Park's 'First Weekend' will get you into the spirit of the season

A series of special events in the park this weekend will jumpstart your holiday season.
Best of all, most programs are free (unless otherwise noted).
“'First Weekend' offers a unique opportunity for people to take a drive through the park and visit several of our partner-operated sites, participate in holiday events, and shop for unique gifts while enjoying the scenic beauty and history of the park,” said Jennifer Kavanaugh, Volunteer and Partnership Program Coordinator with the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. “It’s a great way to get in the spirit of the season and a chance for people to learn about past holiday traditions while making new ones.”
Pennsylvania"Holiday Bows and Boughs" from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1, at the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC), 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry, Pa. Participants will create their own holiday decorations using natural materials or their own supplies brought from home. PEEC will provide evergreen boughs and materials for wreaths, swags, and table decorations. Other highlights: music and light refreshments will be also be provided. Preregistration is required. The cost is $20 per wreath. For more information or to register call 570-828-2319. Web: peec.org.
New Jersey"Victorian Christmas Celebration" from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1, at Millbrook Village, Hardwick, N.J. Historic homes will be decorated in the Victorian style, costumed guides prepare holiday meals over woodstoves and open hearths, and craftsmen ply their trades. Hands-on activities, old fashioned toys, games, and crafts will be offered for children.
A Christmas Carol Service at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2, in the Millbrook Village Church, Millbrook Village, Hardwick, N.J. Sing along to your favorite Christmas songs alongside costumed guides.
Old Fashioned Holiday Weekends at the historic Foster Armstrong House, 320 River Road, Montague, N.J., hosted by the Montague Association for the Restoration of Community History. The 1790s house will be decorated for Christmas with several special exhibits and decorated trees. This year’s theme is “Angels, Elves, and Miniature Christmas Villages.” The Foster-Armstrong House is open from 1 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 1 and 2, and Dec. 8 and 9. The Foster General Store gift shop is open during the weekend events.
Enjoy a Walpack Christmas at the Rosenkrans Museum and the Walpack Church in the historic village of Walpack Center on Dec. 1 and 2 and Dec. 8 and 9 from 1 to 4 p.m. Experience Christmas traditions and exhibits from a late nineteenth-century rural farming community. Both buildings will be decorated for the holidays and staffed with volunteers from the Walpack Historical Society.
Peters Valley Gallery Open House will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 1 and 2, at the gallery, 19 Kuhn Road, Layton, N.J. This annual event features two floors of handmade crafts by over 200 American artists from across the country. Sip hot cider and have a snack as you find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Personal attention, artist demonstrations and free gift wrapping make this a memorable shopping experience. Web: PetersValleyGallery.org.
For more information visit the park’s website at nps.gov/dewa or follow the park on facebook.com/DelWaterGapNPS.