November 24, 2022 – December 4, 2022
The Holiday Season Kicks off!
The holidays are a great time of year to spend time with friends and family. If your Thanksgiving travels bring you into Columbia & Montour Counties in the next few weeks, there are plenty of great events and area activities planned that will provide fun for the whole family, beginning Thanksgiving morning with this year’s Run for the Diamonds marathon. After Thanksgiving, the Christmas festivities begin in earnest, including the renowned 76th annual Berwick Christmas Boulevard.
Thursday, November 24th – Thanksgiving Day
Berwick’s 113th Annual “Run for the Diamonds” Race – Before the turkey dinner finds its way to the table, head over to Berwick to be a part of an incredible Thanksgiving Day Tradition – the 113th Annual Run for the Diamonds. The 9-mile course, unchanged from the inaugural route, takes runners throughout the Berwick borough. It is the fifth-oldest road race in America, and starts and ends on Market Street. The race used to be called the “Berwick Marathon” until the 1970’s and 1980’s. However, since the race is too short to qualify as an official marathon, and winners receive diamonds as part of their prize, the name was changed to “Run for the Diamonds” and has stuck ever since. For more information about this year’s race, visit the Event’s Facebook Page or the Run for the Diamonds website.
Although the online registration window has passed, race day registration will be available in person, cash or check only. Don’t want to race? It’s still a great event to be a part of as a spectator. Spectators will come out early to line the course and runners from around the world will gather at the start line. This year will feature a mass start at 10 AM.
Friday, November 25th
Seven Mountains Media Parade of Lights – If you’re already ready to be done with Thanksgiving and gear up for Christmas, look no further than the 2022 Parade of Lights in downtown Bloomsburg. Starting at 6:00 PM on Friday evening, the town will be filled with classic cars, floats, boats, fire trucks, entertainment, and of course – thousands upon thousands of Christmas lights! The parade ushers in the Christmas season when Santa Claus comes to the only Town in Pennsylvania! The parade route forms at 4:30 PM November 25th at the Geisinger Bloomsburg parking lot on Lightstreet Road, moves at 6 PM down Main Street to Market Street to West 5th Street and ends at Winterfest at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds.
For more information, visit the Parade of Lights website.
(Below is a preview of what to expect, from a past edition of the Parade of Lights.)
Bloomsburg Fair Winterfest: Day One – This year’s Bloomsburg Fair Winterfest will be held at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds on Friday, November 25th from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM & Saturday, November 26th from 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM. There will be 150+ craft vendors, food vendors, wineries, 50/50 drawings, horse-drawn wagon rides, Irish Dancers, a cookie contest, photos with Santa, live music, a 5K run/walk, and much more. Parking and Admission to the Fairgrounds for the event will be FREE. Enter at the Main Street entrance of the Fairgrounds (Gate 2). For more information and daily schedule info, please visit the official Event Page.
Knoebels Joy Through the Grove Opening Night – Knoebels Amusement Park’s “Joy Through the Grove” returns for its 3rd year in 2022. The stunning drive through Christmas light display in the park will begin near Impulse roller coaster, travel down the park’s main boulevard, and throughout much of the campground. Joy Through the Grove will happen nightly starting Friday, November 25th through Saturday, December 31st (excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). Daily event hours are 5:30 – 9:00 PM.
Join Santa, Kozmo and friends and enjoy this drive through Christmas light display! There will be over 15 miles of string lights, and over 400 light up pieces.
Knoebels Christmas Village Opening Night – Knoebels Christmas Village is open Thursdays thru Sundays from 4:00 – 9:00 PM between November 25th & December 23rd. Enjoy photos with Santa, snag that perfect Christmas Tree, snack on tasty Knoebels treats or dine on seasonal specialties at Nickle Plate Bar & Grill. Shop for everyone on your list at Knoebels Three Ponds Christmas Shop, all while enjoying charming outdoor Christmas displays, roaring outdoor fires and s’mores! Learn more here.
BTE’s “A Christmas Carol” Food Preview Day – Join the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble in feeding families in need this holiday season and see their 2022 holiday show for free! Bring one or more canned goods per person and see the show on November 25th at 2:00 pm. All non-perishable food items will be donated to the Bloomsburg Food Cupboard. No reservations are needed for this performance, tickets are available at the door. Seating is limited, all tickets are first come, first served.
34th Annual TreeFest in Bloomsburg – TreeFest kicks off on Friday, November 25th from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at the Caldwell Consistory. The event began in 1989, and serves as a fundraiser for the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble (BTE) and supports the local community. TreeFest begins with local Christmas tree growers who donate over a hundred live trees to be trimmed. Then, community volunteers, youth groups, florists, garden clubs, and other local organizations set up and decorate the rooms and the trees for the holidays. Each tree will be sponsored by an area business or individual. Throughout the event, local entertainment is provided, including school choirs, dance groups, and folk musicians. At the conclusion of the year’s festivities, the trees are donated to area families in need.
Admission to this year’s event is $5 per visitor. Visit the TreeFest website to find a coupon for $1 off the cost of admission. Admission is free for children 12 years of age and younger.
2022 TreeFest Schedule:
Friday, November 25th: 4:00 – 8:00 PM
Saturday, November 26th: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday, November 27th: 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Friday, December 2nd: 4:00 – 8:00 PM
Saturday, December 3rd: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday, December 4th: 12:00 – 4:00 PM
The Exchange Cash & Carry Show: First Night – Beginning at 6:00 PM on Friday, November 25th, The Exchange Gallery in downtown Bloomsburg will display their annual “Cash & Carry” show, open to the public. Pieces were handed out to interested artists as both squares and triangles; the squares measured 8 inches on a side, and the equilateral triangles measured 9-3/8 inches. Every piece on display will sell for $30, with the artist receiving $24 and the rest going to support the Exchange Gallery’s ongoing operations; sales will begin at 6 PM during Downtown Bloomsburg’s holiday event: All attendees wishing to buy will receive numbers; when sales start, the person with #1 may choose one piece from the walls, and if they want a second piece, they must get another number. So on with #2, #3, etc. This prevents any one buyer from getting “all of the good stuff”, and it makes for a lot of fun. Once the rush ends, the Gallery will open it up to as many pieces as each customer wants. The best part? Artwork may be taken home on the spot, rather than waiting until the end of the show. They make great holiday gifts! Beyond the first night, the show will run through December 30th with all remaining artwork being available for sale during open hours.
Saturday, November 26th
Small Business Saturday – Shop local this holiday season in Columbia & Montour Counties! Support small businesses and visit our area towns and businesses on Small Business Saturday and throughout the rest of the holiday season.
Artspace Gallery Members’ Holiday Show Artist Reception – Artspace Gallery in downtown Bloomsburg is currently displaying their annual Members’ Holiday Show. The show runs from November 17 – December 31 during gallery hours. On Saturday, November 26th from 5:00 – 7:00 PM, the gallery will host an artist reception for the Holiday Show.
Bloomsburg Fair Winterfest: Day Two – This year’s Bloomsburg Fair Winterfest will be held at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds on Friday, November 25th from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM & Saturday, November 26th from 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM. There will be 150+ craft vendors, food vendors, wineries, 50/50 drawings, horse-drawn wagon rides, Irish Dancers, a cookie contest, photos with Santa, live music, a 5K run/walk, and much more. Parking and Admission to the Fairgrounds for the event will be FREE. Enter at the Main Street entrance of the Fairgrounds (Gate 2). For more information, please visit the official Event Page.
North Pole Express Holiday Train Rides – The North Pole Express is a family tradition in Bloomsburg held annually during Thanksgiving weekend. Enjoy a 1-hour train ride from Bloomsburg to Catawissa with holiday stories, carols, and characters. Learn more here.
Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble Presents: Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol – From November 25th – December 28th, join the cast of the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble as a joyful holiday favorite returns! When Bob Cratchit timidly asks for Christmas Day off, his curmudgeonly boss Ebenezer Scrooge only grudgingly gives it to him. Little did Scrooge know what ghostly adventures he was about to go on that very night. Scrooge’s story of forgiveness and joy will be sure to get you in the holiday mood with a fresh new adaptation, lots of holiday music, and theatrical spectacle! Show times vary – please visit BTE’s website for more information and to purchase show tickets.
Downtown Danville Peppermint Trail Passport Begins – Learn more by contacting the Danville Business Alliance.
Sunday, November 27th
North Pole Express Holiday Train Rides – Various Times
Artspace Gallery Members’ Holiday Show – 12:00 – 5:00 PM.
Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble Presents: A Christmas Carol – 3:00 PM showtime.
Knoebels Christmas Village Continues – 4:00 – 9:00 PM.
Knoebels Joy Through the Grove – 5:30 – 9:00 PM
Monday, November 28th
Exchange Cash & Carry Show: Gallery Open Hours – 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Knoebels Joy Through the Grove – 5:30 – 9:00 PM
Tuesday, November 29th – Wednesday, November 30th
Knoebels Joy Through the Grove Continues – 5:30 – 9:00 PM
Thursday, December 1st
Welcome Santa Parade & Tree Lighting in Danville – Welcome Santa to his Mill Street home for the Holiday season. The parade downtown starts at 6:30 PM. The downtown Tree Lighting will follow at 7:00 PM.
Artspace Gallery Members’ Holiday Show – 12:00 – 6:00 PM.
Knoebels Christmas Village Continues – 4:00 – 9:00 PM.
Knoebels Joy Through the Grove Continues – 5:30 – 9:00 PM
Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble Presents: A Christmas Carol – 7:30 PM showtime.
Friday, December 2nd
Downtown Bloomsburg’s Coming Home For Christmas – Visit downtown Bloomsburg for a celebration of the start of the Christmas season. From 5:00 – 9:00 PM, visitors can enjoy late night shopping, live music, a TubaChristmas performance, food & more. The main event of the evening, however, is the lighting of the town Christmas Tree. Santa arrives at 5:30 PM and the tree lighting will take place at 5:45 PM in front of the New Bloomsburg Diner at the corner of East Street and Main Street.
Music Around Town:
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Kerry Kenny & Friends New Bloomsburg Diner, 161 E. Main St.
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm Molly’s Boys Towne Camera, 154 W. Main St.
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Harmony Arts Foundation Brewski’s 22 E. Main St.
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm M&G Combo Fog & Flame, 34 E. Main St.
Click here for more information.
Exchange Cash & Carry Show: Gallery Open Hours – 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM + Open Late for Christmas Festivities.
Artspace Gallery Members’ Holiday Show – 12:00 – 6:00 PM.
TreeFest Continues – 4:00 – 8:00 PM
Knoebels Christmas Village Continues – 4:00 – 9:00 PM.
Knoebels Joy Through the Grove Continues – 5:30 – 9:00 PM
Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble Presents: A Christmas Carol – 7:30 PM showtime.
Visit Santa’s Cottage in Danville – Visit Santa at his Cottage on Fridays from 5:00 – 7:00 PM and Saturdays from 12:00 – 3:00 PM to tell him everything on your wish list this Christmas. Santa loves giving out goody bags and taking pictures!
Saturday, December 3rd
Benton Winterfest – From 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, make your way to the charming town of Benton in northern Columbia County for a day filled with local crafters, food, entertainment, horse-drawn wagon rides, and more.
TreeFest Continues – 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Hometown Holiday Market in Danville – From 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM, visit historic Mill Street in Danville for the second annual Hometown Holiday Market. This will be a festive street fair featuring holiday shopping (downtown businesses and craft vendors alike), entertainment, and activities.
Wagon Rides with Santa in Downtown Danville – by reservation only, please contact the Danville Business Alliance for more information.
Visit Santa’s Cottage in Danville -12:00 – 3:00 PM.
Artspace Gallery Members’ Holiday Show – 12:00 – 6:00 PM.
Knoebels Christmas Village Continues – 4:00 – 9:00 PM.
Knoebels Joy Through the Grove Continues – 5:30 – 9:00 PM
Berwick Christmas Boulevard OPENING NIGHT – Celebrating its 76th Anniversary in 2022, the Berwick Christmas Boulevard is a must-see spectacle that visitors flock to see from hours away. Market Street will come to life each night from December 3rd – January 1st. This beautiful and historic Berwick tradition provides visitors the opportunity to drive a one mile long display on Market Street to view thousands of Christmas lights, animatronics, decorations, displays, and more. Hundreds of cars pass through each night throughout December. Opening night will feature the town tree-lighting ceremony, followed by the official opening of the holiday boulevard. The Boulevard is open every night from 6:00 – 10:00 PM.
Philadelphia Freedom: A Tribute to Elton John – Philadelphia Freedom: A Tribute to Elton John is the ultimate Elton John tribute. Doug Delescavage is Elton John as he was in his 20’s, full of joy and unlimited energy, commanding his top notch band through all the hits of Elton’s career. Doug owns the stage with his domineering fashion sense rivaling no one but Mr. Captain Fantastic himself. At Bloomsburg University; concert begins at 7:30 PM. Tickets available here.
Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble Presents: A Christmas Carol – 7:30 PM showtime.
Sunday, December 4th
TreeFest Final Day – 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Artspace Gallery Members’ Holiday Show – 12:00 – 5:00 PM.
Christmas on the Bridges – 1:00 – 3:00 PM. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy homemade bean soup, a baked good sale, hot chocolate and cider, hayrides, raffles, and more at the Twin Covered Bridges in Orangeville. All proceeds help to preserve, protect, and promote our historical bridges.
Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble Presents: A Christmas Carol – 3:00 PM showtime
Catawissa Winterfest – Come celebrate the joy of Christmas starting at 3:00 in Catawissa on Sunday, December 4th. Bring your family out for a live, walk-through Nativity and much more.
Knoebels Christmas Village Continues – 4:00 – 9:00 PM.
Knoebels Joy Through the Grove Continues – 5:30 – 9:00 PM
Berwick Christmas Boulevard Continues – 6:00 – 10:00 PM