A Few Good Nights Are Waiting
Some weeks quietly offer a lot. Not the kind of busy that asks for effort, but the kind where a few doors are open and you can wander in, stay awhile, and leave feeling warmer than when you arrived.
Nothing here demands commitment. It’s all simply available, good music, good conversation, good room energy, if you feel like stepping out.
Hockey for Everyone: The Power of Partnership Between Penn State Varsity Hockey and the State College Coyotes
On January 18, 2026, Hockey Valley will once again host one of its most meaningful events, the 4th Annual Sled Hockey Classic. More than a game, the Classic has become the primary fundraiser for the State College Coyotes sled hockey team and a powerful symbol of what happens when able-bodied and adaptive athletes come together with a shared love of sport.
What to See, Do and Experience in Happy Valley
It is December 10. Finals are wrapping up. Lights are twinkling across Centre County. The energy in Happy Valley feels both nostalgic and electric. Whether you are a student squeezing in winter memories before heading home, a local building traditions or family returning for the holidays, this is one of the best weeks of the year to get out and enjoy the region.
With so much happening, it helps to have a curated list. Here are some of the best picks this week and next, the experiences worth bundling up for.
Christmas in Philipsburg is Epic
A billboard on the western edge of Philipsburg greets Route 322 motorists with a photo of Santa Claus exiting a bright yellow helicopter. The message above it: “Christmas in Philipsburg is Epic!”
Situated on the banks of the Moshannon Creek, Philipsburg is unlike any other town in Centre County. It’s an old coal town that still mines some coal. It’s a working-class town that’s still a little scrappy. It’s a town of deep history and immense heart. And it’s definitely a town of characters.
And so goes Philipsburg’s Christmas celebration.
December in Happy Valley: Your Guide to the Best Events of the Season
As the semester winds down, it’s the perfect moment to step outside, connect with friends, and enjoy what’s happening around Happy Valley. From live music and holiday traditions to theatre, sports, and New Year’s celebrations, December is packed with can’t-miss moments that showcase the warmth, creativity, and heartbeat of our region.
Hallmark Moments Await: Shop Small, Shop Local, Celebrate Downtown
Downtown State College is alive with excitement, and the holiday spirit fills the air. Lights twinkle spectacularly along Allen Street and beyond, creating Hallmark-style magic you cannot replicate with an app. It’s a feeling only those who come can experience.
Connect Happy Valley: The Warmest Welcoming Valley
In the heart of Pennsylvania, nestled among ridges and rich traditions, lies a place where hospitality isn’t just practiced—it’s lived. Welcome to Happy Valley, where every visit feels like coming home.
On November 5, the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB) brought together more than 300 hospitality leaders, community partners, and public officials for a moment that captured the essence of our valley. The 2025 Hospitality Awards weren’t just a ceremony; they were a celebration of belonging. The message that rang loud and clear: it’s not only about drawing visitors to our valley, but also about making sure they never feel like strangers.
Stop On By: Celebrate Local Makers & Science at the 6th Annual Rivet Winter Market in State College
This weekend, take a break from the usual and step into a celebration of creativity, curiosity, and community. The 6th Annual Rivet Winter Market returns on Saturday and Sunday, November 15 and 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1224 N. Atherton Street, and you’re invited to stop on by for a weekend that’s anything but ordinary
The Little Engine That Does
The State Games of America, coming to Penn State July 24–August 2, 2026, will bring more than 8,000 athletes and thousands of fans to Happy Valley. Tens of thousands of room nights and millions in visitor spending are expected. For the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance (HVSEA), the small nonprofit that helped land the event, it is proof that measurable, visitor-driven growth works.
