Celebrating 42nd Year, Alternative Christmas Fair Honors the ‘True Spirit of Holiday Giving’

A Centre County holiday tradition will celebrate its 42nd year of honoring the spirit of the season by providing opportunities to give to charitable causes.

The Alternative Christmas Fair will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8, at University Baptist & Brethren Church (UBBC), 411 S. Burrowes St. in State College.

Shoppers will be able to visit with representatives of 31 charities and make donations in the names of their loved ones as gifts. They can then write down the names of the charities they wish to support and the amounts on a single sheet of paper. At checkout, UBBC provides donors with cards and envelopes they can give to friends and family showing a donation has been made in their name. All donations go to the designated charities.

Since the first Alternative Christmas Fair in 1982, the event has raised $992,078 for participating charities. This year, organizers anticipate it will eclipse the $1 million mark.

Sandwiches, soups and desserts will also be available for purchase during the fair.

Issuing a proclamation in November declaring Dec. 8, 2024 as Alternative Christmas Fair Day in the borough, State College Mayor Ezra Nanes said the event represents the “true spirit of holiday giving.”

“The Alternative Christmas Fair is a community-building gathering, a celebration of the wonderful services in Centre County, an opportunity for representatives of local charities to connect with other groups doing related work, one-stop holiday gift shopping for everyone, a delicious meal and a beloved State College tradition,” Nanes said.

For those who can’t attend in person, donations can be made online or by check through Dec. 22.