Hawley Winterfest: Parade, music, Cookie Walk, more set for this weekend

Peter Becker, Tri-County Independent
·3 min read

The Hawley Winterfest Committee of Downtown Hawley Partnership (DHP) has announced plans for a 25th annual celebration that even Ebenezer Scrooge would love. From Dec. 8 to 10, the town will once again turn back the clock for its annual community-wide cultural event which highlights the town's Victorian traditions, Winterfest 2023.

Among the many activities:

A professional vocal ensemble, the Lyric Consort, will present “A Lyric Consort Christmas” on Friday evening, Dec. 8, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Hawley United Methodist Church, 315 Church St. Advance tickets are available from Teeters’ Furniture, WeJo Arts, or B. Madigan Jewelry & Gifts, all in Hawley. Tickets are $15 per person.

More music: Christmas concerts scheduled in Hawley, Carbondale, Honesdale

The History Tour will take place on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 9 and 10, and it is a self-guided tour available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (with the last stop requested at 3:30 each day). All four locations are close to Hawley Borough. Guests may stop by the Downtown Hawley Partnership office at 519 Church St., Hawley, beginning at 9:45 a.m. either day to purchase your tour pass (wristband) and a detailed tour map at which time exact locations will be revealed. The tour cost is $20 per person.

"Tress for a Cause," a tree decorating contest sponsored by DHP in cooperation with The Hawley Hub & Black & Brass Coffee Co. takes place at The Hawley Hub, Dec. 1-10. Each participant who hosts a tree will show off their tree decorating skills and compete to raise money for their selected cause. Winterfest visitors will vote for their favorite tree.

"Trees for a Cause," a tree decorating contest sponsored by Downtown Hawley Partnership in cooperation with The Hawley Hub & Black & Brass Coffee Co., takes place at The Hawley Hub, Dec. 1-10, 2023. Each participant who hosts a tree will show off their decorating skills and compete to raise money for their selected cause. Winterfest visitors will vote for their favorite tree.

Winterfest Artisan Fair takes place Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Hawley Silk Mill. Shop an array of juried artisan and fine crafts hosted by Art on the Edge.

The First Presbyterian Church of Hawley, 815 Church St., hosts their annual Cookie Walk Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Select your favorite holiday cookies for purchase.

The Winterfest Parade takes place Saturday at 11 a.m. on Main Avenue, with Santa on his own float.  The small parade heads to Bingham Park, where children can meet visitors from the North Pole, and enjoy hot chocolate and a bonfire.

Bingham Park, Hawley, pictured here by Hawley artist Juan Espino several years ago, features a bonfire, hot chocolate and "visitors from the North Pole" where pictures can be taken at the bandstand with children Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, during Winterfest. If it is cold enough, the borough ice skating rink may be available. The park event immediately follows the Winterfest parade up Main Avenue, which begins at 11 a.m. and concludes at the park. Be sure to wave for Santa in the parade.

The Ritz Company Playhouse welcomes all to their free Christmas Show on Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m., featuring Santa Claus after the show. The playhouse is at 512 Keystone Street.

Homeowners are encouraged to decorate their home outside for the Winterfest Holiday Display Contest. Be sure to drive around and see the lights and ornaments.

At night, take in the brilliantly lit holiday decor in downtown Hawley, complete with the Christmas Star on the ridge maintained by the Sambuca family and helped with private donations. Also take a ride around the residential streets to enjoy the homes that may be decorated for the season.
At night, take in the brilliantly lit holiday decor in downtown Hawley, complete with the Christmas Star on the ridge maintained by the Sambuca family and helped with private donations. Also take a ride around the residential streets to enjoy the homes that may be decorated for the season.

Road to Bethlehem, featuring a guided tour of stations showing the story of the birth of Jesus, is hosted by the Hawley United Methodist Church, 315 Church St., Saturday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Cookies and hot chocolate follow. Call 570-226-3875 for information.

Hawley Borough hosts a bonfire and carols in Bingham Park Saturday at 6 p.m. near the recently renovated and holiday-decorated bandstand.

Hawley United Methodist Church hosts the Joyful Ringers hand bell concert Sunday at 2 p.m.

There are many other activities planned as well. For additional information about Winterfest, contact the DHP at 570-226-4064 or visit visithawleypa.com/winterfest/events/.

Peter Becker has worked at the Tri-County Independent or its predecessor publications since 1994. Reach him at pbecker@tricountyindependent.com or 570-253-3055 ext. 1588.

This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Winterfest: Hawley's 25th annual celebration set for Dec. 8-10