In a bid to get a jump on the upcoming Christmas season, Santa Claus will be coming to Williamsport on a horse-drawn carriage to Park Place, 800 West Fourth Street, on Friday, November 16 at 7:00 p.m. Santa will light the tree to kick off Victorian Christmas weekend. There will be caroling led by the Lycoming College staff and students, hot cocoa, carriage rides courtesy of Fritz Farms, and of course visits with Santa! So get your lists ready for the jolly fat man in the red suit!

Don’t worry if you can’t attend Santa’s official arrival; he will still have some open visitation hours on Friday, November 23, December 14 and 21 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in his Santa House located in LOT E, across from City Hall.

The City of Williamsport’s Recreation Department also has several holiday-related events as well.

On Friday, November 30 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in Brandon Park will be the annual Festival of Lights. This event keeps growing to not only include the magical lighting of the trees in the park but also musical and dance performances, ice sculpting, food, music, character meet and greet, kids craft, carriage rides and more! The whole family is encouraged to bundle up and enjoy this dreamy holiday event.

Finally, in conjunction with the Trolley Tour of Lights, the Recreation Department will be hosting Santa’s Festive Friday, an open-air holiday market at the Peter Herdic Transportation Museum from 5:00-9:00 p.m. on Friday, December 7.

This is an event everyone can enjoy! The holiday market will be open to the public, even those not planning to go on the trolley tours (no ticket required). There will be artisan vendors to purchase unique holiday gifts; face painting, visits with Santa Claus, carolers, character meet and greet, coffee and hot cocoa, food trucks, ice sculptures, entertainment and more! The Lycoming County SPCA will also be at the event collecting “wish list” items for the shelter animals.

For additional information, please contact the recreation department at 570-327-7510, recreation@cityofwilliamsport.org or visit http://www.facebook.com/williamsportrecreationdepartment.