The Biery House, at 8 Race St., Catasauqua, transforms annually into the Biery House Holiday Shoppe wonderland mid-November through early December. This special seasonal event is organized by the Historic Catasauqua Preservation Association and Mrs. Nothstein’s Helping Hands Fund.

A visit to the shop is an experience that allows shoppers to be transported back to a historical shopping era gone by.

The Biery House is a piece of Catasauqua living history. The HCPA has preserved not only the main house, but also its mule barn, summer house kitchen and other 19th-century buildings on the complex. These structures are richly tied to Catasauqua’s past. The Biery family played a major role in the town’s early development. Visit historiccatasauquahcpa.org for more information.

Transforming this historic site into a holiday market is a perfect way to celebrate that heritage. The shop is decorated in a Victorian theme, from garland and wreaths in the barn to twinkling ornaments in the summer kitchen and elegant decorum throughout the house rooms, encompassing two floors.

One of the most special aspects of the shop is its focus on local craftsmanship. About 65 vendors showcase their crafts and work on the Biery House property. Customers can browse a wide variety of handcrafted items like wreaths, quilts, jewelry and other interesting pieces, many with a Christmas theme.

The holiday shop is open weekends through Dec. 7. The hours are set for 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays.

Proceeds go to the HCPA. Anything bought at the shop essentially helps preserve the rich Catasauqua history.

HCPA volunteer Deb Mellish staffed the second floor that contains many historical items from the founding of Catasauqua, including a large picture of David Thomas and his spouse. Thomas was a successful industrialist who developed the Thomas Iron Works Company in Catasauqua and Hokendauqua.

Shelly Nolter, of Catasauqua, staffed the summer kitchen house, standing by the hearth as she interacted with patrons seeking hand-fashioned ornaments and other items. Janet Corelli and Debbie Moll, both Catasauqua residents, had the important task of being the cashiers. Sandi Meuir and Ginger Meihofer acted as volunteer sales clerks.

A large selection of seasonal wreaths and other holiday items are in a building that also houses the kitchen area, featuring a new sit-down dining room. The area was cheerfully staffed by Kathy Hahn, of Catasauqua.

Vendor Kelly Parks, of Catasauqua, offers her elegant Soul Spun Seashells for sale at the shop.

Rosie Boyer, also of Catasauqua, served delicious turkey sandwiches and a turkey dinner that sold out before the end of the day. Bill Nothstein, the kitchen leader, was busy all day as a steady stream of shoppers stopped to eat.

Santa Claus was present to meet with kids and those young-at-heart to hear what they want for Christmas. A youngster named Laura met Santa for the first time. Laura was a bit reluctant to sit on Santa’s lap, but her grandparents reassured her and the interaction went well, with no tears.

Santa’s elegant carriage is kept in a special tent-barn. Fran Getz, a volunteer from North Catasauqua, sat close to a chiminea whose fire kept her warm as she staffed the Santa carriage barn. She was a greeter, as the barn is at the end of the parking lot before one enters the complex.

The Biery House Holiday Shoppe is an absolute must-visit during the holiday season for anyone seeking unique, quality handcrafted items in an environment that possesses a Christmas ambience imbued with rich Catasauqua history. Shoppers will be greeted and assisted by happy, dedicated volunteers.