Hazleton’s holiday season officially began with a series of festive events that brought residents together to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. The collaborative efforts of local organizations and sponsors created the magical kickoff, in a citywide initiative titled ‘Hazleton for the Holidays’.
On Wednesday, Dec. 4, the festivities began with Mayor Jeff Cusat and the City of Hazleton’s City Hall Tree Lighting. Families gathered to watch the towering Christmas tree light up – signaling the start of the holiday season. In addition to musical and dance performances throughout the evening, Santa and Mrs. Claus made a special appearance, greeting guests and spreading holiday cheer. Guests also enjoyed a complimentary hot chocolate bar, sponsored by Mayor Cusat’s Hazleton Revitalization Fund, with service provided by students from Immanuel Christian School.
“The holiday season is about bringing people together, and this tree lighting ceremony set the perfect tone for the rest of the month,” Hazleton Mayor Jeff Cusat said. “It’s heartwarming to see our community come together to celebrate.”
The holiday fun continued at the Hazleton Public Library with a Character Meet and Greet featuring Frosty the Snowman, delighting young attendees with an interactive and heartwarming experience.
Next door at Christ Lutheran Church, the 31st annual CAN DO Community Christmas showcased musical talent from local school ensembles. Performances included the MMI Black Diamond Chorale, Hazleton Area Cougar Crooners Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Hazleton Area High School Jazz Ensemble, McAdoo-Kelayres Elementary/Middle School Mustang Choir, and Heights-Terrace 3rd Grade Choir. Santa and Mrs. Claus returned for this event, handing out candy to attendees.
Generous sponsorships from organizations such as American Eagle Outfitters, Penn State Hazleton, T.Platek Contracting, The Hershey Company, Romark Logistics, Keystone Job Corps, Niagara Bottling, AJ Roofing, Baranko’s Pizza, Brian Galada Electric, Creative Comfort, Inc., Deb Stone Interiors, Janney Montgomery Scott, Luzerne Bank, Mayor Cusat’s Hazleton Revitalization Fund, PFNonwovens, Tri-State Security Solutions, and WYLN TV 35 made this cherished tradition possible.
“CAN DO Community Christmas is one of the highlights of our year,” said Jocelyn Sterenchock, CAN DO’s Director of Economic Development. “Seeing so many young performers and families enjoying the evening reminds us why these partnerships are so important.”
On Thursday, Dec. 5, the Hazleton Chamber of Commerce hosted its Downtown Holiday Mixer at the Hazleton Art League. Members enjoyed networking in a festive atmosphere and got an exclusive preview of this month’s art exhibition, “Reclamation: From Coal Dust to Hope,” by Robert McCormick.
“The Downtown Holiday Mixer is about more than just networking – it’s about celebrating the spirit of the season and showcasing the incredible creativity and talent within our community,” said Mary Malone, President of the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce.
The excitement continued on Friday, Dec. 6, with the 4th annual CAN DO Community Park Tree Lighting. Attendees gathered at the park to witness the illumination of a 22-foot smart Christmas tree and enjoy made-to-order hot chocolate donated by the Schwear Family and prepared by CAN DO’s Student Action Committee. Guests also had the option to pay tribute to a living Nativity scene, hosted by Holy Annunciation Parish, as well as enjoy festive holiday music throughout the night. The evening also featured the official opening night of the Hazleton Art League’s December Exhibition and photos with Santa at the Hazleton LaunchBox, supported by Amazon AVP1 and the Pennsylvania State Police.
Simultaneously, the Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress (DHAP)’s Wassailfest & Downtown Hazleton Night Market filled Broad Street with holiday spirit. 25 vendors and artisans as well as 18 local businesses participated in this annual tradition, offering unique beverages and showcasing their products. This year’s Night Market vendors were placed in CAN DO Community Park, the Broad Street Business Exchange, Lackawanna College Hazleton Center, The HUB Welcome Center, and Hazleton National Bank.
Participating businesses included Artfully Upcycled, Café Lima, D & D Barber Studio, D & N Furniture, Dr. Christian F. Santana’s Office, Edward Jones, Enger Supermarket, Fellin’s Jewelers, Hazle Drugs, Hazleton Art League, Jimmy’s Quick Lunch, Lackawanna College Hazleton Center, Luisa Bargain Store and Beauty Supply, Luisa’s Restaurant, Martha’s Restaurant, State Representative Dane Watro’s Office, The Copy Center, and The Pines Eatery & Spirits. Sponsorships from Posture Interactive, Northpoint Development, Adames Bistro, Bearings & Drives Unlimited, Brian Galada Electric, EAM-Mosca, Hayden Power Group, Lehigh Valley Hospital – Hazleton, Meadow Container, NUCOR, People Security Bank & Trust, Smith Floral, Stopain Clinical, and The Pines Eatery & Spirits helped make the event possible.
Hazleton for the Holidays is a partnership between the City of Hazleton, CAN DO, DHAP, The Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce, the Hazleton Art League, the Hazleton Public Library, and the Hazleton LaunchBox Supported by Pasco L. Schiavo.
“We’re thrilled to see Hazleton’s downtown buzzing with holiday activity,” Sterenchock added. “Events like Wassailfest and the Night Market are fantastic opportunities to highlight our local businesses and bring people together.”
Additionally, the City of Hazleton’s first Sunday Christmas Village events of the 2024 season took place at CAN DO Community Park on Sunday, Dec. 8 and 15. During the event, attendees were able to buy unique holiday gifts from local vendors and artisans, as well as enjoy ‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’ movie, UNICO’s Living Nativity, and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. This year’s final Christmas Village at CAN DO Community Park will take place on Sunday Dec. 22 from 2 – 7 PM. Upcoming activities include free horse and carriage rides, sponsored by Mayor Cusat’s Hazleton Revitalization Fund, live entertainment, and food trucks.
For more information on the City of Hazleton’s holiday celebrations, visit HazletonForTheHolidays.com or contact Hazleton Parks and Recreation’s Recreation Director, Ali McKittrick, at amckittrick@cityofhazleton.org or CAN DO’s Marketing Communications Specialist, Miguel Polanco, at mpolanco@hazletoncando.com.