The community is invited to enjoy Christmas in Christiana on Saturday Dec. 9. The celebration will include activities at the Christiana Freight Station, an appearance by Santa, a "Light Up Christiana" decorating contest and events at the Brinton House, the new headquarters of the Christiana Historical Society.

"It's a wonderful day for Christiana. We get between 700 and 800 people from all around (who attend)," said Jim Groff, vice president of the Christiana Historical Society and a member of the Christiana Lions Club. Groff will portray Santa throughout the day and will spend the morning visiting area seniors and homebound individuals.

Later, Santa will be on hand at the Christiana Freight Station, 10 Railroad Ave. Children age 12 and under who are accompanied by a parent or guardian can join Santa for a hot dog and a picture from 3 to 5 p.m. There will also be free children's train rides on a miniature train at the freight station starting at 3 p.m.

The Underground Railroad Museum, once known as Zercher's Hotel, 11 Green St., will be open from 3 to 6 p.m. Tours will be given by Darlene Colón, historical society president.

A new activity this year will be "Melodies on the Porch" being presented by the historical society at the Brinton House, 17 Green St., beginning at 3 p.m. The community is invited to enjoy hot drinks, Starbucks coffee, snacks and music on the building's newly renovated porch. The refreshments are free, but donations will be accepted. Historical society mugs will be available to fill with coffee for a suggested donation. The music will be presented by Victorian-dressed carolers and a fiddler beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Santa Claus will be driven around town from 6 to 8 p.m. He will be aboard a sleigh on the back of a flatbed truck and escorted by Christiana Fire Company. During that time, residents will be asked to donate nonperishable food items for the Octorara Area Food Cupboard. "People can put bags of food in front of their houses. At the tail end of the parade there will be truck gathering the bags," explained Patti Shrom, a member of the Christiana Historical Society and the Lions Club.

From 6 to 8 p.m., residents can enjoy hayrides through town to see the Christmas lights, and cookies and refreshments will be available at the Freight Station. There will be a live drive-through Nativity at New Beginnings Church of the Cross, 1 Penn Ave., and refreshments will also be available at the Moores Memorial Library, 9 W. Slokom Ave. A display of gingerbread houses will be featured at the Christiana Borough Hall, 10 W. Slokom Ave., from 3 to 8 p.m.

A "Light Up Christiana" lighting and decoration contest will be presented by the Christiana Lions Club. Judging of homes will begin at 6:15 p.m., and cash prizes will be awarded for the winners of Santa's Choice, Up-Town and Down-Town. Homes will be judged on amount of effort, curb appeal, use of luminarias and creativity.

For more information about Christmas in Christiana, visit http://www.facebook.com/christianahistoricalsociety, choose "Events" and then select "Melodies of Christmas on the Porch."