Seasonal shopping in historic surroundings awaits visitors to the Holiday Markers Market Saturday and Sunday at West Overton Village along Route 819 in East Huntingdon.
Admission is free to browse among a different selection of 30 craft vendors featured each day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The setting is a museum based in a whiskey distillery that dates from the 19th century.
The event focuses on local vendors who make, bake or grow their wares — including art, accessories, home decor and baked goods. Food trucks will offer a variety of menu items each day.
Kids can have their photo taken with Santa from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.
A distillery is operating once more at West Overton and will be open for business during the weekend market hours. Locally produced rye whiskeys, including Monongahela Rye, Jasper’s Stash and White Rye, will be available for purchase.
The distillery also will sell holiday-themed cocktails and gift items. There will be a basket raffle and a bar where attendees can make their own hot chocolate, with or without alcohol.
Evening explorations
On two subsequent weekends, ticketed candlelight tours will allow visitors to explore the 1838 Overholt Homestead.
Participants will learn about local past customs, including lore surrounding the holiday gift-givers Belsnickel and Santa Claus.
They’ll enjoy spiced cider and a sweet treat in the kitchen and view an historic sleigh decked out for the holidays in the carriage house. The village’s educational distillery will offer samples, bottle sales and themed cocktails.
In the museum, guests can try their hand at holiday crafts — making Christmas cards and decorating ornaments. The museum houses the exhibition “Forging Ahead and Falling Behind,” portraying the history of West Overton’s villagers and its industries: farming, distilling, coal mining and weaving.
Space is limited for tours offered on the half hour on Dec. 14, 15, 21 and 22. The first tour leaves at 4 p.m., the last at 7 p.m.
Tickets must be reserved in advance. Visit westovertonvillage.org/events for details.
