Festival of Lights to bring holiday fun; other areas to host similar events
MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Members of the Penn College Dance Team entertain the crowd with a dance routine during the Festival of Lights at Brandon Park Sunday.
MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Members of the Penn College Dance Team entertain the crowd with a dance routine during the Festival of Lights at Brandon Park Sunday.
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Join Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. for the annual Festival of Lights at Brandon Park, a family-friendly event featuring the tree lighting, meet-and-greet with Disney characters and a visit from Santa Claus.
Slaughter and Santa Claus, who arrived in Williamsport in time for the Holiday Parade and remains in the city on and off when he isn't overseeing his elves for the Festival of Trees special photo sessions, will lead the ceremony in the lighting up of the trees.
Then, look for the free horse-drawn wagon rides, taking passengers around the pathway of the park to get a view of all of the trees lit up in the glow of the season.
It will be a happy and festive time elevated by several dancers performing "The Joy of Christmas" presented by the Milissa Augustine Dance Academy.
Among the biggest attractions at the annual festival is the character meet-and-greet time with the Disney Princesses and Dr. Suess and his gang.
Don't miss out on the festival's Children's Christmas Craft and Wish List Writing Workshop and watch demonstrations of the Williamsport's finest in public safety departments, namely the Williamsport Bureau of Police and Williamsport Bureau of Fire,
For those looking for an icy treat, Aaron's Ice Christmas Display and giveaways will be on hand, along with plenty of other food trucks.
It's a must-see event for families and individuals.
Bundle up, as temperatures are expected on the first day of meteorological winter to be around 35 degrees at night, according to the National Weather Service in State College.
Newberry Tree Lighting Ceremony
Join in on the festivities and singing of carols as a Christmas tree lighting ceremony takes place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 6 at the corner of West Third and Arch streets. Hot cocoa will be shared and Santa will make an appearance.
White Deer
The White Deer Community Park is hosting a Community Christmas Tree Lighting event starting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 5, at the park along the White Deer Pike.
The Community Christmas Tree Lighting will feature hot cocoa, singing Christmas carols and tree decorating by the community. This event is free for all ages and all members of the community are welcome and encouraged to attend.
The community is invited to bring an ornament to place on the tree. There will be limited ornaments available at the park, as well.
The White Deer Community Park Association (WDCP) began in 1953 with the purpose of providing recreational facilities for picnics, community social events and athletic contests.
Loyalsock Township
Loyalsock Township's 18th annual Sally Short's Holiday in the Park will commence on Saturday, and will coincide with the arrival of Santa from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and will continue to be lit through Jan. 1. Holiday music and free wagon rides through the park to view the lights will be available. Short was the wife of James Short, who was the chairman of the Recreation Board for many years.