REGION — The holiday season in the region will be filled with activities for people of all tastes and ages as communities put their best foot forward and deck themselves with sparkle and holiday cheer. From a traveling Santa to a winter festival, there are lots of opportunities to get swept up into the holiday spirit while not going too far from home. Whether you stay in your town or visit one that’s new to you, sampling the offerings of various communities is sure to bring feelings of warmth as the weather turns cold.

A river hamlet all lit up

NARROWSBURG, NY — A forest of birch branches wrapped in clear lights will transform the holiday streets of Narrowsburg, which will hold a tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 3 on the Main Street observation deck. There will be caroling led by local musicians Stu Hirsch and Kevin Vertrees, favors for the kids and an appearance by Santa, who will arrive in a fire truck. Refreshments will be offered in the shops. The Tusten Concerned CItzens group will begin its monthly “Sky Dog Supper Club” meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Main Street before going to the town hall to continue their December event.

Honesdale for the Holidays

HONESDALE, NY — The singing of Christmas carols at a tree lighting will be just one of many activities featured in Honesdale for the Holidays on November 25, 26 and 27. Friday will feature Honesdale’s annual Santa Parade, which starts at Main and Fourth streets and steps off at 6 p.m. Afterward, the star on Irving Hill and a Christmas tree in the park will be lighted. On Saturday, a number of craft vendors, including members of The Wayne County Farmers’ Market, will be on Main Street near the pavilion (weather permitting), and old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage rides will be available. On Sunday, tours of historic places such as The Old Stone Jail and The Honesdale Fire Museum will be available. And the many shops in town will be open throughout the weekend, offering special seasonal treats, hours and deals. Visit www.visithonesdalepa.com/events_details.php?id=129.

‘Christmas in the Village’

BETHANY, PA — The James Manning House, along with other historic buildings in Bethany, will be all decked out for Christmas as part of the village’s “Christmas in the Village” celebration, slated for Saturday, December 3 starting at 2 p.m.. Events will include a children’s Christmas party in the library—at which Santa will be a guest—a live wreath sale, open houses at the Manning and Kellogg houses and the Mansion at Noble Lane, carol sings, art displays and horse-drawn hayrides. Also part of the celebration will be the traditional Living Nativity at the Presbyterian Church from 4:30 to 6:30.

Hawley Winterfest

HAWLEY, PA — The Teeters Furniture Building, pictured at right, sparkled during the festivities in 2009. The Hawley Winterfest this year is set for December 9 through 11, with 2011 marking the 13th anniversary of the event. There will be tasty holiday fare, music for the season, a children’s show at the community theatre, a chance to mingle with artists and authors, ice carving, gingerbread decorating, the Winterfest Express Stourbridge Line train ride from neighboring Honesdale, a spin in a horse-drawn carriage, homes boasting decked halls on the holiday house tours and more. Visit www.hawleywinterfest.com.

Holiday parade in Jeff

JEFFERSONVILLE, NY — Jeffersonville will kick off the holidays with its 17th annual James Dworetsky Holiday Parade on Friday, November 25. Lineup will be at 6 p.m., with the parade stepping of at 7 p.m. at the Sullivan West school campus. Following the parade, enjoy a visit with Santa and his helpers inside the firehouse.

Santa Express in Eldred, Bethel, Liberty

ELDRED, NY — The Santa Express, which has been traveling the roads of southwestern Sullivan County since 2005, will be bigger than ever this year, and traveling a lot farther as well. This year on December 10, a 50-foot sleigh will travel to Eldred, Glen Spey, Barryville, Yulan and Narrowsburg. But unlike previous years, there is a second trip scheduled for December 17, when it will go to Bethel and Liberty. The sleigh brings 11 characters from the North Pole, and provides music, live performances, dancing, lights and presents for the children and, of course, a visit with Santa. Visit www.facebook.com/santaexpress.