Around the holidays, New Holland's down-to-earth, traditional values are exemplified by residents spending time with members of their immediate family. But when the community spirit moves the natives, that holiday cheer can spread to friends, neighbors and their extended families.

All those varying levels of cheer will be celebrated at the upcoming New Holland Christmas on Main event.

"New Holland just enjoys an opportunity to come together, and the Christmas season is an easy time to be reminded of our community togetherness," said Danielle Landis, a member of New Holland Christmas on Main's planning committee. "The best thing for me is looking or walking down Main Street and seeing all the clusters of families and friends there just making memories. The reason I like to do these things is I enjoy creating memories, and when I see those things, I feel like I completed my mission."

Presented by the New Holland Business Association, this year's edition of the annual New Holland Christmas on Main will take place from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29. The event will be conducted from Custer Avenue to Railroad Avenue on Main Street, as well as on portions of Roberts Avenue.

Those streets will be closed to vehicular traffic beginning at noon.

"What's neat about the timing is that it's two days after Thanksgiving," said Landis. "So it's a great way to kick off the Christmas season."

There will be plenty to see and do at New Holland Christmas on Main, and many of the activities will be free. Among the free attractions will be rides on a full-size carousel; rounds of miniature golf; two different historical walking tours guided by New Holland Area Historical Society members; performances by magician and balloon artist Mr. Sneakers; a scavenger hunt game featuring prizes; touch-a-truck machines, tractors and emergency vehicles; and musical numbers from solo acts, a local band and a vocal ensemble from Garden Spot High School.

Many of the downtown businesses will be open, offering free refreshments, activities and fun.

"Our hope is that it feels joyful, relaxed and laid back," said Landis, "but also fun. There are a variety of fun activities for families with kids of all ages, young people and older people."

New Holland Christmas on Main will begin with an indoor Christmas market craft show at 9 a.m. But the highlight of the event may be two visits by Santa Claus himself: indoors at the New Holland Area Historical Society, 207 W. Main St. from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and outdoors at the town green at 3 p.m., after his arrival on a fire truck.

Prior to Santa's outdoor arrival, Mrs. Claus will read Christmas stories.

Then at 6 p.m., the annual Christmas tree lighting will take place.

There will also be nine food trucks on-site, offering a variety of hot and cold dishes for sale.

"All the activities are designed to be family friendly or related to history," said Landis, an Ephrata resident who was born and raised in New Holland. "It's a fun thing to do in our small town. The sun goes down, the lights go on, the tree is lit, and it feels like something out of a movie scene. We like to call it 'New Holland's Hallmark moment.'"

Several thousand people, mostly residents of the New Holland area and surrounding towns, are expected to attend New Holland Christmas on Main.

"We're not trying to make a dollar; we're trying to celebrate the season and have fun," said Landis. "There may be a few craft fairs and church activities around the holidays, but there are no other events like this in the streets in the middle of New Holland."

This year will mark the 18th time that the New Holland Christmas on Main has been celebrated.

"My understanding is that it was started because the businesses wanted to do something for the community during the winter season," said Landis. "There really wasn't anything going on in the winter. It's definitely evolved and grown over the years. In this world where everyone's schedules are so busy, especially around the holiday season, I hope our Christmas event is not just another thing to check off. We don't want anything from people; we just want them to come and experience this community event."

For additional information, go to http://www.newhollandbusiness.org/christmas-on-main.