Make the season merry and bright and bring in the spirit of the holidays and Christmas in Williamsport and nearby communities.

Whether it’s spending a night looking at the lights in Brandon Park on a horse-drawn wagon ride along its paths, or immersing in the magic and nostalgia of toy trains, there is no shortage of events to inspire.

And it all begins this weekend

Join the City of Williamsport Recreation Department at the annual Festival of Lights in Brandon Park. Fun activities for the whole family include entertainment provided by Millissa Augustine Dance Academy, and visits with Santa. Be sure to write a letter to Santa, and look for the kids’ craft tables, tour the park by walking or riding in a wagon and enjoy the beverages and food.

The event is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Friday rain or shine with the annual countdown by Mayor Derek Slaughter and will continue through 8 p.m., according to Sean Walker, recreation coordinator for the city.

“The lights are up,” said Scott Livermore, director of the city Department of Public Works.

The crew of skilled laborers put the lights up way ahead of them being turned on and thrilling the crowd.

They will be twinkling in an array of colors, he said.

The festival was timed to take place ahead of Thanksgiving and during the same weekend as the annual Victorian Christmas to capitalize on visitors, Livermore said.

This year, there won’t be a Christmas/holiday parade downtown, Walker said.

Toy Train Expo

The 34th Annual Will Huffman Toy Train Expo is held at Park Place and the Thomas T. Taber Museum, in conjunction with Victorian Christmas on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Expo showcases dozens of working train layouts of all scales and sizes. Children can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Conductor, and Scrooge.

In addition to operating layouts the museum also houses the famous Shempp Model Train Collection.

The Toy Train Expo is the area’s premier family event and is held in conjunction with Victorian Christmas.

Weihnachtsmarkt

What was clearly a success last year will certainly make a return. Williamsport has its own German-themed outdoor market outside of Lycoming College. It’s the 2nd annual German Christmas Market, known in Germany as Weihnachtsmarkt, and held in the commuter lot of the college. This open-air market will be open on Friday, Dec. 5, 1 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 6,: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The market will feature 40-plus vendors, traditional German items and food, music and children’s games. For those purchasing a signature stein, that will include a reduced price for the first beer or wine. Fill up a shopping passport leading up to the event and turn it into the information booth at the event to receive a free event pin and to be entered to win a giveaway basket available while supplies last. The German Christmas Market is brought by Lycoming College, Lycoming Arts, City of Williamsport and Williamsport Business Association.

Newberry tree lighting

It’s a few weeks away, but Santa also makes a stop in the western end of the city.

It’s the annual Newberry Christmas Tree Lighting with caroling that will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. at the corner of West Third and Arch Streets. After the lighting of the tree, everyone will be invited to meet Santa and give him a wish list.

Across the river

The holidays are celebrated across the West Branch of the Susquehanna River in South Williamsport as the South Williamsport Police Department prepares for their annual Christmas Program.

It starts with the sign-ups and continues up until nearly Christmas.

For years, South Williamsport and borough officials have spent their time gathering toys and gifts for boys and girls from families in need.

But they always need your help.

If an individual or family is out there who could use a little extra help around the holiday season, please reach out to the department. Over the years, police here have been able to help many families, and want to continue to help as many as they possibly can.

The South Williamsport Police Department thanks all of the local businesses and donors for their support to make it possible. For further questions, please contact police Cpl. Seth Stropp at 570-327-8152 ext. 017 or seth.stropp@southwilliamsport.net. Sign-up nights are Fridays, Nov. 21 and Nov. 26 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

South Williamsport has its annual Christmas Tree Lighting at 545 E. Central Ave., South Williamsport. Join the borough for the annual tree lighting and visit with Santa at the new location, the South Williamsport Local Government and Community Center, 545 E. Central Ave., near the community park.

Bring the whole family for a night of holiday fun to meet Santa, buy arts and crafts, enjoy snacks and drinks, and have a chance to win prizes in the Golden Ticket drawing.

Festivities begin at 4:30 p.m., with the tree lighting at 5:15 p.m. and Santa arriving at 5:30 p.m.

Hughesville Christmas Parade

The Greater Hughesville Business Association proudly presents the Annual Christmas Parade Sunday, Dec. 7. It lines up at the Hughesville Junior-Senior High School, 349 Cemetery St. at 12:45 p.m. and parade kicks off at 1:30 p.m.

Loyalsock Holiday Parade

The Loyalsock Township Recreation Department and the Loyalsock Township Volunteer Fire Company have teamed up again this year to organize the Annual Holiday Parade.

This year’s theme is “Let All Creation Sing”.

The parade will begin at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 at the Loyalsock Middle School then turn left onto Loyalsock Drive, right onto Richards Avenue, left onto Lincoln Drive, right onto Westminster Drive, right onto Sheridan Street, right onto Northway Road, and end back at the Loyalsock Middle School.