Dynamic Christmas Duo Invites Seniors

CNN is at it again. This time it selected two small towns that “sparkle during Christmas.”  Coming from a town of 300 in Iowa, this senior citizen tends to prefer small towns where “Big Things” are happening. Such is the case for Mifflinburg, PA (population 3,500) and Tomball , Texas (11,000).

Seniors Visit Mifflinburg, PA

With a population of fewer than 4,000, Mifflinburg Pennsylvania is one of the smallest to mount its own authentic Christmas market. The borough of Mifflinburg is located in central Pennsylvania. Senior visitors will experience the unspoiled charm of a 19th century Pennsylvania town with its specialty shops, historic homes, and a busy calendar of events and historic buildings including the Elias Center for the Performing Arts, the Weirick House and the little log house.

When describing Mifflinburg, the adjective “charming” is the most often used and for two good reasons.  First, Mifflinburg harbors some of the best examples of colonial and Victorian era architecture to be found. Secondly, its residents take pride in the preservation of Mifflinburg’s heritage and in retaining the 1800′s look of the town.

The Christkindl Market is an awesome experience. Mifflinburg’s version of an authentic Christmas Market, inspired by the 700-year-old traditional German Christkindl Markt, or Christ Child Market, is a festive event prepared by various churches, organizations, schools, and residents.

For three full days, Mifflinburg’s Market Street is transformed into a traditional outdoor German Christmas market with pine covered wooden huts lining the street. Oktoberfest is another special event in Mifflinburg, celebrating its German heritage.

Seniors Travel to Tomball, TX

State Senator Thomas Henry Ball established the city as a railroads center, and in 1907, the community was named “Tomball” in his honor. Tomball’s big neighbor is Houston, but its sister city is the town of Telgte in northwest Germany.

On the second weekend of December that familial relationship is front and center in this Texas town. Tomball is known for being the “Hometown with a Heart” and a town with a strong sense of community and recognition of traditional family values.

The old downtown district comes alive in Tomball with the sounds of live German music, tasty food and family fun during the annual German Christmas Market. Vendors with all sorts of holiday gifts items, street performers and a giant kids’ play area are just a few of the activities that make this one of Tomball’s most popular festivals.

A popular place to visit near Tomball is the Mercer Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, which offers opportunities for senior hiking and bird watching. You will find many shops in restored homes throughout the town. So mark your map and include both on your Christmas visit around the country. jeb