Submitted by Bellefonte Victorian Christmas
BELLEFONTE – The beloved community celebration Bellefonte Victorian Christmas will return for its 43rd year this Friday, Dec. 13, through Sunday, Dec. 15, with an exciting new theme: “The Christmas Express.” All are invited to partake in Christmas festivities throughout the weekend.
The holiday train will get rolling with opening ceremonies on Friday, Dec. 13, at 6 p.m. along Howard Street near the Miles-Humes House, home of the Centre County Historical Museum. The ceremonies will feature music from the Victorian Brass band, vignettes from Class Act Productions, entertainment from the magician Richard Benninghoff and a proclamation from Mayor Buddy Johnson.
Afterwards at 7:30 p.m., attendees can enjoy free, dual concerts from the Nittany Valley Symphony and the Bellefonte Community Choir at the Bellefonte Presbyterian Church. If you are looking for a Christmas party that evening in town, purchase tickets to attend the “Christmas Cordial” at nearby State Burger Co. to enjoy music, drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
Breakfast with Santa will start off the day on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 8:30 a.m. at Faith United Methodist Church.
Then, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., enjoy the Christmas Music Crawl by hopping between venues in Downtown Bellefonte. Musical performances will continue throughout Sunday into the evening.
Check the website at bellefontevictorianchristmas.com for times, locations and performers. Free parking and shuttle service will be available on Saturday at the Bellefonte High School from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. to help facilitate your holiday fun.
Full steam ahead for your holiday shopping on Saturday, Dec. 14. Drop in at the Victorian Christmas Arts and Crafts Show in the YMCA and Bellefonte Elementary School, the outdoor Winter Market in Talleyrand Park or one of Bellefonte’s many quaint shops.
Don’t miss your chance to purchase the limited-edition cookie tins at the Winter Market, or to vote for your favorite Gingerbread House in the community competition displayed at the Diamond Deli.
In front of the courthouse, enjoy vignettes from Class Act Productions every hour. The Saturday fun will culminate at the Christmas Express Holiday Dinner Party — including food and entertainment — held at the American Philatelic Society at 6:30 p.m.
There are so many events for everyone to enjoy at Bellefonte Victorian Christmas.
Go “off the rails” with a variety of other festive activities throughout the weekend.
Tour the Festival of Trees at The Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology or ride in a horse drawn carriage along the streets of Bellefonte.
If trees and horses don’t strike your fancy, make some crafts at the Bellefonte Art Museum or Bellefonte Library, go on a train ride with the Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society or view the model train display at Belle Mercantile.
To prepare for your perfect holiday weekend, visit bellefontevictorianchristmas.com or pick up a guidebook. Follow @BellefonteVictorianChristmas on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
Some events require tickets and may sell out, so plan ahead.
