With Thanksgiving marking the official start of the holiday season, it’s both common and expected to find Christmas festivities and celebrations getting underway, beginning as early as the weekend after the grand event. One such beloved holiday happening held in the community of Hanover, Pennsylvania, each year is the highly anticipated, communitywide Christmas Festival of great acclaim. Taking place all day Saturday, it’s the perfect opportunity for experiencing good, clean, free, family-friendly festivities that warm up the season and the hearts of all who attend.
While the primary pleasantries are set for November 29, between the hours of 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., the kickoff begins on Black Friday, November 28, with the grand reopening of Santa’s Cabin in the square on Main Street. He will be on location at the following times: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday’s celebrations get underway at 11 a.m. The first matter of business will be the famed and favored Santa parade. The event will last an hour. Upon its noon wrap-up and the Santa Cabin will open for the day, keeping the following hours: noon to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Christmas movie fans, take note that a screening of the 2003 modern classic Elf will be playing at the Eichelberger Performing Arts Center at two separate times. The first will be from noon to 1:40 p.m. The second screening is set for 2 p.m. to 3:40 p.m. Tickets are just $7 and can be purchased at the door.
There will be plenty of entertaining endeavors to delight in throughout the day. Enjoy the enticing classics of carolers, for instance, who will be making their rounds throughout the Downtown scene between 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. Live Music by Bob Cratchit and the Bookkeepers will commence at 2 p.m. and play through 5 p.m.
The day promises plenty in the way of small business setups, deals, specials, and more. Britton Coffee Co., for example, is featuring a local artisan Christmas Market all day. The Cake Bar will be hosting a permanent jewelry pop-up, Daelinked Designs, in the afternoon. Church of Satire Comedy Club will present their “Thank You Weekend” event at 8 p.m. Cultivated Essentials Co. is dropping some pretty great deals in the way of candles and other products. Dawg Gone Bees is offering festive treats, exclusive discounts, gifts, and a holiday photo spot. Dolphin and Anchor Brew Pub by Aldus Brewing will have 25% off all merch, with a raffle bonus for those who make a merch purchase. They will also be releasing ‘9th & Porter’, a German-Chocolate-Cake-inspired porter. Enjoy Story Time and hot chocolate with Santa at Little Fox Coffee & Books. Oak Artisan Cookery is hosting a gift card sale and bar pop-up. Let’s Play: Games & Hobbies will feature a BOGO 50% off on almost everything in the store. And so many other great vendor deals will be ongoing in addition to the aforementioned.
Many other highlight events are slated throughout the day, too. The Hanover Area Historical Society will be hosting its 15th Annual Christmas Tree Tours at the Wareheim-Myers Mansion and History Museum between noon and 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person, with kids 12 and under admitted for free. The Greater Hanover Area Fire Museum will have its 8th Annual Model Train Garden. Admission is free, although donations are encouraged and highly appreciated. Seventh Shelf will be hosting an Author Signing and Book Drive, featuring four local authors. The book drive benefits WIN Victim Services. There will also be a raffle for a basket filled with goodies from the shop and attending authors.
There’s just so much to check out at this year’s event!
The Hanover Christmas Festival is a beloved holiday tradition that draws countless community members as well as visitors hailing from far and wide. It’s one of many events made possible by the nonprofit Hanover Main Street. Established in 2013 as a collaborative effort between Hanover Borough, Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce, Partnership for Economic Development of York County, and York County Economic Alliance, they make it their ongoing mission to expand the economic capacity of downtown Hanover through an array of programs, seasonal events, and ongoing offerings.
Whether you’ve attended before or are looking to start a new tradition, consider being a part of this year’s Hanover Christmas Festival. You’re guaranteed to love it!
Learn more about the festival, its many offerings, and more about all Hanover Main Street events on the website.