The beloved community celebration, Bellefonte Victorian Christmas returns for its 43rd year this December 13-15, with an exciting new theme: "The Christmas Express." All are invited to partake in Christmas festivities throughout the weekend.

The holiday train will get rolling with opening ceremonies on Friday, December 13th at 6 PM along Howard Street near the Miles-Humes House, home of the Centre County Historical Museum. The ceremonies will feature music from the Victorian Brass band, vignettes from Class Act Productions, entertainment from the magician Richard Benninghoff, and a proclamation from Mayor Buddy Johnson. Afterwards at 7:30 PM, attendees can enjoy free, dual concerts from the Nittany Valley Symphony and the Bellefonte Community Choir at the Bellefonte Presbyterian Church. If you are looking for a Christmas party that evening in town, purchase tickets to attend the “Christmas Cordial” at nearby State Burger Co. to enjoy music, drinks, and hors d’oeuvres.

Victorian Christmas will really chug into town on Saturday, December 14th. Breakfast with Santa will start off the day at 8:30 AM at Faith United Methodist Church. Then, from 10 AM to 4:30 PM, enjoy the Christmas Music Crawl by hopping between venues in Downtown Bellefonte. Musical performances will continue throughout Sunday into the evening. Check the website at bellefontevictorianchristmas.com for times, locations and performers. Free parking and shuttle service will be available on Saturday at the Bellefonte High School from 9:30 AM to 6 PM to help facilitate your holiday fun!

Full steam ahead for your holiday shopping on Saturday, Dec. 14th! Drop in at the Victorian Christmas Arts and Crafts Show in the YMCA and Bellefonte Elementary School, the outdoor Winter Market in Talleyrand Park, or one of Bellefonte’s many quaint shops. Don’t miss your chance to purchase the limited- edition cookie tins at the Winter Market, or to vote for your favorite Gingerbread House in the community competition displayed at the Diamond Deli. At the front of the courthouse, enjoy vignettes from Class Act Productions every hour! The Saturday fun will culminate at the Christmas Express Holiday Dinner Party - including food and entertainment - held at the American Philatelic Society at 6:30 PM.

Go “off the rails” with a variety of other festive activities throughout the weekend! Tour the Festival of Trees at The Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology or ride in a horse drawn carriage along the streets of Bellefonte. If trees and horses don’t strike your fancy, make some crafts at the Bellefonte Art Museum or Bellefonte Library, go on a train ride with the Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society, or view the model train display at Belle Mercantile. There are so many events for everyone to enjoy at Bellefonte Victorian Christmas!

To prepare for your perfect holiday weekend, visit the event website at bellefontevictorianchristmas.com or pick up a guidebook. Some events require tickets and may sell out, so plan ahead! Follow @BellefonteVictorianChristmas on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

Funding for this event was provided through a grant made possible by The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau and the Centre County Board of Commissioners. Special thanks should go to the corporate sponsor North Shore Railroad Company & Affiliates.