Christmas in Birdsboro, offering a full day of fun and activities for people of all ages, will return this year on Saturday, Dec. 11, after a modified version was held in 2020 because of the pandemic.

The day will begin with the Santa Run 5K and Fun Run at 9 a.m. at Rustic Park, 1314 Haycreek Road, Birdsboro. The first-time event will take 5K runners through a trail in the park and along Route 82. The fun run will be a 1-mile run/walk in the park. All participants may enjoy hot cocoa provided by the Cherry on Top dessert truck. A link to register for the event is available by searching for the event page, "Santa Run 5K/Fun Run," on Facebook.

Following the Santa Run, the Birdsboro Community Memorial Center (BCMC), 201 E. Main St., Birdsboro, will host a craft and vendor show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. More than 40 vendors will be set up in the gym offering items such as handmade crafts, artwork, household decorations and homemade food items. Food will also be for sale throughout the day.

From 4 to 7 p.m., the center will offer a children's craft. Children will be able to make a beaded snowflake ornament. There will be a limit of one ornament per child. A beer and wine tasting will also be held at the BCMC from 4 to 8 p.m.

The main festivities will take place in Main Bird Park, located at Main and Water streets, from 4 to 8 p.m. There will be live music, including several groups from Daniel Boone School District. Also scheduled to perform are the Hamilton Celtic Pipes & Drums and dancers from Twisters Elite and the Turning Pointe Dance Studio. There will also be a bonfire in the park and free wagon rides through town.

A live Nativity will be presented by members of the Birdsboro Church of the Nazarene and the Knights of Columbus. Santa Claus and the Belsnickel will also be on hand.

Free food will be provided by local churches, community organizations and businesses. "St. Mark's Lutheran Church is doing walking tacos, and the Birdsboro Woman's Club will have hot cider and cookies," noted Suzanne Lander, a member of the Christmas in Birdsboro committee. "Abundant Life Church will offer nachos."

A tree lighting and fireworks will begin at 7:30 p.m.

"Everything in the park that night is free," said Lander. "We want the community to come out and have a good time."

In conjunction with Christmas in Birdsboro, the Boone Area Library, 129 N. Mill St., Birdsboro, is holding a gingerbread house competition. Visitors will be asked to vote for their favorites between 4 and 8 p.m. on Dec. 11. For complete details, visit http://www.facebook.com/boonearealibrary. Also offered at the library will be a bake sale and a story and craft program at 5 and 6 p.m. One free book will be given out per child while supplies last.

Christmas in Birdsboro is being planned by an event committee led by the Birdsboro Parks and Recreation Department along with representatives from community organizations, including local pastors and the Rotary Club of Birdsboro. Lander is on the committee representing the Women's Club of Birdsboro.

For more information about Christmas in Birdsboro, search for "Christmas in Birdsboro" on Facebook or visit http://www.birdsboropa.org/community-events.