Happy holidays! I've been as busy an elf preparing this column to showcase December events in the Susquehanna River Valley.
Our downtowns are full of events. Milton celebrates "Downtown in December" with a tree-lighting tonight and a model train museum open weekends through Dec. 30. Lewisburg's Late Shopper's Night is also tonight, and the borough's Victorian parade is Saturday, with a free holiday movie to follow at the Campus Theatre.
Mifflinburg hosts its outdoor authentic German Christkindl Market Dec. 13 to 15.
Danville's Iron Heritage Festival hosts a holiday house tour, Dec. 15 and 16, offering ticket holders the opportunity to visit six Danville homes, including that of the founder's father, Daniel Montgomery, which features a display, "Christmas During the Civil War."
Just outside Watsontown, attend the Christmas candlelight service at the historic Warrior Run Church Saturday.
Sunbury's Zion Lutheran Church hosts the Susquehanna Valley Chorale's Winter Concert, Saturday and Sunday. The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra is live at the Campus Theatre Sunday, with performances to accompany Buster Keaton's film "The General" and an introduction of the film short, "The Night Before Christmas," a Thomas Edison studio film. The internationally renowned Vienna Boys Choir will perform at Bucknell University's Weis Performing Arts Center Tuesday.
Winter holidays are all about the kids. This December, children can make natural ornaments at R.B. Winter State Park through Saturday; make a gingerbread house at Elizabeth's An American Bistro in Lewisburg Wednesday; attend Children's Holidays with the Arts at the Slifer House Museum or the Paper Bag Players children's musical production at the Weis Performing Art Center on Dec. 15, and enjoy Thank You Day at the Children's Museum in Bloomsburg Dec. 22 with cocoa, cookies, holiday music and make-and-take crafts.
We urge everyone in the Susquehanna River Valley to support area and family-owned businesses throughout the upcoming holiday season. Find unique or handmade gifts at local shops, businesses, art galleries, wineries, antique shops or auctions. Dine with visiting friends or family at area coffee shops, pubs and restaurants.
For more information on these and other holiday events, go to VisitCentralPA.org; call us at 524-7234 or stop by our Visitor Information Center. Get our mobile apps for your smartphone at VisitCentralPA.org/mobile.
(Andrew Miller is executive director of the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau.)