Wilkes-Barre Community Events: Cash Raffles and Celebrations Await

Residents of the Wilkes-Barre area can look forward to various community events this January, including a cash raffle benefiting local parishes and an open house at a model railroad club. These events aim to foster community spirit and provide entertainment while supporting local initiatives.

12 Days of Christmas Cash Raffle

The “12 Days of Christmas” cash raffle, which supports the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and St. Robert Bellarmine parishes, is currently underway. The raffle features daily drawings live on Facebook through January 5, 2026. Tickets cost $20, offering participants a chance to win up to $10,500 in cash prizes. Tickets were mailed to households in the area; however, residents can also purchase them by contacting any parishioner, ordering online at www.exhc.org, or visiting the parish office during business hours. All winners will be notified after each drawing.

Community Activities and Celebrations

The Hudson Model Railroad Club will host an open house from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the weekends of January 3-4 and January 10-11. Located at 97 Martin Street, Plains Township, this event welcomes visitors to explore the intricacies of model railroading. More information can be found at hudsonmodelrailroadclub.org.

In addition, residents can purchase a commemorative book celebrating the 250th anniversary of Wilkes-Barre Township. Available at the municipal building, the book costs $25, and checks or money orders should be made payable to Wilkes-Barre Township.

Another event to mark on the calendar is the St. Nicholas/St. Mary daily number raffle. Tickets are available for $5 from the Holy Name Society and include two numbers per ticket. Participants can match their numbers to the 7:00 p.m. lottery drawing to win. Tickets can be obtained at the parish office or after weekend Masses.

Looking ahead, the parish’s Holy Name Society will host a German Nite Celebration on February 14, 2026. Tickets for this festive event are priced at $40, and further details will be announced as the event date approaches.

These activities not only provide entertainment but also strengthen community ties in Wilkes-Barre, inviting residents to engage in local traditions and support their parishes.