Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, in partnership with the Bradford County Tourism Promotion Agency, has once again created “An Endless Mountains Christmas,” a brochure of holiday events and activities throughout the region. This year is bigger than ever with nearly 60 events happening now through New Year’s. Gather up your family and check out these highlights.
Attend a Christmas Festival
Our local Christmas festivals are sure to get you in the holly jolly spirit. On December 1 and 2, historic downtown Tunkhannock will turn into a winter wonderland during Christmas in Our Hometown. This old-fashioned celebration includes a Santa Parade, an annual tree lighting, horse-drawn wagon rides, ice carvings, and so much more.
To find the perfect gift, head to the Factoryville Christmas Market on December 1 through 3. This outdoor, European-style market features over 40 local vendors and artisans at Christy Mathewson Park. Not to mention, they’ll have a children’s wonderland, music, pictures with Santa, carriage rides, and other activities to keep the family busy all day long.
Christmas in Montrose will put on an entire weekend of festive fun on December 1 through 3. Stroll around town to check out local vendors, live entertainment, tasty treats, photo ops, and more. Keep an eye out for the Grinch—he’ll be stirring up trouble with several Dr. Seuss-inspired activities on Saturday.
If you’re looking for a short day trip, don’t miss Christmas in Dushore on December 9. The fun starts bright and early with breakfast with Santa, followed by a cookie walk, carolers, artisan vendors, an ugly sweater contest, a s’mores station, live entertainment, and more. It all leads up to the tree lighting and light parade in the evening.
See the Lights
One of the biggest Christmas light shows in NEPA is the Festival of Lights at Stone Hedge Golf Course in Tunkhannock. This drive-through display is over two and a half miles long and takes months just to set up. You’ll spot dozens of themed displays, two awe-inspiring tunnels, forests wrapped in lights, and more. The Festival of Lights opens on November 22 and continues every night through December 31 (excluding Christmas Eve).
For even more lights, take a scenic country drive to the Sullivan County Fairgrounds in Forksville. All will be merry and bright during their free light display from December 2 through December 9. Holiday vendors will also set up shop on Saturdays.
Gather for Family Fun
You’re never too old for Christmas magic. In the Endless Mountains, you’ll find events that will delight kids and adults alike.
On November 25 and 26, Old Saint Nick arrives in Tunkhannock for the annual Santa Train Rides. Families can board the train at Riverside Park and enjoy an eighty-minute trip along the Susquehanna. Advance tickets are suggested for this popular event.
At the Dietrich Theater in Tunkhannock, you can catch some of your favorite holiday movies on the big screen during the 12 Movies of Christmas. From December 1 through 14, they’re holding free showings of Christmas classics like Elf, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, The Polar Express, and more.
For a real country Christmas, head to Henningstead Organic Farm in Mehoopany. On December 10, they’re hosting Christmas on the Farm, a free event featuring visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, crafts, cookies and milk, a hay fort for the kids, and more.
Watch a Live Show
Live music and theatre bring the Christmas spirit to life onstage. For a showcase of local talent, grab a seat at the Tunkhannock Public Library’s Christmas Show on December 2 and 3. Or celebrate the joys of Christmas at the Montrose Bible Conference’s Carols by Candlelight Dinner Concert on December 8, featuring holiday gospel music by The Needhams.
On December 10, Keystone College’s Department of Performance Music will perform their Winter Holiday Concert. The show includes everything from classic carols to jazzy holiday tunes from the college’s bands and vocal groups. This event is free and open to the public with refreshments and children’s activities to follow.
Celebrate a Historic Holiday
Step back in time to experience the nostalgia of Christmas past. On December 1 through 3, you can explore Laceyville’s Oldest House during their Annual Christmas Tea. Originally built in the 1780s, this historic home includes three floors decorated from top to bottom. They’ll serve cookies and mulled cider daily, and a special concert will be held on Friday night.
Old Mill Village Church in New Milford will host a Victorian Christmas Tea on December 9. You’ll enjoy an afternoon of treats, tea, and hot chocolate. Try your luck at the silent auction—funds will help maintain the historic church.
Plan Your Endless Mountains Christmas
Don’t miss these events—and many more—going on this holiday season in the Endless Mountains. For more information, check out the annual Endless Mountains Christmas brochure. You can request a free copy online or by calling 570-836-5431. You can also pick one up at the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau at 5405 SR 6 in Tunkhannock. For a downloadable PDF version, visit the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau website.
Featured image (top) courtesy of Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau.
