It’s almost time to get to one of dozens of holiday events to share in the spirit of the season.

From tours of homes, churches, and historic buildings, to horse-drawn carriage rides to see the Festival of Lights in Brandon Park, the city and its Williamsport Business Association members always deliver, and it all starts this year just before Thanksgiving.

Among the most anticipated of the city-sponsored activities is the annual Festival of Lights in scenic Brandon Park, which is held this year from 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 22. Join the mayor in the annual countdown that lights up the trees in the park and meet-and-greet with Santa and the elves. The event also has in the past had musical performances, Disney Character meet and greets, a horse-drawn wagon ride through the park, food trucks and hot chocolate.

Among the events that are sure to welcome in the traditional holiday spirit and joy of the season is the 25th Annual Victorian Christmas, which features comfortable bus tours of homes that are decorated and owners waiting for guests to arrive. The tour features many of the city’s most historic buildings that helped to put Williamsport on the map during the fabulous lumber era. Organized each year by the Committee of Preservation Williamsport, Victorian Christmas 2024 is held Nov. 22, 23 and 24.

Participants will be able to enjoy a full three consecutive festive days, including an Artisan Holiday Market, strolling carolers and musicians, a toy train expo, tea time, and specially created food items. The 33rd Annual Will Huffman Toy Train Expo will be Nov. 23 and Nov. 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Park Place and Taber Museum. It features dozens of working train layouts of all scales and size, locomotive races, and Santa for kids of all ages to enjoy. The Expo is the area’s premier family event. Victorian Christmas’ Historic Buildings Tour of homes, churches and museums will be Nov. 23 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For tickets for all Victorian Christmas activities please visit Eventbrite.com.

Patinez Christmas Open House, 38 W. Fourth St., is Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Another holiday treat not to miss will be the Merry Market featuring Vendors & Crafters at the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, 252 W. Fourth St., 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 29 and 30.

For those who want to share some joy for the less fortunate in the community and ensure proceeds go to a worthy cause – Family Promise – Rosko’s Black Friday 1K, is going to take place starting at noon Nov. 29 at Rosko’s Brew House, 601 Pine St.

The Salvation Army’s 22nd Annual Festival of Trees will begin to be on display Nov. 24 and continue through Dec. 31 at 33 W. Third St.

Be sure to add some color to Black Friday at Tie Dyed Love! with 10 % off a total purchase from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the shop at 515 W. Southern Ave., Suite A., South Williamsport, according to the Williamsport Business Association.

There is a Juried Artisan Market at the YWCA, 815 W. Fourth St. on Nov. 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Nov. 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The city is host to an inaugural German Christmas Market.

This iconic holiday market will feature craft vendors, traditional German fare, music, children’s programs and more. Among the tasty treats will be bratwurst, beer, roasted nuts and pretzels.

The market will be at the commuter lot of Lycoming College on Friday, Dec. 6, noon to 9 p.m. At the market, if visitors purchase a signature stein they get (1) drink ticket for a free pour of beer from John Ryan Brewery and purchase a signature wine glass which includes a pour of wine from Innerstoic Wine & Cider Co. While there, it’s a short walk to Brandon Park’s lights, the Salvation Army Festival of the Trees, Lycoming Arts First Friday. Downtown will be the spot to be to see the Williamsport Christmas Parade and enjoy downtown shopping. The market is brought to visitors by the college, Lycoming Arts, City of Williamsport and Williamsport Business Association.

Don’t miss The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at the Community Theater League, 100 W. Third St., 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. also on Dec. 6. Chaos ensues when the unruly Herdman siblings, known as the “worst kids in the history of the world” take over the annual Christmas pageant.