BELLEFONTE — It doesn’t get any better than Bellefonte Victorian Christmas.
Victorian Christmas is a tradition unlike any other. After taking 2020 off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it returned in full force in 2021, celebrating its 40th anniversary.
2022 marks year No. 41 for the holiday tradition.
If you’ve never been to Victorian Christmas, it’s surely a bucket list item. It’s like a Hallmark Christmas movie come to life. For three days, Bellefonte turns into a winter wonderland. Everything kicks off with opening ceremonies at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9. After that, Victorian Christmas is off and running.
No matter what you’re looking for, chances are that you can find it during the three-day event.
There are the horse-drawn carriage rides, arts and crafts, food, games, entertainment and, of course, Santa Claus.
The horse-drawn carriage rides are one of the most popular events that take place at Victorian Christmas. Enjoy a trip back in time as you and your family tour the streets of Bellefonte in a horse-drawn carriage.
Rides will depart from the Brockerhoff House at 105 S. Allegheny St., weather permitting. Rides are just $15 and reservations are recommended. To reserve a ride, contact Melissa at melissa.hershey@gmail.com.
There are special events just for the kids. On Saturday, breakfast with Santa takes place from 8:30 a.m. until 11 a.m., at Faith United Methodist Church, 512 Hughes St. In addition to breakfast with Santa, there will be free crafts and activities for the kids, including Chip Mock caricatures and a puppet show by Adam Swartz. Tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. Tickets will be available at the door.
Also on Saturday, there is a Victorian children’s tea party at the Little House. This event features a light lunch and teatime treats while listening to stories of Christmas past. Cost is $15 for children and $10 for adults. There will be beverages, finger sandwiches, fresh fruit and dessert. The tea party times are 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. To reserve your spot, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/victorian-christmas-childrens-tea-tickets-413097845777
Not everything is for the kids, however. On Friday, “A Christmas Cordial” will be held from 8:45 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. at State Burger, 101 S. Allegheny St. Following the Community Choir concert, adults are invited to raise a glass of Christmas cheer to celebrate the season. “A Christmas Cordial” is new and seats are limited. Music will be provided by Jay Zimmerman Jazz.
In addition to music, there will be local craft beverages and some hors d’oeuvres.
If arts and crafts are your thing, head to the Bellefonte YMCA to pick up some holiday gifts and handmade ornaments to trim your tree.
Of course, Victorian Christmas wouldn’t be Victorian Christmas without the Dickens characters. Theatrical producer Brian Belge has assembled a troupe of professional performers to entertain on the streets of Bellefonte. They will walk through the streets of Bellefonte caroling, storytelling and making magic happen. Don’t be surprised if they stop and interact with your family.
Finally, Bellefonte stores and restaurants will be open for business and offering all sorts of holiday specials. So, if you are looking for a last-minute gift or just want to grab a bite to eat, head to Bellefonte from Dec. 9 through Dec. 11.For more information about Bellefonte Victorian Christmas, visit www.bellefontevictorianchristmas.com.
Victorian Christmas Odds and Ends
If you are headed to Bellefonte Victorian Christmas from Dec. 9-11, here are some odds and ends you need to know:
FESTIVAL OF TREES
Although the Festival of Trees isn’t right downtown, it’s worth checking out. It will take place at the Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology, 540 N. Harrison Road in Pleasant Gap. It runs Friday from 4 to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children 12 and under.
GINGERBREAD HOUSES
An assortment of gingerbread houses will be on display at the Diamond Deli. The annual contest features some of the area’s most creative minds and their gingerbread creations.
MUSIC, MUSIC AND MORE
There will plenty of music during Bellefonte Victorian Christmas. On Friday, the Brass Choir will perform as well as the Children’s Choir. Jay Zimmerman Jazz performs at State Burger to close out the first night.
On Saturday, the Christmas Concert Crawl takes place. Finally, on Sunday, the Bellefonte Community Band performs at Bellefonte Area High School.
ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOW
If you are looking for a last-minute gift, look no further than the arts and crafts show, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday at the Bellefonte YMCA and Bellefonte Elementary School. Handmade gifts designed by artists, artisans and crafters will be on display for purchase.
WINTER MARKET
Speaking of last-minute gifts, the Winter Market will have more gifts to choose from on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Talleyrand Park. The Winter Market was a great success last year and is back for another go-round in 2022.
Schedule
FRIDAY, DEC. 9
Noon-4:30 p.m. — The Makery activities at Bellefonte Art Museum, 133 N. Allegheny St.
4-7 p.m. — Festival of Trees, CPI, 540 N. Harrison Road 6 p.m. — Brass Choir, outside St. John’s Catholic Church, 134 E. Bishop St.
6:30 p.m. — Prelude music by Children’s Choir, St. John’s Catholic Church, 134 E. Bishop St.
7 p.m. — “Cutthroat Christmas,” an interactive murder mystery, Titan Hollow, 2042 Axemann Road
5-7 p.m. — Horse-drawn carriage rides, departing from Brockerhoff House, 105 S. Allegheny St. (reservations are recommended)
8:45-10:30 p.m. — A Christmas Cordial (ticketed event), State Burger, 101 S. Allegheny St.
SATURDAY, DEC. 10
8:30-11 a.m. — Breakfast with Santa and children’s activities, Faith United Methodist Church, 512 Hughes St.
9 a.m. — Children’s tea party at the Little House
9 a.m.-5 p.m. — Arts and crafts show, Bellefonte YMCA and Bellefonte Elementary School
9 a.m.-6 p.m. — Festival of Trees, CPI
10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Holiday Cookie Crawl
10 a.m.-Noon — Photos with Santa Paws, Bellefonte Library
10:30 a.m. — Storytime, “The Polar Express,” Bellefonte Library
10 a.m. -3:30 p.m. — Self-guided house and museum tours, Bellefonte Historical Museum, 203 N. Allegheny St. Features piano performances throughout the day, James F. Byrnes’ hand-blown glass ornaments and Mrs. Claus’ bakery
11 a.m-4 p.m. — Downtown Holiday Concert Crawl and street performances
11 a.m-3 p.m. — Horse-drawn carriage rides, departing from Brockerhoff House, 105 S. Allegheny St. (reservations are recommended)
11:45 a.m. — Santa Claus arrives at Centre County Courthouse
Noon-4 p.m. — Santa house open on the Diamond
Noon-4:30 p.m. — The Makery activities at Bellefonte Art Museum, 133 N. Allegheny St.
Noon and 3 p.m. — Victorian high teas (held at various bed and breakfasts, reservations required)
Noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. — Storytelling at the Speakeasy with Matt Maris, Gamble Mill
6:30 p.m. — Fezzwig’s Holiday Party, St. John the Evangelist Catholic School, 116 E. Bishop St. (ticketed event)
7 p.m. — “Cutthroat Christmas,” an interactive murder mystery, Titan Hollow, 2042 Axemann Road
SUNDAY, DEC. 11
10 a.m.-4 p.m. — Bellefonte Winter Market, Talleyrand Park Noon-4:30 p.m. — The Makery activities, Bellefonte Art Museum
1 p.m. — Victorian high teas (held at various bed and breakfasts, reservations required)
2 p.m. — Bellefonte Community Band concert at Bellefonte Area High School auditorium
4 p.m. — “Angels, Dreams and Visions,” Christmas musical at Faith United Methodist Church, 512 Hughes St.
This story appears in the Dec. 1-7, 2022 edition of The Centre County Gazette.
