Through January 7 | A Longwood Christmas
Longwood Gardens
For this year’s holiday extravaganza, the exquisite Conservatory is reminiscent of the splendor of France’s Versailles with fanciful topiaries, imaginative wreaths, ornate mirrors, and more than 50 trees trimmed in classic holiday hues and sparkling crystal ornaments. Thousands of floating cranberries, apples, and gilded walnuts create an intricate mosaic in the grand tradition of a French parterre garden. Outside, colorful fountains dance to holiday music, strolling carolers herald the season with song, and a wonderland of a half-million twinkling lights await. 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square. Information: 610-388-1000 or longwoodgardens.org.
December 1 | 15th Annual Author’s Luncheon Event
Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square
The Junior League of Lancaster is welcoming Carole Radziwill, author of the New York Times’ best seller What Remains, as this year’s guest author. Radziwill has worked as an award-winning journalist with ABC News for 15 years and currently stars on the Bravo reality show The Real Housewives of New York. Tickets are $60 per person ($35 for students) and include lunch, author’s presentation, raffle, silent auction, book signing and cash bar. Proceeds will benefit the Junior League of Lancaster and its community projects. 25 S. Queen St. Information: jllancaster.org/authors-luncheon.
December 1-2 | Holiday Homes on Parade
Various Locations
The Building Industry Association of Lancaster County is holding its first-ever December home tour just in time for the holidays! Visitors will tour newly built and remodeled homes that are being presented by such builders/remodelers as Rockford Homes, Keystone Custom Group, EGStoltzfus, Kitchens by Eileen, Custom Home Group and Landmark Homes. The latest trends in design and products will be on view and will include custom kitchens (including the new phenomenon of multiple islands), Euro-style showers, screened decks, open floor plans, sunrooms, Craftsman styling, one-story living, basement getaways and senior living. The homes are located in East Hempfield, Manheim, Rapho, East Lampeter, Penn and Brecknock townships. All will be fully decorated to reflect the holiday season. Proceeds benefit the Salvation Army Coats for Kids program. Tickets are $15 per person; tickets must be purchased in advance via the website. December 1, 5-8 p.m. December 2, 2-8 p.m. Information: holidayhomesonparade.com.
December 2 | Holiday Home Tour
Strasburg
Visit 10 festively decorated homes during this year’s 8th annual holiday home tour in Strasburg. Sponsored by the Strasburg Heritage Society, the day will consist of a greens sale, lunch, craft vendors and more. A silent auction will be held for a colonial hearth-cooked dinner for six in a historic home. Tickets may be purchased from November 1-30 at Main Street Antiques, Java Junction, Speckled Hen Restaurant and Eldreth Pottery. Tickets may be purchased on the day of the tour for $25 at the First Presbyterian Church. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (rain or shine). Information: 717-687-9039, strasburgheritagesociety.org or strasburgholidaytour@gmail.com.
December 2-3 | Annual “Find Your Belsnickle” Christmas Tour
Authentic Bed and Breakfasts of Lancaster County
The Authentic Bed & Breakfasts of Lancaster County is hosting this holiday event. Enjoy a tour of over 15 inns dressed up for the holidays. Each inn will have a hidden Belsnickle. Tour goers who find him will have a chance at winning a stay in one of the inns valued at up to $325. In addition, each inn will offer a signature cookie. Pick up the take-along recipe card at each inn, and you can create your own cookie recipe collection at home. Also, you will receive an entry ticket to the National Christmas Center (redeemable for one visit throughout the month of December). All proceeds will benefit Make-A-Wish. Information: lancasterbb.com.
December 9 | Gifts that Give Hope Lancaster
Lancaster Farm and Home Center
Rethink gift giving this year! Gifts that Give Hope Lancaster is hosting its annual fair through which shoppers can purchase gift donations (or alternative gifts) from 30 nonprofits, and in doing so, provide life-changing benefits for people in the community and throughout the world. Visitors will be able to peruse fair trade, social enterprise and ethically sourced gifts in the marketplace and sample the products of a number of food vendors. 1383 Arcadia Rd. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: giftsthatgivehope.org/lancaster.
December 10 | An Old-Fashioned Christmas
Various locations in Columbia
Enjoy performances by an area school children’s choir, horse-drawn carriage rides, strolling adult carolers, a visit with Santa, model train display, a craft show and street vendors. The tour of homes will feature approximately 8 residences. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets are available at the Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center and at the following businesses during their regular operating hours: Burning Bridge Antiques Market, Columbia Historic Market House, Columbia Historic Preservation Society, Garth Gallery, Hinkle’s Pharmacy, Little’s Beverage, Olde Town Sampler and Perfect Settings. Tickets are $12 in advance. Ticket sales ($15) on tour day will be held at Perfect Settings beginning at 10:30 a.m. Information: 717- 684-5249 or Parivertowns.com/m/events/view/An-Old-Fashioned-Christmas.
December 27-30 | Lantern Tours
Historic Ephrata Cloister
Watch history come alive in these special theatrical tours that take visitors back in time to the 1700s. Each year a new story is offered with a vibrant cast of high school juniors and seniors. Reservations required. 632 West Main St., Ephrata. Tours depart every half hour. 6:30-8 p.m. Information: 717-733-6600 or ephratacloister.org.
Through December 31 | Lancaster City for the Holidays
Downtown Lancaster
More than 30 special events and activities are scheduled to take place; 200+ specialty shops, galleries, museums and restaurants will welcome visitors. Enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides and visits with Santa, too. Information: 717-291-4758 or visitlancastercity.com.
December 31 | Broadway Celebration!
American Music Theatre
Enjoy an evening of Broadway favorites as the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra proudly presents brothers Will & Anthony Nunziata, who will join the orchestra in ringing in the New Year with all the glitz and glamour of the Big Apple. 2425 Lincoln Hwy. East. 7:30 p.m. Information: 717-397-7700 or amtshows.com.