Listing of events
By Tom Dallessio
The streets of Hopewell Borough come alive this month as residents and visitors celebrate Hopewell Holidays.
A mixture of traditional and new activities for young and old are planned each Saturday in December in the historic village of Hopewell. Businesses in town will join the celebration with refreshments or opportunities for shoppers to find that special gift for a friend or loved one.
Have your pet photographed with Santa. Ride an old-fashioned horse-drawn sleigh. Celebrate the holiday tree-lighting. And that’s all on the first day! Sponsored by the Hopewell Borough Economic Development Committee, the fun and excitement will last throughout the month.
On Saturday, Dec. 9, Santa Claus will arrive at 7 p.m. on an antique fire truck to light the holiday tree. Earlier that day, he will stop by Weidel Realtors at 45 W. Broad St., from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. to ask pets what they would like for the holidays. Perhaps a biscuit or a new collar?
Also on Dec. 9, stop by the Hopewell Museum, 28 E. Broad St., from 2-5 p.m. for the "Old Hopewell" exhibition, including a working model of the Reading Crusader Steam Engine.
Or, perhaps you’ve always wanted to see the interior of the Old School Baptist Church? Built in 1822, this West Broad Street landmark and the Hopewell Library at 13 E. Broad St., will be open to the public from 2-5 p.m. Why not do some shopping or have dinner at a local eatery between these events and the tree lighting? Remember, Santa will light the tree at the corner of Broad and Greenwood at 7 p.m..
On Saturday, Dec. 16, Santa returns to the historic Hopewell Railroad Station on Railroad Place. He’ll bring music and refreshments from 2-4 p.m.
If you enjoy singing, or just like to hear good music, you can join the carolers who will meet at Failte Coffeehouse on West Broad Street at 6 p.m. for a stroll through town. At 7 p.m. the coffeehouse will host a Celtic Christmas musical celebration by Celtic Rain with an Irish harpist.
And, you can be the judge of the best holiday decorating in Hopewell by picking up your official ballot and map at Failte or By-the-Way Café on East Broad Street, strolling the streets of Hopewell, and casting your ballot for best decorations. (Contestants must register at Weidel Realtors by Dec. 13.)
On Dec. 23, there will be music, poetry and a live nativity scene. From 4:30-6 p.m., hear traditional and contemporary music, and join the sing-a-long at the historic Old School Baptist Church. Then, hear a dramatic reading of "A Child’s Christmas in Wales," the Dylan Thomas holiday classic. The live Nativity at the Calvary Baptist Church on East Broad Street closes the evening from 7-8:30 p.m.
The Hopewell Business Association joins the Economic Development Committee in working to make this season the best ever for residents and visitors.