By Barbara Vogelgesang, Outreach Director, Kutztown Community Partnership
As the first snowflakes begin to fall and festive lights twinkle against the winter sky, Kutztown transforms into a holiday wonderland. Families and friends gather to stroll down Main Street, where cozy shops offer handmade gifts and treats. With events like Small Business Saturday, concerts, craft fairs, Christmas at the Fairgrounds and train rides with Santa, Kutztown invites you to create cherished memories with loved ones, making it the perfect destination for a heartwarming holiday escape.
Start the holidays in Kutztown
Small Business Saturday marks the official start of the holiday season in Kutztown. The borough is home to many unique small businesses and restaurants. Visit us on Nov. 30 and browse through the shops to find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. Don’t forget to visit Santa at the Strand Theatre, and enjoy a delicious meal or snack at one of the many restaurants. There is something for every taste! Experience the festive atmosphere, live music and surprise happenings around town.
Christmas at the Fairgrounds
Join us on Dec. 7-8 for a festive celebration at the Kutztown Fairgrounds. Get ready for a magical experience filled with holiday cheer. Explore a variety of vendors showcasing unique crafts, gifts, and holiday treats. Christmas at the Fairgrounds will feature delicious food, cozy fire pits, s’mores, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a special appearance by the Grinch on both days. Enjoy activities like horse-drawn wagon rides, writing letters to Santa and cookie decorating for the kids. Top off your day with cookies and cocoa, making it a wonderful family celebration! Don’t miss out on the fun!
Holiday performances
Audiences of all ages can celebrate the holiday season on Friday, Dec. 6, with Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez in “Home for the Holidays.” The performance will feature the KU Choir and Berks Youth Chorus at Kutztown University’s Schaeffer Auditorium. Gonzalez originated the role of Nina Rosario in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway show “In the Heights,” starred as Elphaba in “Wicked” from 2010 to 2011, and played Angelica Schuyler in “Hamilton” from 2016 to 2022. The dulcimer queen, Merry Faith Rhoads, will perform on Friday, Dec. 13, at St. Paul’s UCC, 47 S. Whiteoak St., as part of the Kutztown Folk Music Society concert series. A holiday classic returns to the Schaeffer Auditorium stage on Dec. 21-22. Step into a world of enchantment this season with Berks Ballet Theatre’s spectacular production of “The Nutcracker” accompanied by the magnificent Reading Pops Orchestra.
Santa Train Rides
Take a trip with the big man in red himself! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be aboard the trains this holiday season, checking in on all the children and ensuring Santa has his list in order. All good children may even receive a candy cane! Trains depart from Kutztown Station on Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22 at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Come celebrate the season in Kutztown!