Although Thanksgiving just ended, State College has already begun to decorate for the holiday season and prepare us for the inevitable snow bound to come with it. We’re here to bring you all of the holiday cheer you can get in before you go home for break (or while you’re here during it):

All season long:

Cut down your own Christmas Tree

For those of you looking to give your dorm/apartment/house a little holiday flair, there are three Christmas tree farms located fairly close to State College. You can cut your own down or take a car full of friends on a road trip to pick out the perfect tree. There are many locations to do this, such as Kuhn’s tree farm in Boalsberg, or Tannenbaum farms, located just outside of State College.

Take a picture with Santa

The Nittany Mall can solve all of your Insta-needs this holiday season. In addition to getting some great shopping in, you can take pictures with Santa. You can even bring pets on Saturdays. Whether it’s your roommates, boyfriend, or pup, you’ll be sure to impress the parents with your professionally snapped pic.

Get a holiday drink from Irvings, Barrenquerro, Saints, Starbucks…the list goes on

Classic drinks like the ever-popular Peppermint Mocha and Gingerbread latte only can be found during the holiday season. Plus, Starbucks has thirteen new holday-themed red cups this year, which will be perfect for your caffeine fix and pretty enough to Instagram. Some local coffee shops have unreal seasonal beverages, so definitely check those out too.

December 21, 22, 23: “It’s a Wonderful Life” at the State Theatre

The State Theatre is showing the ever-popular holiday movie for three nights instead of one. Don’t forget to buy some of your favorite snacks, and you can have a perfect night out for less than 10 bucks. Tickets run at five dollars and showings are at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on all days, so this outing applies to early-birds and date-nighters alike.

December 31: First Night

First Night in State College is family-friendly and is great for any age group. This is a great way to welcome in the new year in Happy Vally. The 100 block of Allen Street is filled with ice sculptures, and there is live music all around. There’s also a 5k Resolution Run and carriage rides downtown.

So if you need a break before finals week if you’re stuck in Happy Valley for break, be sure to check out all of the cool events our town has to offer. If we missed any, leave them in the comments!