It’s almost time for the annual Santa Run! This year both Eastern Salisbury Fire Department and Western Salisbury Volunteer Fire Company will hold their Santa Run event Dec. 21.

Eastern Salisbury Fire Department will again have Santa Stop signs put out around the east side where you can see Santa! For more information, refer to the fire department’s Facebook pages for the most up to date information.

All Salisbury Township Schools will be closed for the winter holiday Dec. 23 until Jan. 3, 2025. Schools will reopen Jan. 6, 2025.

If you’re looking for something to do during that break, Lights in the Parkway is again holding Move-it Mondays. The Parkway is closed to vehicles and allows visitors to walk, run or bike through the displays. Remaining dates for Move-it Mondays are Dec. 23 and 30 and Jan. 6, 2025.

Wildlands Conservancy will host a First Day Hike with President Chris Kocher 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 1, 2025 at Black River Sanctuary, Northwest entrance, 1300 Black River Road, Bethlehem. Begin the New Year in the best way possible – enjoying the new nature preserve. This special hike offers a unique opportunity to explore the sanctuary’s natural features, many of which are inaccessible to the public.

This easy-to-moderate hike will climb to a lookout point that showcases 270-degree views over Allentown and meadows and ponds. Kocher will share the history of the property and its connection to the surrounding area. For questions, contact Veronica Rosenberger at vrosenberger@wildlandspa.org. This event is free; register online at https://engage.wildlandspa.org/component/events/event/190.

On Jan. 7, 2025, Wildlands Conservancy will host PreK Pathfinders: Forest Friends, at the Trexler Nature Preserve – 10-11 a.m. at Trexler Nature Preserve – Environmental Education Center, 4935 Orchard Road, Schnecksville. This is designed for children aged 3-5 and their grown-ups. Discover the forest through stories, wildlife and outdoor exploration. Learn how animals survive the winter through games and a wildlife presentation. Take home a pinecone bird feeder to feed your backyard birds. For questions, contact Arianna Kohler at AKohler@wildlandspa.org. This event is free; register online at https://engage.wildlandspa.org/calendar/event/192.

“It’s not what’s under the Christmas tree that matters, it’s who’s around it.” Charles Schulz