Photographer Jordan Bush set out to substantiate the fact that there’s something magical about a small town at Christmas time. His travels took him to Elizabethtown during early evening last December, where he captured photos of local businesses that brought a bit of old-fashioned creativity to Market Street.
As if the ambiance isn’t enough to entice you to visit the town that grew from a trading post along the Conoy Creek (circa 1730), special holiday events dot the calendar in December. For more info., visit Discoverelizabethtown.com and Facebook.com (Liv-Etown).
The Train Guys Model Train Display
December 2, 4, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 20, 27
Elizabethtown Public Library
Each December, members of The Train Guys build a colossal model train display at the library and invite the public to view it. Nostalgia defines the display, as it showcases sites that no longer exist in E-town. Admission ($2) is by donation, with all proceeds benefiting the library. Weekdays, 6-8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Private group showings also available. 10 S. Market St. Information: Etownpubliclibrary.org
Holiday Concert
December 3
Elizabethtown College
A beloved December tradition returns! Join the Music Department for the annual Holiday Concert during which you will hear music and poetry of the season performed by students and faculty. Festive dress is encouraged! Free and open to the public. 11 a.m. Rug Recital Hall. Information: Etown.edu
Christmas Movie Night
December 4
The Elizabeth
Perfect for a Date Night outing, The Elizabeth event venue will be screening the Christmas classic rom com (1947), The Bishop’s Wife, which stars Cary Grant, Loretta Young and David Niven. Dessert will be served, as well. 7 p.m. 18 N. Market St. Information: Eventbrite.com
Pastry Workshop
December 6
Valosh Patisserie
A hands-on pastry workshop will introduce participants to the art of making French macarons. 2:30 p.m. 23 E. High St. Information: Tastevalosh.com
Holiday Parade
December 6
Elizabethtown
Bands, community organizations and Santa will welcome the holidays to Elizabethtown. This year’s theme is Holiday Traditions. 4 p.m. Market Street. Information: Discoverelizabethtown.com
Holidays Through the Years
December 11-19
Winters Heritage House Museum
As you walk through the rustic cabins that will be decorated to reflect Elizabethtown’s German and Scots heritage, you’ll enjoy the aromas, sights and sounds of the season provided by the museum staff, the crafters team, quilters, textile and gardening enthusiasts and the kids decorating club. Children’s activities will be available on November 21 and December 19. In addition, the Coble House will be decorated to reflect the Victorian time period. Admission by donation. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 47 E. High St. Information: Elizabethtownhistory.org
Second Friday
December 12
Downtown
Take in the festive scenery, shop for gifts and enjoy the local restaurants and taverns. 4-8 p.m. Downtown.
National Christmas Center
Through January 3
Stone Gables Estate Event
Nothing will put you in the Christmas spirit like a trip to the National Christmas Center! Until it moves to its permanent home, visitors can enjoy over 18,000+ square feet of nostalgic Christmas décor at a site that is a short distance from Stone Gables Estate. Experience Christmas through the decades. Walk the streets of Columbia, whose storefronts are decorated for the holidays. Stop into Woolworth’s. Displays include over 1,000 nativities from around the world depicted in their native culture. New to the National Christmas Center collection is the Toy Soldier store with over 5,000 hand-painted soldiers as part of the world’s finest collection of brass and wood models including ships, planes, trains, and automobiles. Also new is Anastasia’s Doll Emporium, a collection of the finest dolls and dollhouses from around the world. Information: Stonegablesestate.com
Stone Gables Estate Christmas Events
Through January 3
Christmas festivities are in full swing at Stone Gables Estate. The schedule includes:
The Santa Express Train transports guests across the estate aboard the festively decorated Harrisburg, Lincoln & Lancaster train. Dates: Through December 23/ times vary.
The Christmas Drive-Thru features more than 1 million LED lights that transform Stone Gables into a Christmas miracle! It’s simply breathtaking. Features include a Moravian Star forest, Candy Cane Lane and a glowing covered bridge. Plus, the birth of Christ is told through a live-sized manger scene. Dates: Through January 3. Gates open at 5 p.m. and close at 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 p.m. Friday & Saturday. Closed Sundays and December 24-25 and December 31-January 1.
Christmas Village at Ironstone Ranch features artisans, food vendors, kid’s activities, train displays, entertainment and more. Dates: December 13 & 20, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Christmas Dinner & Show, which is held in The Star Barn, features a festive holiday dinner and musical entertainment provided by Servant Stage (Dec. 9 & 10), Reggie & Ladye Love Smith (Dec. 15-17) and Mark Forrest (Dec. 18 & 19). Tickets include the Drive-Thru lighting display. 4:45 p.m.
Winter Wonderland Train Excursion invites passengers to climb aboard the Harrisburg, Lincoln & Lancaster Railroad and enjoy a ride on the newly completed train extension and switch train, a “one” of a kind. Featured is a replica of an 1868 steam locomotive, pulling replicas of an 1848 Pioneer Coach, a mid-1860’s Combine & Day Coach and trestle extension. Special appearances will be made by the Snow Queen and Snow Princess. Dates: December 26 & 27 and January 3. Departures run from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
1160 N. Market St. Information: Stonegablesestate.com
New Year’s Eve Community Event
December 31
Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church
Can’t stay awake til midnight? Christ Evangelical gets the ball rolling early with family fun, kids’ activities, games (bingo), music, food, the raising of the star and fireworks. 3-7 p.m. 125 E. High St. Information: Disoverelizabethtown.com
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