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Gettysburg, Pa., ushers in the holiday season

Several events to be held this weekend in historic Civil War town

(Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) - 12/3/2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE �

CONTACT:

Carl Whitehill

Media Relations Manager

Gettysburg Convention & Visitors Bureau

(717) 338-1055

[email protected]

 

The holidays are in full swing in Gettysburg, Pa. The festivities continue this weekend with a variety of events to help visitors usher in the holiday season.

Among the events planned for this weekend include:

First Friday

This year-round event brings a special touch during the holidays. A live Nativity, sponsored by two local churches, will be on display beginning this Friday along York Street in Downtown Gettysburg.

The Nativity, which includes carolers, is part of a community-wide celebration among the town�s merchants, artists and other businesses. During First Friday, about 25 businesses stay open late and give visitors a unique downtown experience. First Friday will be held on Dec. 5.

An Eisenhower Christmas

Celebrate Christmas in the tradition of Gettysburg�s First Family at the Eisenhower National Historic Site throughout the month of December. The Eisenhower home is decorated as it was during their presidential years in the 1950s.

In the living room, park rangers regale visitors with tales of Eisenhower Christmases past while holiday music from the Eisenhowers� album collection provides background accompaniment. Original Eisenhower decorations are on display in the home and Eisenhower Christmas cards are on exhibit in the Reception Center. The site is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Christmas in the Country Craft Show

The Land of Little Horses invites visitors to explore the sights and sounds of the holiday season while shopping among craft vendors in its heated buildings. While you�re there, pet and feed the many adorable animals at the farm. The show is held Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Log House Christmas Crafts Show

Presented by the East Berlin Historical Society, this event offers traditional handmade wares in an early American setting featuring the area�s finest craftspeople, floral arrangements and baked goods. The event is held Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Boyds Bear Country�s holiday celebration

Start with Breakfast with Santa on Saturday and Sunday at 9 a.m., and then journey to the top of Santa�s rooftop, where kids of all ages can deliver their lists to Santa himself. Once their done, they�ll slide down the chimney and out through the fireplace below. Santa will be at Boyds between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. every weekend until Christmas.

Afterward, buy gifts at Santa�s Secret Shoppe, which allows kids to buy presents for family and friends with the help of Boyds� very own beary elves. The shoppe is open from noon until 4 p.m. on weekends.

Boyer�s Nursery Annual Christmas Open House

Starting this weekend and continuing Dec. 13-14, this special event includes live wreaths and trees, gift baskets, fresh fruit and free refreshments. Kids can get their picture taken with Santa from 1-3 p.m.

Holiday Open House

Drive out to the Historic Roundbarn and enjoy live holiday music, refreshments, door prizes, Christmas decorations and gift ideas. The event is held Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Candlelight Christmas Tour of the Shriver House

Experience a Civil War Christmas with a visit to the Shriver House Museum. See how Christmas was celebrated in the 1860s while fathers, sons and husbands were separated from their loved ones. Learn about holiday traditions and decorations during the Civil War period. Tours are held Saturdays through Dec. 20, at 5, 7 and 9 p.m.

1860s Christmas Festival

Come out to the Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg for a charming holiday market with your friends and family. Held Friday and Saturdays from noon to 8 p.m. and Sundays, noon to 6 p.m., the event features fresh trees, wreaths and garland, complimentary carriage rides and live entertainment.

For more information on these events or other happenings in Gettysburg and Adams County, Pa., visit www.gettysburg.travel or call (800) 337-5015.