Honesdale offers home for the holidays

By CARA ANDERSEN

HONESDALE — This coming holiday season is a little different from those in the past.

As families give their thanks over the traditional turkey and stuffing this Thursday and shoppers gear up for Christmas shopping, everyone may stop and think about how much they really have to be thankful for, in light of the many people lost and the many families broken on September 11. A wonderful way to escape the spending rush and capture the holiday spirit is participating in Honesdale’s “Home for the Holidays,” beginning this weekend, November 23 and 24.

Honesdale’s small-town atmosphere, beautiful Victorian architecture and array of unique shops is a wonderful break from shopping plazas and large malls.

“People don’t want to go to the malls. They want to step back in time and take a deep breath before the hustle and bustle of Christmas is in full swing,” said Cindy Williams, founder of “Home for the Holidays” and owner of the Morning Glory Gift Store. Main Street will be hosting an open house November 23 and 24, where carolers and musicians will entertain and refreshments will be served.

The festivities begin at 6:00 on Friday night, when Santa will come into town by horse and sleigh for the Santa Parade. The parade will end at Central Park where the “Light-up Night” ceremonies begin with the lighting of the Christmas tree. Then, with a very special meaning this year, the Candles of Hope will be lit, one at a time, until everyone’s candle is lit. To complete the evening, caroling and refreshments will be served in the park after the ceremonies.

On Saturday, there will be horse-drawn sleigh rides from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., starting at the Fred Miller Pavilion on Main Street. The Living Nativity of the Churches, which draws focus to the many churches in Honesdale and depicts the spirituality of the season through many different denominations, will be held on Friday, December 7 and Saturday, December 8 around Central Park. An ornament hunt in Central Park will take place for the kids on Saturday, December 15 at 10:00 a.m.

Stores have extended their hours for the holiday season beginning the week of December 9. Most stores’ hours will be Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 p.m. Sunday hours will 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For quaint stores, a charming town and rare holiday spirit, step back in time in Honesdale for the “Home for the Holidays” celebration.

For more information, call the Greater Honesdale Partnership at 570/253-5492.