Festive lights, holiday music, and a strong sense of community filled the grounds of New Century during the 4th Christmas Market & Winter Wonderland, held on Saturdays, Dec. 6 and Dec. 13, at 517 Neversink Drive in Port Jervis, N.Y.
The event welcomed local families, vendors, performers, and community leaders for two evenings of seasonal celebration and togetherness.
A celebration rooted in giving and tradition
James White, an organizer from New Century, said the event was created to celebrate Christmas while giving back to the local community.
“We just want to celebrate this amazing holiday, Christmas, and we’re really happy to have the local community come out and support us,” White said. “It’s been a great year, and we’ve had support from local businesses, performers, vendors, and the community.”
He emphasized that the festival reflects the deeper meaning of the season. “It’s really about celebrating such a beautiful holiday. It is the season of giving, the season of generosity,” he said. “We’re just so happy to have their support.”
Lights of hope and holiday magic
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A highlight of the event was its elaborate holiday light displays, many designed by students from Northern Academy.
“When families walk through, they see all these beautiful lights and can feel the spirit of Christmas — the sense of giving and love,” White said.
One display spelling out the word “Hope” stood out to many visitors. “The students had creative freedom, and they did a beautiful design that says ‘Hope,’” White said. “This is the season of hope, and we’re fortunate to have everybody involved.”
White added that New Century aims to offer more than entertainment. “We’re trying to give to the community — not just entertainment, but something with traditions and deeper meaning,” he said. “Christmas is very important here in America, and we want to make those traditions accessible.”
Community support and public safety
The event also drew participation from local officials, including Michael J. Worden, Deputy Chief of the Town of Deerpark Police Department.
“This is my first year with the Town of Deerpark Police, and I was fortunate to come out and represent not just the department, but also the town,” Worden said. “It’s great to join friends and neighbors to celebrate the holiday season.”
Worden said the event brought a strong sense of nostalgia. “This type of event is amazing for the community,” he said. “It brings people together and allows adults like me to feel like a little kid again — seeing the lights, hearing the music, and even seeing Santa Claus.”
The lights and music reminded him of childhood memories. “It reminded me of driving around with my parents as a kid, listening to Christmas music and looking at lights,” he said. “Standing out there in the cold, I felt like a little kid again.”
He also encouraged visitors to plan ahead for winter weather and drive carefully during the holiday season.
Families enjoy time together
Visitors said the market offered a special opportunity for families to spend quality time together. Maggie, who attended with her family, said she enjoyed exploring the vendors and seeing the Christmas tree lighting.
“We wanted to be together,” she said. “It’s nice to see the vendors and what they have, and the Christmas tree lighting makes it special.”
First-time visitor Allisson said she appreciated the community atmosphere. “My favorite part was connecting with the local community,” she said.
Her daughter Emily added, “I like the market — the ornaments and local handmade stuff.”
Allisson said supporting local vendors made the experience meaningful. “I bought something all natural from a local vendor,” she said. “Supporting the local community is important.”
Local vendors share holiday joy
Vendors also praised the welcoming environment. Lizette, owner of Lizzie’s Creation Balloon and Adventure, said she has participated for several years.
“The owners reach out to me every year,” she said. “The people are my favorite part — all kinds of people, great vendors, and a lot of good stuff. It’s good for the community.”
Mother-and-daughter vendors Joanne Bicaretti and Roberta Card returned to sell handmade items.
“I’ve done it before, and it worked really well,” Bicaretti said. “My daughter wanted to come, and I support her.”
Roberta added that they were excited to share handmade ornaments, while Bicaretti said, “It’s nice to come out and see our neighbors. I think it’s good when everybody gets together.”
A growing holiday tradition
Longtime attendee Robert Silva, who visited with his daughter Isabella, said the Christmas Market has become an annual tradition. “We come every year,” Silva said. “The music is our favorite part, and it absolutely brings the community together. Merry Christmas to everybody.”
As lights sparkled across the grounds and families gathered under glowing trees, the Christmas Market & Winter Wonderland once again reflected New Century’s mission of celebrating tradition, generosity, and community during the holiday season.
