BELLEFONTE — The holiday season is definitely one of the most magical times to live in Bellefonte. This year, old events and new events alike are slated in our downtown.
Now in its 37th year, the annual Bellefonte Victorian Christmas weekend kicks off on Friday, Dec. 7, with a traditional opening ceremony at the Centre County Courthouse.
“The hometown spirit and the love of the history and beautiful architecture of Bellefonte are an essential part of (Victorian Christmas’) longevity,” said Sally Houser, president of Historic Bellefonte Inc., which hosts the event. With each new generation the event sees “a renewed spirit,” Houser said, making it memorable for both Bellefonte residents and visitors.
Event highlights that weekend include “Fezziwig’s Holiday Party,” when the Fezziwig family requests your presence at a dinner party complete with theatrical performances; Dickens strolling characters, singers and musicians; arts and craft shows at two downtown locations; History-On-Wheels guided bus and homes tours; Victorian teas; and more.
A personal favorite activity during Victorian Christmas is a horse-drawn carriage ride through beautiful downtown Bellefonte.
For the first time this year, the Bellefonte Historic Railroad Society is hosting special Santa Speeder Train rides on Dec. 7 during the Victorian Christmas festivities from 5 to 9 p.m. Rides begin at the Bellefonte Train Station.
Friday through Sunday that same weekend, other events are happening around town as well.
New this year, an open-air winter market highlighting local makers and artisans will be held Dec. 8, from 3 to 9 p.m. on the Spring Creek Waterfront on the Lamb Street Bridge. The event, Bellefonte Under the Lights: Winter Market, is free and will feature local craft beverage producers selling wintertime favorites, a s’mores station and more. Make a season wish on the Wishing Tree during your visit. This event is hosted by Downtown Bellefonte Inc., Bellefonte’s newly revitalized, economic development-driven organization.
Local artisans will be displaying and selling their works all through December at the Bellefonte Art Museum of Centre County, which always has free admission. This year’s holiday show and sale is called “Color Your World,” and features hundreds of handcrafted items and fine art created by more than 50 artists. Stop by and visit the display and in addition, check out the new Twiga Museum Store.
On Saturday, Dec. 8, kids can participate in an ornament craft activity at the Centre County Library on Allegheny Street, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. At 10:30 a.m., there will be a reading of “The Polar Express.” And, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the same day, the Centre County Library Historical Museum hosts free tours of its 204-year-old building and museum, where you’ll be able to take photos with Mrs. Claus and hear music played on an 1890 Steinway piano.
Throughout the season, don’t forget to shop locally in downtown Bellefonte. The downtown’s unique stores and friendly business owners make it the perfect place to find gifts this year.
