(12/1) Christmas is right around the corner as thoughts of hot cocoa, decorating the Christmas tree and fresh baked Christmas cookies fill the minds of many already, including the staff and volunteers at Camp Eder. They are busy working hard to prepare for the 8th Annual Christmas Tree Festival, a community event that celebrates the birth of Christ.

Designed as a "Celebration of the Birth of Christ" the Camp Eder Christmas Tree Festival offers a place where families and individuals can experience an evening of refuge from the many things that pull our attention away from the true reason for the season. Camp Eder, located on Mt. Hope Road in Fairfield, invites neighbors, friends, and families to join in the festivities December 7 and 8, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. each evening.

This tradition began in 2011 with an idea to offer Christmas trees for folks to decorate and display in Geigley Lodge at Camp Eder. Each tree is sponsored by an organization, group, or individual, which they can decorate with a theme of their choice. Attendees can vote on their favorite tree. It’s a great opportunity to get involved with Camp Eder and the surrounding community, and it’s always a lot of fun!

Festivities include light displays, music, story telling by Dave Weiss, a bake sale, kids’ activities, horse drawn carriage rides and a luminary garden. You don't want to miss our mouth-watering turkey dinner and soup! New this year, Messiah College Piano and Violin Duet will be here both days. Additionally, Camp Eder also boasts beautiful walking creek side trails for those who want to take the celebration outdoors. Each evening, guests will hear the bell ring at 8 p.m., signaling the start of a serene candlelight service in a semi-shelter outdoor pavilion. The service closes with an A Capella "Silent Night."

Feel even more a part of the event by donating non-perishable food items including small bags of rice, oatmeal, applesauce, and cereals for families in need. All donations will go to Fairfield families in need via Fairfield Mennonite Church Food Pantry.

If you’re available the weekend before the Christmas Tree Festival, take some time to stop by Camp Eder while they Deck the Halls on December 1. Those in attendance will bake cookies hang the lights, decorate for Camp Eder’s Christmas Tree Festival, and enjoy some camp traditions. You will eat delicious meals, have joyous fellowship, and make memories.

Camp Eder Christmas Tree Festival is a delightful way to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas and is open to people of all ages. Mark your calendar now and plan to come to Camp Eder on one or both evenings, December 7 and 8. Grab a hot cup of Camp Eder cocoa, find a cozy spot by the fire, listen to Christmas carols and stories, take in the wonders and beauty, reminisce with friends, and recall the birth of Christ, the true meaning of Christmas. For more information, call the Camp Eder office at 717-642-8256 or visit www.campeder.org.