Holiday events stretch through the season

As holiday celebrants turn to the traditions of the season, State College looks forward to its own holiday traditions.

The yearly events that mark the borough’s calendar are returning this season, some with a few new twists, but overall bringing the holiday joys residents have come to know and love.

Dec. 4 marks the first Friday of the month, and also the First Friday celebrations for downtown. Downtown Improvement District Executive Director George Arnold said residents can look forward to a brass group strolling around downtown playing Christmas tunes. Residents are also welcome to a lighting of the Christmas tree that evening on the 100 block of South Allen Street with accompanying music.

The Downtown Improvement District will also partner with Schlow Centre Region Library again this year for the annual Polar Express, Arnold said. Last year, the popular event drew about 3,000 children to hear the story and ride the trolly downtown.

“Last year, all the reserved spots for each reading were filled in the first three hours,” he said.

Schlow Library children’s librarian Paula Bannon said a variety of readers throughout the community are being scheduled to read the Chris Van Allsburg classic children’s book to the kids of the region. The story takes about 20 minutes to read before they are taken to their own “polar express” trolly to be driven downtown to the borough municipal building and Santa’s workshop.

At the workshop, Arnold said, the children can spend a coin they are given during the reading on various toys and prizes at the workshop. Photos with Santa will also be available.

Registration for the program is available at the library starting 9 a.m. Dec. 1, according to the Schlow website. Readings are scheduled for Dec. 5-6 and 12-13.

Following Christmas, First Night State College will be celebrating 22 years in the borough on Dec. 31, bringing all the sights and sounds associated with it.

A program guide is expected to be available around Dec. 1, said Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts Executive Director Rick Bryant. Visitors can expect the numerous ice sculptures that mark the State College streets and Sindey Friedman Park, along with all the downtown events as well.

Entertainers and performers will add to the sounds of the event, Bryant said, while an electronic message board will broadcast New Year’s messages from around the world. Also new for this year is a ukulele workshop to be hosted at The Makery on Calder Way.

Penn State Lady Lion Basketball Coach Coquese Washington will kick off the annual 5K run this year, he said, and purchase of a button earns free access to the Lady Lions basketball game.

This story was originally published November 27, 2015 at 9:43 AM with the headline "Holiday events stretch through the season."