Christmas In Ephrata

Banner Photo Credit: Don Reese

100th ANNIVERSARY of Santa's Arrival & Tree Lighting
Friday, November 24, 2023

Can you believe we're celebrating 100 years of this uniquely Ephrata tradition!
Help us make this Centennial Celebration spectacular by clicking on one or
more of the links below to contribute! Be a part of this SPECIAL YEAR!

• $100 for the 100th
• Holiday Banners with your Family or Business photo
• Help light up downtown by Adopting a Tree or Wreath

Your contribution will help make this the MERRIEST YEAR of all!

Who is the Belsnickel?

According to German Tradition, the Belsnickel visited homes prior to Christmas to check up on the behavior of the children. The Belsnickel often caused fright because he knew exactly which children were naughty. He carries a hickory switch in one hand and a bag of candies and nuts in the other. The Belsnickel would ask the children to recite a poem, a bible verse, or a math equation. He’d also warn the children to behave as Christmas morning is quickly approaching. Before the Belsnickel departed, he would throw some goodies on the floor for the children, but watch out children, if you forget your manners you might feel the sting of the Belsnickel’s switch on your back!