I didn’t mind the freezing temperatures before the sun rose this morning to preview the 40th annual Christmas + Gift Show at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex.
A media preview is a blogger’s delight to view significant events before the doors open to the public—the eerily quiet six acres of the annual Christmas + Gift Show with over 600 vendors proved interesting. Why?
The annual PA Christmas + Gift Show is a longtime tradition at The Farm Show Complex. Why? It’s the perfect one-stop-shop for distinctive gifts. As shoppers patiently waited in line before the doors opened at 9:00 am, many came prepared with rolling carts to carry their purchases.
One great advantage of previewing the show before the crowd arrives. You get lovely photos. In the above image, I’m sitting in the custom-made Santa sleigh product of Q n C Construction.
Celebrity Guest:
Before the doors opened, I had the pleasure of meeting actress and author Karolyn Grimes. Little Zuzu Bailey from the Christmas classic “It’s A Wonderful Life” showcased her It’s A Wonderful Life cookbook, Christmas ornaments, and bells.
I also met the talented Coleen Christian Burke, an author and Christmas decorating expert at the White House and the PA Governor’s Mansion. In the photo above, Coleen shared an easy DIY Christmas arrangement using fresh greens, giant peppermint sticks, ribbon, and a vase from the Dollar Store.
My new friend Coleen, a partner in crime, in securing fun photos and exploring the booths.
Here are the Special Events and need-to-know information to plan a trip to shop at the PA Christmas + Gift Show at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex:
Ladies Night:
Friday, December 1, from 4–7 pm
Reduced admission costs $8.00, and discounted signature cocktails, live DJ, door prizes, and DIY workshops.
Deck the Paws Fashion Show
Saturday, December 2 at 10:00 am North Hall, Entertainment Stage
For the Children (All North Hall)
Santa Land daily 11-3
Workshops and Kid’s Korner
Caricatures and Face Painting by Kelly (near the North Hall entrance)
Model Train Display
Lego Exhibit: Over 600 square feet of intricately constructed display by Mark Petrich
For Planning Purposes:
Dates: Wednesday, November 29 through Sunday, December 3, 2023
Hours:
Wednesday, November 29 – Sat, December 2, 9 am – 7 pm
Sunday, December 3, 10 am – 5 pm
Entrance: Cameron Street Entrance
Single-Day Tickets: Buy online or at the Box Office
Adults (Box office) $10
Seniors 62+ $8
Children Age 11 + under are Free with Paying Adult
Group tickets (20 or more) $8
After 4 pm, $6 (at the Box Office only)
Girls Night Out $6 (Friday, December 1 from 4 pm – 7 pm
Second-Day Tickets: Second Day Tickets can be purchased for $6 at the Box office
Use my code for $3.00 off $10.00 admission.
Parking: $10 per vehicle
Subscribe to the PA Christmas Show website to receive discounts for the upcoming PA Garden and Home Shows.
Those 600 vendors mentioned earlier hail mainly from Pennsylvania. What a great way to support the Christmas + Gift Show and help small businesses. The Jessica Jordan booth could easily win the best presentation award for her jewelry display.
It looks like shoppers sometimes dress alike at this well-honored annual shopping tradition in Central Pennsylvania. The novel selection of products includes decor, seasonal items, gourmet food, PA wines, clothing, toys, and pet products. If you’re looking for a specialty gift, chances are you will find it at the PA Christmas + Gift Show. Don’t forget to use my discount code to save $3 off the $10 admission cost.
As always, thank you for reading.
