Christmas on Main Street

Enjoy the wonders of a small-town Christmas amidst the gaslit Main Street and surrounding hills of Wellsboro, Pennsylvania.

Christmas on Main Street recognizes Wellsboro’s history of supplying Christmas ornaments to virtually all of the United States during World War II when imports of hand-blown ornaments from Germany was not possible. During the war, Wellsboro’s own Corning Glass plant’s ribbon machine, which was used to mass-produce light bulbs, was engineered to produce Christmas ornaments, called Shiny Brites, so that those in the United States could still purchase ornaments. The tradition of Shiny Brites continued in Wellsboro for several decades. During Christmas on Main Street, visitors and locals can enjoy Shiny Brite ornament displays featured in various businesses as well as enjoy holiday shopping, live music, demonstrations and other events throughout the weekend.

One of the great things about Christmas on Main Street — that borders on nostalgia for many of our visitors — is the chance to shop in independent stores and talk face-to-face with the knowledgeable shop owners. For example, Dunham’s Department Store, directly across the street from the Hotel, is one of the only remaining independent department stores in the United States and holiday shoppers are often heard to say, “I remember when we had a store like this in our town.” But in Wellsboro, you can still experience the traditional Christmas season of your childhood. Dunham’s is just one of the many independent shops you can enjoy year-round but that truly sparkle in the Christmas season.

For an up to date schedule of Christmas on Main Street weekend events, visit www.WellsboroChristmasOnMainStreet.com.