The 33rd Annual Holiday Festival will be presented on Sunday, December 2, from 11 am to 4 pm, on and around Main Street.

The event is one of the area’s longest-running holiday events and benefits Newtown Youth & Family Services (NYFS). The 2018 festival will feature narrated historical trolley rides through the Newtown Borough, the Historic House walking tours on Main Street and surrounding streets, the Festival of Trees at C.H. Booth Library, poinsettia sales, Nutcracker Suite Ballet performance by students of Newtown Centre of Classical Ballet & Voice, a Holiday Tea, and more.

Candice Bohr, executive director of NYFS, says the event is “a beloved holiday tradition here in Newtown.

“We are extremely grateful for the support of Newtown Savings Bank as title sponsor,” she added. “They continue to support our mission and initiatives throughout town.

“We are also very grateful for the homeowners that open their houses for us to host the Festival,” Ms Bohr continued. “There is so much history in Newtown, and we are glad these homeowners are able to share it with the community. We will once again have many activities for all ages to enjoy!”

In addition to celebrating a family tradition that brings together many generations, NYFS will once again have The Polar Express running along Main Street. Children and families will have a great time while they take the train ride down Main Street to the sights and sounds of the season.

Tickets are $3, and they are a separate purchase from Holiday Festival admission. There is no presale for the train tickets; they will be sold the day of the event only.

C.H. Booth Library will also host some activities for children during the same hours, including a visit from Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and Lucy. Photos with the characters will take place downstairs in the library from 1 to 2 pm.

To complement the children’s events, there will be a Kids Tea from 11 am until noon, where children will be invited to enjoy a hot chocolate bar, hot cider, and treats. Children will receive a visit from Mrs Claus and the Peanuts Gang, who will join all for a sing along.

Holiday Festival tickets are $15 for adults, $8 for children, and $30 for a family four-pack (two adults, two children). Tickets cover most Holiday Festival events and will be on sale soon. They will also be available the day of the festival.

Tickets for those who would like to only attend The Nutcracker Suite are $8. Performances are scheduled for noon and 2 pm.

Proceeds from the Holiday Festival, including Nutcracker Suite-specific tickets, will assist with financial assistance for programs and services. For a detailed list of activities, events, and times, including ticket information, visit newtownyouthandfamilyservices.org (click on Upcoming Events, then Holiday Festival).