National Christmas Center

Located in the heart of Amish country in Paradise, PA, The National Christmas Center is a hidden gem in plain site (note: for those looking for fun roadtrip selfies, it's a stone's throw from Bird in Hand, Blue Ball and Intercourse, PA). Clearly, this collection is a labor of love.  The unassuming building houses more Christmas decorations and memorabilia than I knew was humanly possible.  Displays feature a Woolworths store, a Christmas Story themed retro room, toys, toys, toys, a train room that runs around the trunk of a tree that makes you feel like you are under the Christmas tree looking up.  There are  animatronic critters and a beautiful lifesized walk-through Nativity. 

I really enjoyed the display featuring unsafe Christmas products from the past.  I had almost forgotten how, in my youth, Santa flanked the sides of cigarette cartons and loved his booze. 

I think my favorite was the indoor Dicken's village. 

Sadly I recently learned that, unless they find a buyer, the center will be closing in January 2018 due to owners age/health. Now, if this were a Lifetime movie, at this point someone reading this post would rub their chin and gaze thoughtfully while crunching numbers and determining they would be able to step up to save the day.  So, are there any buyers out there willing to save this roadside wonder?

Www.nationalchristmascenter.com
Rating: 4 out of 4 candy canes