By Sue Poremba
Christmas is definitely in the air . . . well, it has been in the air for months at department stores. But now as the calendar turns to December and decorations have been hung, a number of Pennsylvania communities are in final preparations for special Christmas celebrations.
In
Centre County, Bellefonte takes center stage with its
annual Victorian Christmas December 11-13, 2009. It kicks off with an opening ceremony at the County courthouse steps at 6:45 p.m., followed a candlelight caroling procession. Throughout the weekend, there will be an arts and crafts show, opportunities for children to visit with Santa, Victorian teas for adults and children, horse-drawn carriage rides and concerts of holiday music.
In Union County, Mifflinburg will host its 21st annual Christkindl Market (http://www.mifflinburgchristkindlmarket.com/), December 10-12. Christkindl (German for Christ Child) Market is based off a 700-year-old German tradition and is a community effort that brings together local churches, organizations, schools and residents. It begins on Thursday evening at 5 p.m. with the ringing of bells, a trumpet fanfare and a procession led by St. Nicholas. Throughout the weekend, there will be presentations of holiday music, activities for children, buggy rides and, of course, the market where you’ll find many unique Christmas items for sale.