Dec. 4
Gingerbread House Teen Workshop
Teens in grades 6 to 12 are invited to the Sun Room at Schlow Library, 211 S. Allen St., State College to create gingerbread houses. Supplies are provided. Register in advance.
Gingerbread House Madness
Moshannon Valley YMCA will host children from Pre-K through 5th grade to decorate their own gingerbread house from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Each child will receive their own gingerbread house to decorate. Cookies and hot chocolate will be provided. For more information, contact Sydney White at swhite@ymcaocc.org. Members: $17 Non-Members: $23
Dec. 5
Lemont Christmas Market
The 15th annual Lemont Christmas Market, a German-style “Weihnachtsmarkt” indoor and outdoor market event features an entire holiday experience including local vendors, Santa on Saturday afternoon, bratwursts, treats, marshmallows by a campfire, beverages, good spirits, and children’s activities It’s a great destination to Shop Local and find the perfect, unique gift for everyone including teachers, mothers-in-laws, children, babysitters, and friends. There are many returning vendors.The event runs Friday, Dec. 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at The Granary, 133 Mt. Nittany Road, Lemont.
First Friday
Experience the cool vibe of downtown State College at the MLK PLaza from 5 to 8 p.m. during the monthly First Friday events. A casual atmosphere features art, people-watching, mingling with friends, shopping, and dining at the diverse and delectable State College restaurants. First Friday goers will experience after-hours access to galleries and shops, free bites and beverages, live music, retail and restaurant specials, and more. And there’s free parking in the Pugh, Fraser and Beaver garages with validations from participating
merchants.
Candlelight Tours
Return to the Columbus Chapel & Boal Mansion Museum in Boalsburg for the holidays. Candlelight Tours invite you to take a full tour of the Boal Mansion & the Columbus Chapel. See it anew with soft, nostalgic lights and a Christmas cheer decked throughout the halls. Tour start time is 2 p.m. — dress warmly for the weather! Starts Friday at 2 p.m. and ends Saturday at 4:30 p.m. No reservations needed.
Free Trolley Rids
Come to the downtown district during First Friday on Dec. 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. as well as from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 6 to soak in the season. Hop aboard for a peaceful loop through downtown and enjoy the beautifully lit trees, sparkling holiday lights, and festive decorations displayed by many of our local businesses. About halfway through the ride, come upon the Enchanted Forest: a heartwarming collection of holiday trees lovingly decorated by local nonprofits. Each tree reflects the spirit, creativity, and care of the organizations behind them. Rides run continuously and last about 15 minutes.
Dec. 6
The Ghost Front: A World War II Experience
Join the Pennsylvania Military Museum on Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. By examining the Hurtgen Forest and the Battle of the Bulge, the public can learn of the endurance, leadership, and sacrifices of American soldiers in the winter of 1944. Foxhole displays will explore frontline life and the individual roles of soldiers. For more comprehensive breakdowns, visitors can join guided patrol tours at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Families can participate in the History Mystery Kid’s Program at noon. A demonstration will showcase weapons and tactics at 2 p.m. Santa Claus and his Willy’s Jeep will be available for Christmas photos and a holiday scavenger hunt. Parking is $5 per car on Saturday only. Proceeds benefit the Pennsylvania Military Museum.
Holiday Open House at St. Mark Lutheran
St. Mark Lutheran Church, 850 Snydertown Road, Howard brings back its Holiday Open House event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.and includes an appearance by and photo opportunities with Santa andMrs. Claus! There will be craft vendors who will be selling items that include original ornaments, dog scarves and leashes, pet treats, smallwooden benches, cutting boards, sensory blankets and more. There will also be food available including breakfast sandwiches, hot dogs, soup, and drinks, as well as baked goods. There also will be door prizes. Proceeds benefit St. Mark’s Social Action Committee. For more information, email stmarklutheran@gmail.com, call 814-383-4882 or visit stmarksnydertown.wixsite.com/snydertown.
Holiday Craft Fair
Holiday Craft Fair at Mt. Nittany United Methodist Church, 1500 East Branch Road in State College from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stop by and shop to support the local vendors, enjoy some baked goods and great food from the kitchen and you can finish your Christmas shopping all in one day.
Bellefonte Holiday Bash
Join Smith + Front and Brass 16823 for the Second Annual Bellefonte Holiday Bash – on Dec. 6 and Dec. 7. This is a holiday market at 2042 Axemann Road. Free parking for both vendors and guests. Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Dec 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hometown Christmas at the Heritage Museum
Boalsburg’s Annual Hometown Christmas celebration features homemade cookies, treats baked in the Summer Kitchen and Victorian ornaments. See a puppet show in the barn and enjoy live holiday music.
Frost Fest
Play a wintry game, join a snowy storytime, and much more. The life-sized Frost Fest Flurry game will be in the Downsbrough Community Room from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Storytime with a children’s staff member will take place at 10:30 a.m. in the Children’s Activity Room.Decorate a snowman cookie on the 2nd floor. Play ice block Jenga, enjoy sensory bottles, and go “ice fishing” in the children’s department. Snowman Cookie Station sponsored in memory of Rus Scheuren. No registration required.
Dec. 7
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony
A Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony will be held at noon. Museum merchandise will be available for purchase. Donations are also encouraged.
Alternative Christmas Fair
The public is invited to the 43rd Alternative Christmas Fair from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at University Baptist & Brethren Church, 411 S. Burrowes St., State College. This year, 32 charities will set up displays and interact with shoppers. The shoppers will, on one sheet of paper, indicate which charities they want to support and how much to give to each. This event has raised more than $1 million for nonprofits over the years. Come to the fair for fun, food, fellowship and philanthropy. ubbcwelcome.org/acf.
Dec. 9
Nittany Valley Writers Network to meet
The Nittany Valley Writers’ Network will host an open reading night for all levels of writers on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. in Schlow Library’s Community Room, 211 S. Allen St., State College. Writers can come at 6 p.m. to meet other writers, and the readings will begin at 6:30 p.m. Attendees are welcome to bring a short writing sample to share, or come to listen.
Nittany Valley Half Marathon
Lace up your running shoes and get ready for the Nittany Valley Half-Marathon, a 13.1-mile course through Happy Valley. The route is challenging with elevation changes. The event supports Centre Volunteers in Medicine. The event begins at 9 a.m. and concludes at 2 p.m. at 800 E. Park Ave., State College. Professional race timing, commemorative medals and event t-shirts. Register before deadline. A post-race celebration featuring food, drinks live music and more.
