Celebrate! Annville Holiday Festivities on Sat. Dec. 7, 2024

Celebrate! Annville is pleased to present a full day of holiday activities on Saturday, December 7, including Santa's Arrival at the Annville Free Library, a free holiday movie at the Allen Theatre, and a tree lighting ceremony at the town square near 50 West Main Street. Annville eateries and businesses will offer refreshment throughout the day. The Annville-Cleona fire department will escort Santa to the Library.

Santa's arrival in Annville has traditionally been hosted at the Allen Theatre. The Theatre was sold in June 2024 to Michael Cantor who transformed the former Backstage Cafe to Salamander Books. After consulting Cantor and Annville Free Library leaders, the Celebrate! Annville committee decided to change the location of Santa's Arrival from the Theatre to the Library. 

“The change in location provides the opportunity to showcase the changes made at both the library and the Theatre,” stated Anne Achenbach, a coordinator of the holiday kick off.  “We hope this change will be embraced by the community as our committee works to keep fresh beloved Annville traditions,” stated Melanie Chapter, chair of the Celebrate! Annville committee.

Celebrate! Annville Holiday Kick Off Schedule for Saturday, December 7:

• ALL DAY Visit Annville eateries 

• 8:45 AM Washington Band, South entrance, Annville Free Library 

• 9:00 AM Santa's Arrival by firetruck, Library south entrance 

• 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Families enjoy craft, activities, and can visit with Santa

• 1:00 PM FREE holiday movie at the Allen Theatre 

• 5:45 PM Washington Band, Annville-Cleona School District bands and choral groups lead carols

• 6:00 PM Welcoming remarks followed by tree lighting

A live, decorated tree will stand atop a planter at 50 West Main Street during the holiday season and later planted along the fence near the Annville Public Works Facility on Main Street. “Our committee considered many tree options. In consultation with Annville Township, we concluded that a live tree on a platform that protects the underlying garden bed at the site would serve us well this year,” stated Matt Woolson, volunteer for Celebrate! Annville. 

Funds raised by Celebrate! Annville purchased pole decorations from Annville-based KK Lawn & Landscaping for the historic district. This year, 34 new snowflakes and wreaths will join eight wreaths purchased last year. 

Celebrate! Annville is a committee of the Friends of Old Annville dedicated to fostering community spirit in Annville during holidays and throughout the year.