In New Holland, the Christmas kickoff event is called Christmas on Main. The annual observation closes Main Street and Roberts Avenue and lines the streets with food vendors and live performers while bringing Santa to Towne Centre Green ahead of the community Christmas tree lighting.

"Christmas on Main is the hallmark event of the season in New Holland," said organizer Gina Dissinger. "(Christmas on Main) fills our town with the joy and warmth of the holidays."

In 2023, the date of the event was changed to the Saturday after Thanksgiving to avoid conflict with other area celebrations. The 2024 event will be held on Saturday, Nov. 30, with the Christmas Craft Market opening in the Farmers Day Association building at the corner of Roberts Avenue and Franklin Street at 9 a.m.

Main Street will be closed from Railroad Avenue to Custer Avenue from noon to 7 p.m. North and South Roberts Avenue will be closed from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., a variety of food vendors will line Roberts Avenue, including those selling doughnuts, soup, french fries, and chocolates. The New Holland Lions Club food trailer will be present, and Boy Scout Troop 48 will sell funnel cakes.

A carousel, which was a new attraction in 2023, will return this year offering rides from 1 to 6 p.m. Carriage rides will also be offered from 2 to 5 p.m. Barrel train rides will be available as well.

According to Gina, Santa will visit the New Holland Area Historical Society Museum from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Santa will also arrive at Towne Centre Green via Garden Spot Fire Rescue truck at 3 p.m. Mr. Sneakers will perform magic and balloon art from 3 to 5 p.m. The DKers, a local juggling act, will perform at 4:30 p.m. The Escape Room, located under Lickity Split, will be open throughout the day. "Ridiculous Nicholas will be a strolling street performer," noted organizer Mitch Dissinger. "He was on 'America's Got Talent.'" Entertainment will also be provided by the Garden Spot Vocal Ensemble, the New Holland Band Brass Quintet, the Garden Spot High School Brass Ensemble, and the Cavod Performing Arts Vocal Ensemble.

At 5:30 p.m., those gathered at Towne Centre Green will witness the annual lighting of the community Christmas tree, followed by a laser light show set to music by GMD Sounds. The light show will play until the end of the event.

Gina pointed out that tree lighting touches all who are present with the feeling of community associated with the holidays. "Continuing this cherished tradition is essential to the heart of New Holland, bringing us all closer, and filling our town with the magic of the season," she said.

A number of local nonprofit organizations will also lend a hand to Christmas on Main. St. Stephen Reformed Church will show a family-friendly movie called "The Star" at 2 p.m. Organizer Jen Morales said that New Holland Early Learning Center will have a stand on Main Street offering cookie decorating and face painting for children. "Garden Spot Village will have decorations and reindeer chow for children," reported Christmas on Main committee member Jen Parsons, who added that the Christmas cow will return this year. "Everyone really liked him (last year)," noted Parsons. Other organizations that will have a presence at Christmas on Main will include Cornerstone Reproductive Health, Refuge Calvary Chapel, City Gate New Holland, and the Garden Spot High School cheerleaders.

Several area businesses have also signed on to take part in Christmas on Main, including Garden Spot Dental Care, Community Insurance, E-Bike Guys of PA, M&M Silkscreen, Maple Grove Raceway, New Holland Family Restaurant, The Golf Cart Guy of Gap PA, Halo Music Studio, the Barber Room, Serrano's Serenity Spa and Serrano's Barber Lounge, Stoltzfus Structures, Regal Wishes, Tannery Antiques, and Morgan Towing.

"This celebration, second only to the (New Holland) fair, draws thousands who come to experience the Christmas spirit, savor delicious food, and enjoy the sounds of festive music," noted Gina. "It's a meaningful way for us to connect with our community and kick off the holiday season together."

An updated schedule of events may be found at http://www.christmasonmain.com.