The City of Hazleton launched its annual Christmas Village and Santa parades, marking the festive occasion with local vendors and family-friendly activities. The event began on December 7, 2023, and will continue on December 14 and 21, running from 15:00 to 19:00 each Sunday. The Christmas Village takes place at the Hazleton Art League, offering a platform for local artisans to showcase their creative products.
Spanning three weekends in December, the Christmas Village features an array of vendors selling unique items, including jewelry, candles, baked goods, and artwork. Santa and Mrs. Claus are key attractions, appearing every Sunday for photo opportunities with children after parading through the city on a different route each week. This initiative not only spreads holiday cheer but also aims to support local businesses.
Samantha Kronstadt, an entrepreneur from Tamaqua, is one of the local vendors participating in this year’s event. She started her small business, Sealed With a Kiss Cupcakes, in June and operates from the Kitchen Incubator at the Hazleton Art League. Kronstadt expressed her enthusiasm for being a part of the Christmas Village, emphasizing the importance of supporting small businesses within the community.
“You’re supporting small businesses and you’re supporting small business in the community,” she said. “It’s a great way to meet the community and for the community to meet you.”
The event has attracted many residents eager to take part in the festivities. Families, such as Arron Garica and his children, gathered at CANDO Park, excitedly awaiting the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. The festive atmosphere was further enhanced by the charm of the Christmas Village, where residents could explore local goods and connect with their community.
Marybeth Scarcella, another local vendor, shared her experiences as a knit and crochet artist. Having practiced her craft since childhood, she was motivated to participate in the event after learning about it through social media. “I wanted to be a part of the community to participate with this for the holidays,” Scarcella said. Her hope is that the event will continue to grow and attract more visitors in the future.
The Christmas Village is part of the broader Hazleton for the Holidays celebration, organized in partnership with various local organizations, including the City of Hazleton, CAN DO, and the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce. Their collaborative efforts aim to create a vibrant holiday experience while fostering community engagement and support for local businesses.
As the parades and Christmas Village return on December 14 and 21, residents can look forward to more festive activities and the chance to connect with their local artisans and vendors. This initiative not only enhances the spirit of the holiday season but also reinforces the importance of community in supporting local economies.
