Some First Night activities, like ice skating are fun to do with lots of people. Others, like a carriage ride, are best when shared with that special someone. No matter what you chose to do at First Night, adding a little bling—and some blink—will make it even more fun!
Carriage Rides, Reindeer and More!
Reindeer
As all American children and adults know, Santa Claus’s reindeer pull a sleigh through the night sky to help Mr. Claus deliver gifts to children on Christmas Eve. Santa’s first eight reindeer, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen, were named by Clement Clarke Moore in his 1823 poem, A Visit from St. Nicholas. Rudolph did not join the crew until 1939, though his fame did not become widespread until 1949 when Gene Autry recorded the now familiar Christmas song.
Reindeer, also called caribou, spend the other 364 days a year as residents of the polar regions of North America, Siberia, and Europe. Our friends from Spruce Run Farm in Bloomsburg will be visiting Sidney Friedman Park with two of their reindeer on December 31 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.
Sponsored by Strong Tower Associates
Carriage Rides
At Mayor Welch Plaza, two carriages drawn by Percheron draft horses, take you back in time as they carry you through downtown State College. Dress warmly – it’s difficult to turn up the heat in an open carriage. Rides are offered from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on a first come, first served basis. Due to high demand, not all of those wishing to ride may be accommodated. Carriage rides are $5 a person and require a First Night Button.
Carriage rides are Sponsored by Northwest Bank.
Puttin’ on the Glitz
This contest, open to Centre County homes, celebrates how we use our homes to share the joy of the holiday season. From the electric candle in a window to the over-the-top extravaganza of the Griswold family in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, our decorations are a way we share holiday joy with friends, neighbors, and people we’ve never even met. Greenery, dried flowers and fruits have been used for wintertime decorations since at least the mid-19th century. The internet age has seen holiday decorations taken to a new level, as spirit-filled suburbanites cover every available surface with lights, add a musical sound track, and post videos of the show on YouTube. Show us how creative you are!
The entry deadline was December 9 at 5:00 pm.
Sponsored by Beth Richards Sandy Stover Group at Kissinger Bigatel and Brower
Buy a Button!
A First Night button gets you into all performances and some activities – for just $10!