This is "Small Town America" at its best!  Tunkhannock is a quaint town located 30-40 minutes from both Scranton and Wilkes Barre, PA in NEPA.

My lovely hometown of Tunkhannock is once again hosting its annual "Christmas In Our Hometown" on December 7th and 8th.  I must admit that this will be the first one that I'll have attended.  I'm very excited for a couple of reasons.

I've lived here in Tunkhannock for 4 years now and have seen every festival except this one.  It just happens that I have always had to work or had a friend's Christmas party to go to.  No fair!  While my neighbors were jaunting down the snowy streets in a horse-drawn "sleigh", I was clicking away at a computer in Scranton.  Now that I work with a much more liberal company, I can set my own hours to work around this awesome display of Christmas cheer! 

The most important reason that I'm excited about it is that I can enjoy the celebration with my son.  Since he was 1 month old for last years event, we decided to skip it.  This year he is walking and marveling at his surroundings.  He stares out the car window at the home Christmas light displays.  I can't wait to see his reaction to all the fun.  I have the feeling that my wife and I are going to feel like kids again.

Here's a little of what you can expect if you'd like to come visit.  The festivities start Friday, Dec 7 from 5 to 10pm.  This is perfect for people that want to stop down after work.  It continues on Saturday morning from 10am to 5pm.  Most of the local shops will be open during these hours and always offer fabulous sales to entice people to shop.  Of course, this motivation is usually not needed since the stores offer a great way to warm up as you walk up and down the streets. 

As you walk up and down the street between shops, you'll find plenty of fun and festive activities to enjoy.  There's also opportunities for free hot chocolate and hot apple cider with roasted chestnuts.  If you'd rather not walk, you can take a ride on the horse and buggy or the trolley bus.  You'll enjoy the sound of carolers and see a living manger scene and ice sculptures on your way.  There's also going to be a petting zoo for the young and young at heart.  There will be a children's play and a concert at night. 

This community pulls together and puts on a great event that I'm very much looking forward to.  As you walk the streets you can see the effort and the heart that this town puts into something that is so special to them.  "Christmas In Our Hometown" is presented by the Tunkhannock Business and Professional Association.