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THIS WEEK: Dec. 2 to 8, 2016

Christmas in Our Hometown, the annual holiday street festival in downtown Tunkhannock has horse-drawn wagon rides, trolley rides, ice sculptures, Santa and Mrs. Claus, strolling carolers and musicians, “living windows,” decorated street lamps and hot drinks. Also: a Cookie Walk, interactive mural, decorating gingerbread ornaments, art exhibits, screening of “Emmet Otter’s Jugband Christmas” and a Holiday Workshop at the Dietrich Theater. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 2 and 3. Info at tunkhannockbusiness.com.

Christmas City Stroll, a guided walking tour through Bethlehem’s historic district led by docents dressed in period Moravian attire, stopping at several landmarks including the 1741 Gemeinhaus. Visitor Center, 505 Main St., Bethlehem. Through Dec. 14 with tours at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. $15, $9 children. 800-360-8687 or christmascity.org.

Treefest, the 28th annual fundraiser for the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble with more than 130 decorated Christmas trees along with a craft show and music. Caldwell Consistory, 150 Market St., Bloomsburg. 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 2; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 3; noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 4. $6. 570-784-5530.

Holiday Lights Spectacular, a drive-through display of more than 100 separate lighted structures depicting scenes of the season. Nay Aug Park, 1901 Mulberry St., Scranton. Nightly through Dec. 30 from 5 to 9 p.m. 570-348-4186.

Courthouse Tree Lighting, the 8th annual “Keeping Christ in Christmas” singing of hymns by candlelight at the Nativity display on the lawn of the Luzerne County Courthouse, 200 N. River St., Wilkes-Barre. 5 p.m. Dec. 2 followed by the tree lighting in the rotunda at 5:30 p.m. 570-239-3363.

No Room at the Inn, a display of hundreds of Nativity sets from around the world along with refreshments, a silent auction and gift sale. Forty Fort Presbyterian Church, 1224 Wyoming Ave. 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 2; 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 3; noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 4. 570-287-7097.

Candlelight Christmas Tours of the historic Swetland Homestead with costumed re-enactors explaining how families of different time periods celebrated Christmas in 1795, 1815 and 1855. 885 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming. 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 2; 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 3; 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 4. $8. 570-823-6244.

Drive-Thru Live Nativity, the story of Christmas told in seven scenes. Luzerne County Fairgrounds, Route 118, Dallas. Sponsored by the Shavertown United Methodist Church. 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 2 and 3; 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 4. 570-675-3616.

Christmas in the Barns. Visit with the farm animals, enjoy treats and sweets, take photos and visit with Santa. The Lands at Hillside, 65 Hillside Road, Trucksville. 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 2 to 4. Free but tickets required (given on a first come, first served basis). 570-696-2881.

Painting Party, a fundraiser for special needs and PTSD causes with painting on wine bottles and wine glasses. The art niche, 2199 Sutton Road, Shavertown. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2. $20. 570-239-0583.

Holiday Celebration, photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, reindeer, food, face painting and animals for adoption from Blue Chip Animal Rescue. On Sunday, bring your pet for a photo with Santa. Edward’s Garden Center, 525 River St., Forty Fort. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 3; noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 4. 570-287-4329.

Holiday Quilts and Crafts, quilting demonstrations, fiber spinning and woodcrafting, crafts by local artisans, holiday refreshments and a basket raffle. The historic DeWitt Homestead, 231 Wilkes-Barre St., White Haven and the White Haven Community Library, 99 Towanda St. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 3. $5. 570-443-8776.

LuLaRoe Clothing Fundraiser, with sales of clothing for women, men and children. West Pittston Library, 200 Exeter Ave. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 3. Proceeds partially benefit the library. 570-654-9847.

An Eckley Christmas, crafts, music and dance performances, cookies and cocoa in the Sharpe House, a World War II Christmas, Santa’s Secret Shop in the Company Store and a visit from St. Nicholas and the Belsnickle. Eckley Miners Village, 2 Eckley Back Road, Weatherly. Noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 3 and 4. $7. 570-636-2070.

Model Railroad Open House, with HO-scale railroading and miniature replicas of local landmarks including the Asa Packer Mansion, Eckley Miners Village, Bethlehem Steelworks, Hazleton’s Blue Comet Diner and more. Anthracite Model Railroad Society, 1056 Hanover Court, Hazle Township. Noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Jan. 8. 570-459-6395.

Model Railroad Open House, an HO-scale, 2000-square-foot layout including many northeast railroads from various eras. Hudson Model Railroad Club, 97 Martin St., Hudson. Noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 3, 10, 17-18; Jan. 1, 7, 8. Free but donations accepted.

Old-Time Christmas, 26th annual tour of an 1800s farm with Victorian skits, a Christmas Putz, homemade nativity and village scene, living nativity with barnyard animals, carol singing in the one-room schoolhouse, a visit from the Belschnikel, a bonfire and hot chocolate and cookies. Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, 347 Quiet Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 3 to 7 p.m. Dec. 3-4 and 10-11. $10, $5 children. 570-992-6161 or quietvalley.org.

Community Contra Dance, with music by Curt Osgood (hammered dulcimer), Henry Jankiewicz (fiddle) and John Wobus (keyboards). No partner or previous experience necessary. Church of Christ Uniting, 776 Market St., Kingston. Dec. 3 with a potluck dinner at 6 p.m. and dancing at 7 p.m. Pay what you wish. 570-333-4007.

Christmas Cash Bingo, sponsored by the Lehman-Jackson Elementary School PTO. Jackson Township Fire Hall, 1160 Chase Road, Shavertown. Dec. 3 with doors at 6:30 p.m. and games at 7 p.m. $10. Wear a Christmas hat or sweater and try your luck at the $400 jackpot. Reservations: 570-690-4301.

Holiday Toy Bingo, to benefit the Marian Sutherland Kirby Library with 20 regular games plus specials. Crestwood High School Cafeteria, 281 S. Mountain Blvd., Mountain Top. Dec. 4 with doors at noon and games at 1 p.m. $20 advance; $23 at the door. 570-474-9313.

Grey Towers Holiday Tours of all three floors of the historic 1886 mansion decorated for the season. Also: a Holiday Art and Photo Exhibit and Sale of juried works by the Pike Imaging Council. Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, 122 Old Owego Turnpike, Milford. 1 and 3 p.m. from Dec. 5 to 17. $8, $7 seniors, $5 youths. 570-296-9630.

Adult Craft Program, making a snowflake wreath from recycled puzzle pieces. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5. Free. Wear an old shirt since you’ll be working with paint and glue. Reservations: 570-821-1959.

Open Skate and Holiday Open House, the 13th annual public ice-skating evening in support of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. Also: self-guided tours of the arena, photos with Santa and complimentary snacks and giveaways. Mohegan Sun Arena, 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Township. 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6. Admission: $5 donation or new unwrapped toy. Bring your own skates or rent from Toyota SportsPlex at Coal Street. 570-970-3507.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, the holiday comedy film (PG-13; 1989) starring Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. 1 and 7 p.m. Dec. 7. Free. 570-996-1500.

CAN DO Community Christmas, the annual holiday event with music, refreshments, a Letters to Santa table and a visit from Santa. Christ Lutheran Church, Green and Church streets, Hazleton. 6 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7. 570-455-3533.

Mifflinburg Christkindl Market, annual German-style event with more than 100 festive outdoor huts offering unique gift items and German-style foods. Music and dance, jugglers and magicians, Marionette show, glass-blowing, Kinder World with children’s attractions, St. Nicholas, Lantern Parade and the 15-foot Christmas Pyramid. Downtown Mifflinburg. 4:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 8; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 9; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 10. Free. 888-666-0877 or oldchristkindl.com.

FUTURE

Hawley Winterfest, the annual holiday weekend with ice carving, beer tour, concerts, Cookie Walk, Victorian Luncheon, Artisans Fair, Holiday House Tour, book signings, Santa and S’mores, towed tube rides, horse-drawn carriage rides, train excursions with Santa, Christmas Show at the Ritz Theater, Enchanted Christmas at Bingham Park, Living Nativity, Breakfast with Santa and more. Dec. 9 to 11 throughout downtown Hawley. Schedule at hawleywinterfest.com.

Friday Movie Matinee, a screening of “Groundhog Day” (1993) with Bill Murray. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 2 p.m. Dec. 9. Free with light refreshments. 570-823-0156.

Journey to Bethlehem, a free hayride to eight sites around downtown Tunkhannock depicting events surrounding the birth of Jesus, beginning and ending at Tunkhannock United Methodist Church, Warren and Church streets. 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10. Followed by free cookies and hot drinks. 570-836-1229.

Holiday Open House, an old-fashioned Christmas celebration with wassail and desserts, stories and games. Catlin House, 232 Monroe Ave., Scranton. 7 p.m. Dec. 9. 570-344-3841.

Fall Cooking Classes, a two-session course on “Christmas Cookies.” Offered by Luzerne County Community College at the Joseph A. Paglianite Culinary Institute, Market and Main streets, Nanticoke. 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 10 and 17. Registration: 570-740-0495.

Visions of Sugarplums, an “Olde Fashioned Victorian Yuletide” with a holiday feast, Victorian holiday decor, a talk on the Stegmaier family customs brought from Germany and an old-fashioned carol sing-along. Stegmaier Mansion, 304 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 2 to 5 p.m. Dec. 10 and 11. $42.50. Reservations: 570-332-4250.

50/50 Bingo, with food and beverages available. Noxen School and Community Center, School Street. 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 10. Pay per card. 570-298-2052.

Cookie Walk. Collect your favorite cookies at $8 per pound. St. Michael’s Byzantine Catholic Church, 205 N. Main St., Pittston. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 11. 570-674-0214.

Designer Bag Bingo, with 17 regular games plus specials and raffles. Eagle McClure Hose Company, 375 Milwaukee Ave., Old Forge. Dec. 11 with doors at 11 a.m. and games at 1 p.m. $20 advance; $25 at the door. Proceeds benefit Electric City Shock 12U Travel Softball. 570-885-0475.

The Menu, culinary creations prepared by local chefs with musical guest Skip Monday. Grand Ballroom, Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave. Dec. 12 with cocktails at 6 p.m. and show at 7 p.m. $12. 570-344-1111.

It’s a Wonderful Life, the annual free showing of the classic holiday film starring James Stewart (PG; 1946) with free popcorn and soda. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. 2, 7 and 8 p.m. Dec. 13. 570-996-1500.

Carols & Cookies. Bring a dozen of your favorite holiday cookies along with the recipe to share. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 13. Those in Christmas sweaters may be eligible to win a prize. 570-821-1959.

Christmas City Stroll, a guided walking tour through Bethlehem’s historic district led by docents dressed in period Moravian attire, stopping at several landmarks including the 1741 Gemeinhaus. Visitor Center, 505 Main St., Bethlehem. Dec. 15 to 31 with tours daily at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. except Christmas Eve which will be at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Closed Dec. 25. $15, $9 children. 800-360-8687 or christmascity.org.

A Holiday Evening at the Everhart, with winter and holiday stories, gift shopping and live music. Everhart Museum, 1901 Mulberry St., Scranton. 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 15. $5. 570-346-7186.

Friday Movie Matinee, a screening of “Labor Day” (2013) with Kate Winslet. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 2 p.m. Dec. 16. Free with light refreshments. 570-823-0156.

Friday Movie Matinee, a screening of “The Shop Around the Corner” (1940) starring James Stewart. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 2 p.m. Dec. 23. Free with light refreshments. 570-823-0156.

Friday Movie Matinee, a screening of “Happy New Year” (1987) with Peter Falk. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 2 p.m. Dec. 30. Free with light refreshments. 570-823-0156.

Christmas City Stroll, a guided walking tour through Bethlehem’s historic district led by docents dressed in period Moravian attire, stopping at several landmarks including the 1741 Gemeinhaus. Visitor Center, 505 Main St., Bethlehem. Jan. 2 to 8 with tours at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. $15, $9 children. 800-360-8687 or christmascity.org.

Hilleman: A Perilous Quest to Save the World’s Children, an independent documentary about Dr. Maurice R. Hilleman who prevented pandemic flu, developed the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine and invented the first vaccine against human cancer. Kenneth S. Gross Auditorium, Carver Hall, Bloomsburg University. 7 p.m. Feb. 6. Followed by a discussion with the director Donald Rayne Mitchell. $4. 570-389-4409 or cas.buzz.

The Menu, culinary creations prepared by local chefs with musical guest Skip Monday. Grand Ballroom, Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave. Feb. 13 with cocktails at 6 p.m. and show at 7 p.m. $12. 570-344-1111.

Arm Knitting. Create your own infinity scarf out of chunky yarn using just your arms. Bring two or three skeins of chunky yarn. West Pittston Library, 200 Exeter Ave. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23. Free. 570-654-9847.

Real Boy, an independent film about a teenaged musician navigating the ups and downs of gender transition and substance abuse. Kenneth S. Gross Auditorium, Carver Hall, Bloomsburg University. 7 p.m. March 8. Followed by a discussion with the director Shaleece Haas. $4. 570-389-4409 or cas.buzz.

Harlem Globetrotters, the electrifying athletes return to show off their incredible ball-handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, trick shots, hilarious comedy and fan interaction. Mohegan Sun Arena, 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Township. 3 p.m. March 12. Tickets start at $15. 800-745-3000.

States of Grace, an independent film about the transformation of Buddhist physician Grace Dammann and her family in the wake of a life-changing accident. Kenneth S. Gross Auditorium, Carver Hall, Bloomsburg University. 7 p.m. April 3. Followed by a discussion with co-director Mark Lipman. $4. 570-389-4409 or cas.buzz.

Head to Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm in Stroudsburg for the annual ‘Old-Time Christmas’ Dec. 3-4 and 10-11.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_12.2-events-Quiet-Valley-Victorian-Skit-2105.jpg.optimal.jpgHead to Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm in Stroudsburg for the annual ‘Old-Time Christmas’ Dec. 3-4 and 10-11.

White Haven’s ‘Holiday Quilts and Crafts’ show will be held at both the DeWitt Homestead and the White Haven Community Library on Dec. 3. Pictured is Kathy Oross demonstrating hand quilting.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_12.2-events-Quilt-Show-2015.2.jpg.optimal.jpgWhite Haven’s ‘Holiday Quilts and Crafts’ show will be held at both the DeWitt Homestead and the White Haven Community Library on Dec. 3. Pictured is Kathy Oross demonstrating hand quilting.

Henry Jankiewicz and Curt Osgood will contribute the music for a Community Contra Dance Dec. 3 at the Church of Christ Uniting in Kingston.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_12.2-events-contra.jpg.optimal.jpgHenry Jankiewicz and Curt Osgood will contribute the music for a Community Contra Dance Dec. 3 at the Church of Christ Uniting in Kingston.