BELLEFONTE — More than 70 makers and craftspeople from around the region will be at the annual Bellefonte Winter Market, which is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 11 in Talleyrand Park.
Make sure to catch the holiday trolley that will be operating from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Event parking will be available at the former Centre Crest building, 502 E. Howard St. The trolley will pick up from each stop every 30 minutes and end at the Winter Market in Talleyrand Park.
Additionally, holiday courtesy parking is available throughout Bellefonte until Dec. 25, courtesy of Bellefonte Borough, with the first two hours of parking free. Parking is available in all municipal lots in Bellefonte.
The Winter Market, which was first held in 2018, is a European-style, open-air market held during HBI’s Bellefonte Victorian Christmas. This year, find a variety of skilled artisan vendors that are excited to bring visitors locally made items. And don’t be worried about the cold — you’ll find a warming station with hot chocolate and heaters under the eaves of the historic train station, sponsored by Envinity.
A craft beverage garden will bring in producers from around the region, and a variety of food vendors will be found throughout the market.
Musical and theatrical entertainment will be provided throughout the day. Entertainment is sponsored by Stuckey Ford of Bellefonte:
n 10 to 11:50 a.m. — Caryn Dixon.
n Noon to 12:30 p.m. — Acappella carols performed by high school students (throughout market).
n 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. — Sock and Buskin theater performance.
n 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. — Stacy Tibbetts.
n 2 to 4 p.m. — Anchor and Arrow.
SANTA CLAUS, BABY GOATS AND MORE ARE COMING TO TOWN
Were baby goats on your Christmas list this year? Nittany Meadow Farm’s Goat-2Go bus will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Talleyrand Park. Reservations are required for a 10-minute session to meet and take pictures with Santa and cuddle baby goats. Reservations can be made at nittanymeadowfarm.com.
In addition to the Winter Market, there is a lot happening around town, so be sure to schedule some time to explore Bellefonte. Check out a list of weekend events below.
41ST ANNUAL BELLEFONTE VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS
This holiday event has been one of the community’s most cherished Christmas traditions and has been enjoyed by children and adults for multiple generations. Organizers hope visitors take time to enjoy the special events and celebrations, find unique gifts at the downtown merchants and craft show vendors and get a tasty meal at a local restaurant. The event runs from Dec. 9 through Dec. 11.
SMITH + FRONT
Join Smith + Front at the Gamble Mill for a Holiday Handmade Market on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Vendors will be scattered inside and outside of the Gamble Mill and include Valley Purl, Bella Ame by Kenz, CH Customs, Dirtstains, Kara Kyle Ceramics, The Beefy Kate, Lush Apothecary, Designs by Mel, Spirited Treasure, Rabt by Kiran and These are the Days.
GOOD INTENT CIDER
Good Intent Cider is holding a gingerbread contest Dec. 9 and 10. The winning individual or team will win a bottle of their choice of cider or a t-shirt. The winner must be 21 to collect the bottle. Entry includes a glass of cider or hot mulled cider, mini gingerbread house and candy decorations.
Market, Page 19
DBI HOLIDAY TROLLEY
Downtown Bellefonte Inc. announces the routes for a new holiday trolley on Dec. 9 and 11, making stops at The Match Factory, Titan Energy Park, the courthouse, the Gamble Mill and the Winter Market (Sunday only). Sponsored by local businesses and individuals, the holiday trolley will make it easier for residents and visitors to visit Bellefonte and support local this season.
SANTA’S ARRIVAL AND SANTA’S HOUSE
Be there for Santa’s 11:45 a.m. arrival at his house on the Diamond in front of the courthouse Saturday, Dec. 10. He’ll also be there on Dec. 11. Santa’s house will be open from noon to 4 p.m. both days.
His house will be open during the holiday season through Dec. 22 as well, from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays and from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
CHRISTMAS ‘SPEEDER’ RIDES
The Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society’s Christmas speeder rides are scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 10 and from noon until 4 p.m. on Dec. 11.
Complimentary hot chocolate and cookies will be provided for ticket holders inside the station. Santa and his friends will be available for greetings and pictures during the above hours as well.
BY A THREAD
Join By A Thread from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10, for a Holiday Pop Up with @all.things.kind, @lilmisvintage and @westonworkshop. Festive mocktails and cocktails will be served.
CAROLING IN THE SPEAKEASY
The Gamble Mill’s Speakeasy will be the place for caroling from 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 11.
Organizers have lined up a handful of local musicians to share their favorite holiday songs, and everyone will do a little caroling between them. Come and go as you please.
This event is free to the public and no tickets are required. Drinks can be purchased at the Speakeasy bar.
VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS IN THE SPEAKEASY
December 10
The Speakeasy will be the spot for storytelling from the Victorian era with Matt Maris of Local Historia and entertainment from the Dickens Troupe. This free event is limited to the first 32 guests during sessions at noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Hot cocoa and cookies will be provided for guests.
REINDEER 4K RUN/WALK
The Bellefonte Area High School Class of 2023 is hosting a Raider Reindeer 4K run/walk along Spring Creek at 9 a.m. on Dec. 10. The race will start at the train station in Talleyrand Park. Register at runreg.com/raider-reindeer-4k-runwalk.
BIG SPRING SPIRITS TREE TRIMMING
Visitors are encouraged to bring in an ornament for the Big Spring Spirits tree on Sunday, Dec. 11.
