Wilkes-Barre/Hanover Area Celebrates Holiday Festivities with Events

The Wilkes-Barre and Hanover area is gearing up for a festive holiday season with a series of community events scheduled for early December. These activities aim to bring families together and celebrate the spirit of the holidays through various cultural and charitable initiatives.

St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church will kick off the celebrations with a roll sale, taking orders for traditional nut, poppy, apricot, and prune rolls. Orders can be placed now for the limited availability of rolls at the price of $14. Pickup is scheduled for December 3 from 09:00 to 17:00. Interested individuals can contact Bob at 570-954-1171 to place their orders.

The excitement continues with the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Wilkes-Barre Twp. on December 5 at 18:00. Mayor Carl Kuren will oversee the event, where Brayden and Hendrix Pientka, children of Donald and Jillian Pientka, will have the honor of lighting the municipal tree. The community is invited to enjoy refreshments and take photos with Santa, who will arrive in a sleigh.

In a further embrace of holiday cheer, a Christmas caroling event will take place on December 4 at 16:00 on the lawn of the Luzerne County Courthouse in Wilkes-Barre. Participants are encouraged to join in singing traditional religious carols while accompanied by candlelight. For additional details, Nancy can be reached at 570-239-3363.

Later that evening, St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church is hosting a pasta dinner from 16:00 to 18:00, featuring a meal that includes an entree, bread, salad, beverage, and dessert for $13. This event promises to be a warm gathering for the community, with all are welcome to attend.

The festivities continue on December 6 with the Annual Alternative Christmas Craft Fair, running from 10:00 to 15:00 at the First Presbyterian Church of Wilkes-Barre. Organized by the church’s Christian Education Committee, the fair will feature hands-on activities, including wreath and mug decorating, and will showcase handmade goods from local artisans as well as fair-trade items from around the world. Entry is free, making it accessible to all.

For those interested in model trains, the Hudson Model Railroad Club will hold an open house on weekends throughout December. Visitors can explore the model railroad displays from 12:00 to 16:00 on December 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, and 27-28, as well as January 3-4 and 10-11. More information is available on their website, hudsonmodelrailroadclub.org.

On December 7, the Hanover Twp. tree-lighting ceremony will take place from 14:00 to 17:00 at 693 Carey Ave. This event will include a collection of new, unwrapped toys for the U.S. Marines Toys For Tots campaign, accompanied by a petting zoo and a special appearance by Santa from 15:30 to 17:00.

Additionally, the Twin Boro Lions Club is hosting a children’s Christmas party on December 13 at 13:00 at the Warrior Run Fire Hall. Children aged 10 and under who live in Sugar Notch or Warrior Run are invited to attend, but must pre-register by contacting Derff’s Pizza, Steve’s Auto Body, or Lion Steve Brezna at 570-829-0153.

Lastly, those interested in local history can purchase a commemorative book for Wilkes-Barre Twp.’s 250th anniversary at the Wilkes-Barre Twp. Municipal Building for $25. Orders can be placed by making a check or money order payable to Wilkes-Barre Twp.

These events not only highlight the community’s festive spirit but also encourage participation and support for local initiatives, fostering a sense of unity as the holiday season approaches.