Featuring 40 charming merchant huts, live entertainment, skating, food and libations, the 4th annual Easton Winter Village (eastonwintervillage.com) returns to Centre Square Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 18 to Dec. 17.
It operates rain or shine Fridays 5-9 p.m., Saturdays 1-9 p.m. and Sundays noon-5 p.m.
Presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, Easton Winter Village is an admission-free holiday wonderland replete with twinkling lights, festive decor and outdoor shopping. Local artisans, crafters and merchants offer a wide variety of gifts, while musical acts and family-friendly activities provide sounds and sights of the season.
Easton Winter Village is made possible by the nonprofit Greater Easton Development Partnership, which also plans the annual Peace Candle Lighting Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, as well as the City of Easton and Northampton County.
The Peace Candle, an 85-foot illuminated creation that is an iconic symbol of Easton’s holiday spirit and expresses the universal desire for harmony in an increasingly volatile world, stands at the center of the village.
In addition, more than 50 locally-owned shops, boutiques and galleries are just steps away in Easton’s downtown as well as two dozen of the city’s acclaimed restaurants and eateries for a complete day of shopping, recharging and celebrating.
Highlights include:
•Easton Winter Village Skating Rink –https://eastonwintervillage.com/ice-skating/ –a synthetic rink in the 200 block of Northampton Street illuminated by strands of white lights overhead. Skating is free for City of Easton residents (state-issued ID required) for a 45-minute session and $5 for non-city residents. All skate rentals are $5. Tickets can be purchased at the rink. (Credit card only.)
•Breakfast and Pictures with Santa, Saturday, Nov. 25, 10-11:30 a.m. at Bank Street Annex. Santa and his elves center a fun-filled family event including a buffet-style breakfast, live music, story time with Santa and “take your own” pictures with St. Nick.
•Pictures with Santa (sponsored by City Center) are offered every weekend of the Winter Village in the Santa Zone. Advanced tickets are strongly recommended with few walk-up appointments available. Visitors will receive three poses and the rights to make prints. Photos are on limited weekends. You will walk away with one printed photo as well as access to digital photos that you can print on your own.
Visit https://eastonwintervillage.com/ticketed-events/.
•Art Shows at Nurture Nature Center
Visitors can enjoy viewing student art shows featuring art from students in the Easton Area School District will also be on display at Nurture Nature Center through January.
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