The holiday season in Hazleton is set to sparkle once again with a series of festive, family-friendly events, all part of the annual Hazleton for the Holidays celebration – a partnership between the City of Hazleton, CAN DO, the Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress (DHAP), the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce, the Hazleton Art League, the Hazleton Public Library, and the Hazleton LaunchBox Supported by Pasco L Schiavo.
This year’s lineup, which occurs throughout the month of December, includes Mayor Cusat’s City Hall Tree Lighting, the City of Hazleton’s Santa Parades and Sunday Markets, CAN DO’s Community Christmas and CAN DO Community Park Tree Lighting, the Hazleton Public Library’s Character Meet and Greet, the Hazleton Art League’s December Art Exhibition, DHAP Wassailfest & Downtown Hazleton Night Market, and many more. These events are designed to bring the community together and celebrate the season in style.
The celebration kicks off on Wednesday, December 3rd, with Mayor Cusat’s City Hall Tree Lighting. The event, which begins promptly at 5 PM at City Hall, 40 North Church Street, will feature musical and dance performances, photos with Santa Claus, and hot chocolate served by students from Charis Academy. Additionally, the Hazleton Public Library, located across the street from City Hall at 55 North Church Street, will be holding a Character Meet and Greet, featuring Frosty the Snowman.
After the Mayor’s tree lighting ceremony, CAN DO’s Student Action Committee will host its 32nd Annual CAN DO Community Christmas concert at Christ Lutheran Church, located next to City Hall at 210 West Green Street. The event will feature musical performances from students across the Greater Hazleton Area including MMI’s Black Diamond Chorale, the Hazleton Area High School Chorus, Hazleton Area High School Jazz Ensemble, McAdoo-Kelayres Elementary Middle School Choir, and Heights-Terrace 3rd Grade Choir. After the concert, attendees can have a picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus and leave with refreshments donated by Keystone Job Corps and Niagara Bottling.
The merriment continues on Friday, December 5th, with multiple seasonal staples including the 5th Annual CAN DO Community Park Tree Lighting and DHAP Wassailfest & Downtown Hazleton Night Market, both happening from 4:30 to 8 PM at CAN DO Community Park, located at the corner of North Broad and Laurel Streets.
Visitors to the Tree Lighting can expect more cups of hot cocoa, served by the CAN DO Student Action Committee, festive music, and performances from carolers. At 5 PM, guests can gather to watch as Downtown Hazleton’s towering 22-foot Christmas tree lights up the city skyline.
Meanwhile, DHAP Wassailfest & Downtown Hazleton Night Market invites attendees to stroll through downtown and shop local while enjoying free samples of festive beverages. Participants will receive a commemorative Wassailfest mug, as well as a “shop small” tote bag that serves as a ticket to the night’s tastings from participating businesses. Vendors interested in participating in Wassailfest & the Downtown Hazleton Night Market are encouraged to reach out to Ana Perez at aperez@hazletoncando.com for more information on how to get involved.
Also taking place that night is the opening of the Hazleton Art League’s December Art Exhibition, scheduled from 5 to 8 PM, and free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Hazleton LaunchBox, sponsored by Amazon AVP1 and Pennsylvania State Police.
Additionally, the City of Hazleton will be hosting its Annual Santa Parades and Christmas Village on December 7, 14, and 21. On these days, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be traveling along the streets of Hazleton and end their parade at the Hazleton Art League, where local vendors and artisans will be selling unique holiday gifts from 3 to 7 PM.
With hot cocoa, live music, twinkling lights, and unforgettable community spirit, Hazleton for the Holidays promises to be a magical celebration for all ages.
For more information about the City of Hazleton’s or Downtown Hazleton’s holiday events, contact Hazleton Parks and Recreation’s Recreation Director, Ali McKittrick, at amckittrick@cityofhazleton.org or CAN DO’s Marketing Communications Specialist, Miguel Polanco, at mpolanco@hazletoncando.com.
For a full schedule of events, visit HazletonForTheHolidays.com.
