The community is invited to enjoy Christmas in Christiana, a celebration that is being presented by the Christiana Lions Club and the Lancaster Chapter National Railway Historical Society (NRHS) on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 11 and 12. The weekend will include visits with Santa, an open house at the NRHS, a holiday decorating contest and more.

Children age 12 and under who are accompanied by a parent or guardian can join Santa at the Christiana Freight Station, 10 Railroad Ave., for a hot dog and a picture on Dec. 11 from 3 to 5 p.m. There will also be free children's train rides on a miniature train at the freight station starting at 3 p.m.

The Christiana Historical Society Museum, 11 Green St,, will be open from 3 to 6 p.m. on Dec. 11.

Santa Claus, portrayed by Lions Club president Jim Groff, will be driven around town from 6 to 8 p.m. He will be aboard a sleigh on the back of a flatbed truck and escorted by Christiana Fire Company. During that time, residents will be asked to donate nonperishable food items for the Octorara Area Food Cupboard.

"The new thing we did last year was ask people to donate food for the food bank. That worked out really well, and we are doing that again this year," said Groff, who will also visit with area seniors and homebound people during the morning on Dec. 11. "We took over a ton of food to the Octorara Food Cupboard last year."

Those along the route may give their donations to the firefighters who will accompany Santa. Suggested donations include canned fruit and vegetables, boxed potatoes, oatmeal, canned pasta sauce and pasta, peanut butter, canned tuna, canned pasta meals and meaty soups.

From 6 to 8 p.m., residents can enjoy hayrides through town to enjoy the Christmas lights, and cookies and refreshments will be available at the Freight Station. From 5 to 8 p.m., there will be a live drive-through Nativity at New Beginnings Church of the Cross, 1 Penn Ave., Christiana. Refreshments will also be available at the Moores Memorial Library, 9 W. Slokom Ave., Christiana.

A "Light Up Christiana" lighting/decoration contest will also take place on Dec. 11. Judging of homes will begin at 6:15 p.m., and cash prizes will be awarded for the winners in the following categories: Santa's Choice, Up-Town and Down-Town; New Addition, for a home that has not won in the last five years; and Original Christmas, which is a display that reflects the true meaning of Christmas. Homes will be judged on amount of effort, curb appeal, use of luminarias and creativity.

The Lancaster Chapter NRHS will again be open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Dec. 12. Visitors will be able to tour the 1882 freight station and a restored N7E Conrail caboose, and they may watch the Amtrak trains from the outside deck as they pass by. A Lionel model train display will run on both days. Refreshments will be available; donations will be accepted.

For more information about Christmas in Christiana, search for the "Lions Club... Christmas in Christiana" event page on Facebook or visit http://www.facebook.com/ChristianaLionsClub. More information about events at the Freight Station is available at http://www.facebook.com/ChristianaFreightStation.