Enjoy a Pennsylvania German Christmas, Featuring Visits from the Belsnickel at Christmas on the Farm

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KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Celebrate Pennsylvania German Christmas traditions and the vibrant folk culture of the region at Christmas on the Farm, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center at Kutztown University. Christmas on the Farm is a free, fun and educational event for the whole family featuring folklife demonstrations, live musical performances by some of the region’s finest folk musicians, kid’s activities, animals, local folk artists and special appearances from the legendary Pennsylvania Dutch holiday visitor – the Belsnickel.

Stunning displays of work created by local artisans and craftspeople, as well as a children’s craft tent, will engage young and old with the region’s holiday traditions. Experience historical and cultural demonstrations like traditional hearth cooking with Becky Manley and Pennsylvania German Ox-Tongue cookies baked in the woodstove by Terry Berger in the Summer Kitchen. The Reading-Berks Chapter of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen will showcase the work of many of the region’s finest traditional craftspeople, including holiday specialties.

Enjoy live Pennsylvania German music with Keith Brintzenhoff (noon), Old Time, traditional Pennsylvania Dutch and Bluegrass favorites with Mike and Linda Hertzog (1:30 p.m.) and Berks County Homegrown Mountain Folk with Dave Kline (3 p.m.); as well as visits from the Belsnickel (1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.). Sarajane Williams of Musiatry will grace the ears of visitors with harp music throughout the day in the Sharadin Farmhouse.

The Dutch Oven food truck will keep guests warm with Pennsylvania German food and drinks, Ellen’s Garden will stock your winter pantry and our vendors and craftsmen will have you covered when looking for unique gifts for everyone on your holiday list. Stop by the bookstand to find new selections from the Heritage Center’s Annual Publication Series, including the newly released 2023 Pennsylvania Dutch Calendar, featuring the artwork of barn star painter Milton Hill (1887-1972). Get all your Holiday shopping needs met at Christmas on the Farm.

Don’t forget to visit our new exhibition, Mountain Mary, Contemporary Visions of the Sainted Healer, celebrating the life and legend of Berks County healer, Anna Maria Young (1744-1819) of the Oley Hills. The exhibition is located nearby on campus, in the new DeLight E. Breidegam Building, Headquarters of the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center, which will be open during Christmas on the Farm at 15155 Kutztown Road.

For more information, including a list of vendors, demonstrators and activities for Christmas on the Farm, follow ‘PGCHC’ Facebook, email heritage@kutztown.edu or call (610)-683-1589.