The City of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, launched its annual Christmas Village and Santa parades on December 7, 2023, at the Hazleton Art League. This festive event will continue for three Sundays, bringing together local vendors, artisans, and families in celebration of the holiday season.
Visitors to the Christmas Village can explore unique offerings from local entrepreneurs, including handmade jewelry, candles, baked goods, and artwork. The event also features appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will greet children and families after parading through the city. Each week will showcase a different parade route, adding variety to the festivities.
Samantha Kronstadt, who operates her business, Sealed With a Kiss Cupcakes, from the Kitchen Incubator, expressed her enthusiasm for participating in the event. “You’re supporting small businesses and you’re supporting small business in the community,” she noted. Kronstadt, who started her cupcake venture in June, highlighted the opportunity to connect with the community and showcase local craftsmanship.
The atmosphere was filled with excitement as families awaited the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus at CANDO Park. Children such as Izzy, 10, Vivian, 6, and Juliet, 4, were delighted to take photos with the festive couple, creating cherished holiday memories.
Local artisans also play an essential role in the Christmas Village. Marybeth Scarcella, who knits and crochets scarves and hats, joined 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,” she shared. Scarcella hopes the success of the Christmas Village will lead to its continuation in future years, encouraging more public engagement.
The Christmas Village serves a dual purpose: spreading holiday cheer while promoting local businesses. Vendors like Kronstadt benefit from networking opportunities, allowing them to connect with other community members and organizations. Kronstadt emphasized the importance of such events for fostering collaboration, stating, “You learn about other events… and you get to meet them and pair with them.”
The Christmas Village is part of the larger Hazleton for the Holidays celebration, a collaborative effort between the City of Hazleton, CAN DO, the Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress, the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce, the Hazleton Art League, the Hazleton Public Library, and the Hazleton LaunchBox, supported by Pasco L. Schiavo.
The festivities will continue on December 14 and 21, 2023, from 15:00 to 19:00, inviting more families to experience the joy and community spirit of the holiday season. As Hazleton embraces its traditions, the Christmas Village stands out as a vibrant hub for local culture and commerce.
