FACTORYVILLE, Pa. — The sixth annual Factoryville Christmas Market is December 1-3 at Christy Mathewson Park.
The event was inspired by European Christmas markets known for cozy wooden storefronts, handmade gifts, warm drinks, comfort foods, and festive cheer.
Christy Mathewson Park is transformed into a Hallmark movie experience, decked out with decorations, lights, and the holiday spirit.
After crossing the bridge into the park, families walk into a winter wonderland. It's a tradition Diane Dalton organized with her family even before the event moved outdoors.
"A couple of Girl Scout troops got together and did bird-friendly ornaments. We hung them on the tree, and Santa Claus came on the fire truck and lit the tree, and we had some snacks, and that was it," Dalton said.
Since then, the holiday market has grown, taking over every walking path to fit all forty vendors.
Elena O'Connor and the rest of the planning committee were inspired to add a unique theme to their annual Christmas celebration.
"We were inspired by the European Christmas markets in Germany with the beautiful storefronts and the hand-crafted foods, so we're bringing it here to Christy Mathewson Park and all of our storefronts in all of the trees," said O'Connor.
What makes their Christmas market special is that there's something for everyone. Dalton runs the elf school, the biggest children's event in the whole market.
"Elf school is where kids can come to do a craft, make some reindeer food, have a story read to them, and shop in secret for their family and friends. While their parents can shop or maybe partake in an adult beverage," Dalton said.
Anticipating more than 1,000 people to come throughout the weekend, the group has events planned every hour to give visitors a break from shopping, from making s'mores to live entertainment.
It's a way to bring their neighbors together this holiday season.
"It really wouldn't be possible if it weren't for these armies of volunteers coming together and making this tradition possible for us," O'Connor added.
The market features over 40 vendors, festive food and drinks, live music, a children's wonderland, an elf school, and a photo op with Santa.
Factoryville Christmas Market is this weekend- Friday 6 p.m. -9 p.m., Saturday noon-7 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Click here for the full schedule of events.