This weekend Wellsboro, PA is putting on their spectacular Christmas Festival: The 36th Annual Dickens of a Christmas. This is a don’t miss event for the Southern Tier of NY/PA. The festival runs Fri., Sat., and Sun. Events run throughout the weekend but the huge vendor market runs only on Saturday. The townspeople are very friendly and always willing to give you advice on where to find parking. It’s a festive place to get a few holiday photos of your family, friends, dog, etc.
During the Saturday market there are over 130 vendors, selling wares ranging from handmade alpaca products, to wood artists, primitives, soaps, candles, ornaments, maple goods, Christmas decor of every kind, wind chimes, to name a few.
Aside from the hundreds of Saturday street vendors, the town of Wellsboro, itself, has the most charming downtown, with unique shops, ranging from outfitters, to pop culture shops, to gifts, and candies. There are quite a few apparel shops, and even a traditional family owned department store. If you are afraid of missing out on larger city conveniences Dunham’s Department Store has a Starbucks inside, where we went to warm up after walking around in the 25* temps outside.
As you walk around this amazing little town, you notice a wreath hung on every gas streetlamp, every tree in the square decorated, charming shop windows, dressed for the holiday, and smiles on so many faces. If you are not yet feeling the holiday spirit, an afternoon in this small town might just change your heart.
During the market the streets are filled with carolers, street performers, and townsfolk dressed in Dickens era costumes. Everything about this place is Christmas personified for this weekend.
If you are looking for something fun and family friendly to do around the Southern Tier this weekend head down to Wellsboro, and share in the festivities, with this town and the thousands of revelers who come to spread some holiday cheer. Feel free to bring Fido, as well, as it’s a very dog friendly event.
Grab a snack, eat at one of the many restaurants in the town center, try the wine tasting at Oregon Hill’s winery store, or maybe finish your Christmas shopping in one the many interesting boutiques. Remember to dress warmly though, it gets chilly walking around outdoors after a bit. If you forget a layer or two, one of the vendors is sure to have a supply of gorgeous handmade hats, scarfs, and gloves for every taste and budget.
So, how are you spending this weekend? If you know of more festivals/celebrations in NY and PA, feel free to leave them in the comments, and share festival photos on insta @canigetaramen. Thanks for reading!
