It’s November and the calendar is filled with activities that allow you to enjoy the waning fall season, support your community and welcome the holidays. Visit lancastercountymag.com for an expanded list. December events will be posted online later in November.
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Holly Jolly Jukebox
Through December 20
Magic & Wonder Theater
Gather around the yuletide jukebox as Magic & Wonder puts the “rock” around your Christmas tree!! Get ready to tap your toes, clap your hands, and dance down the aisles to the greatest rock- and-roll renditions of all your favorite holiday tunes. This high-energy song-and-dance review is sure to put everyone in the holiday spirit. Enjoy a holiday-themed buffet lunch or dinner before the show. Days/times vary.
Also taking the stage during November and December is Winter Wonderland, a one-of-a-kind Christmas show that fuses together the fun and wonderment of the season with comedy, dynamic circus arts and grand illusions. Days/times vary. 3065 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise. Information: Magicandwondershow.com
The Christmas Candy Caper
Through December 27
Bird-in-Hand Stage
Candy store owner, Sadie Graber, is a long-time prankster and when two men set out to steal her coveted candy recipe but kidnap her instead, no one believes the ransom note is real. The ensuing exchanges between the kidnappers and the community are hilarious, while the conversations between Sadie and the kidnappers are insightful and enlightening, as each discovers that their lives didn’t turn out the way they expected. The show from Blue Gate Musicals was written and scripted by Martha Bolton. Lunch or dinner is available before the show. Days/times vary. 2760 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand. Information: Bird-in-hand.com
Art & Craft Market
November 1
Lampeter United Methodist Church
With 30 quality vendors onsite, visitors will find handcrafted jewelry, rustic birdhouses, paper crafts, essential oils, seasonal wreaths, beeswax creations, original artwork, fall and Christmas décor, and laser-cut wood designs and more. The Food Café and Bake Sale will be offering homemade treats and warm meals. A Silent Auction will feature items such as tickets to the Fulton Theatre, Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, Magic & Wonder Dinner Theatre, Sight & Sound Theatres, an autographed Pittsburgh Steelers photo and more. Proceeds benefit the church’s Children’s and Missions Ministries, supporting programs that serve the congregation and wider community. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 101 Village Road, Lancaster. Information: LampeterUMC.com
Eastland Alpacas Open House
November 1-2 & 8-9
Zurin Farm, Mount Joy
A perfect family-friendly event (WJTL’s Kids Cookie Break will be on-site the morning of Nov. 1), the annual open house provides the opportunity to see alpacas up close and even lead and feed them. An alpaca obstacle course will be operated by members of Lancaster 4-H. Wagon rides around the 30-acre farm will be available. Learn more about alpacas through talks that will be held. Products at the gift shop are guaranteed to provide “a warm hug from nature.” Food will be available for purchase. 2089 Risser Mill Rd., Mount Joy. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, 12-4 p.m. Information: eastlandalpacas.com
Deck the Halls
November 5-December 30
American Music Theatre
Check in at the decked-out St. Nicholas Hotel where you’ll find dashing dancers and merry musicians ready to “Deck the Halls!” This musical holiday adventure brings together friends old and new to celebrate the season with awe-inspiring performances designed to capture the hearts of the entire family. Days/times vary. 2425 Lincoln Hwy. East, Lancaster. Information: Amtshows.com
Silent Samaritan Luncheon
November 7
Eden Resort & Suites
Empowering women is the goal of the Silent Samaritans. As part of the Samaritan Center, which offers counseling, business consulting and other services, the Silent Samaritans hosts a fundraising luncheon each year; this year marks the 30th anniversary of the event. Proceeds are used to provide financial support to women who are seeking counseling through the Samaritan Center but find the cost is beyond their means. 11:30 a.m. 222 Eden Rd., Lancaster. Information: Samaritanlancaster.org
Distelfink Country Christmas Show
November 7-9
Schaefferstown
This juried craft show features locally handcrafted items – holiday décor, ornaments, wreaths, baskets, needle felting, pottery, candles, stenciling and decorative paintings – that generally have a country/primitive theme. Show features more than 50 vendors. Fri., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Thomas Brendle Museum, 106 N. Market St., Schaefferstown. Information: Distelfinkcrafters.org
Holiday Inn, The Broadway Musical
November 7-December 28
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
Jim and Linda transform a farmhouse into an inn, where they celebrate every holiday. But what happens when Jim’s best friend tries to lure Linda away with promises of being his new Hollywood dance partner? The show features thrilling dance numbers, laugh-out-loud comedy and a parade of Irving Berlin hits. Hear favorites like Blue Skies, Easter Parade, Heat Wave, White Christmas and more. Meal options include lunch and dinner buffets and Thursday night table service. Days/times vary. 510 Centerville Rd., Lancaster. Information: Dutchapple.com
Christmas in Perfect Harmony
November 10-December 21
Barn at Paradise Station
Part musical theater nostalgia, part take-it-to-church worship concert, Perfect Harmony performs stunning original arrangements of favorite holiday classics in (of course) three-part perfect harmony. Featuring professional vocalists, a live band, beautiful costumes, snow, and the original and inspiring arrangements Perfect Harmony is known for, this is sure to be a highlight of your Christmas season. Perfect Harmony has toured across the Mid-Atlantic region to locations like The Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, NC; Dollywood Theme Park in Pigeon Forge, TN; The Great Auditorium in Ocean Grove, NJ and the Ohio Star Theater in Sugarcreek, OH. They have also opened for Larry Gatlin of Gatlin Brothers fame. Days/times vary. 312 Paradise Lane, Ronks. Information: Barnatparadisestation.com
Thank You Veterans Concert
November 11
Garden Spot Village Chapel
The New Holland Band presents its annual Veterans Day concert that features music popular with our service men and women from throughout our nation’s history. The program will include tunes that kept our GIs marching, as well as songs that reminded family members of loved ones stationed far away from home. 7 p.m. 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland. Information: Newhollandband.org
Christmas in Historic Odessa
November 11-December 31
Odessa, Delaware
Feel like scheduling a holiday getaway? Are you a Jane Austin fan? In honor of the writer’s 250th birthday, the Historic Odessa Foundation is devoting its 39th annual holiday event to Jane. The foundation’s unique holiday tradition of celebrating classic literature through festive scenes and interpretive vignettes throughout one of the foundations historic homes continues this year, as visitors to the Wilson-Warner House (c.1769 will discover the customs and traditions of a Georgian English Christmas with A Jane Austen Christmas at 250. The exhibition will be inspired by scenes in Austen’s iconic novels Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. The rooms of the Wilson-Warner House will be staged with vignettes reflecting Austen’s time period of holiday traditions, including parlor games, music recitals, candlelit balls, evergreen decorations, and feasts. New this year is Twinklefest, which will launch the evening of November 22 and transform the Corbit-Sharp House grounds (c.1774) into a festive winter village for all ages. The grand illumination will be joined by other historic properties, as well as the town center. On December 6, several events will be held in Odessa, including a tour of private homes and public buildings. Information: Historicodessa.org and Christmasinodessa.com
The Amish Outlaws
November 14
Mickey’s Black Box
Four of the original six members of The Amish Outlaws were born and raised in Lancaster County and had a strict Amish upbringing (no electricity, no land lines, no alcohol, no musical instruments, etc.) In the years since Rumspringa, the members of The Amish Outlaws have become very well acclimated to the pleasures and vices of the modern world, notably music. Hip hop, rock, country, metal, disco, opera … there is no genre they do not touch upon. 8 p.m. 101 Rock Lititz Blvd., Lititz. Information: Mickeysblackbox.com
Lancaster Chorale Holiday Concerts
November 15 & 16
Gardner Theatre
The Lancaster Chorale’s free holiday concerts will feature three pieces that reflect the spirit of the season: My Soul Doth Magnify the Lord. The 80-plus member chorale and live orchestra will present Antonio Vivaldi’s Magnificat; Camille Saint-Saëns’ Christmas Oratorio; and John Michael Talbot’s Magnificat/Holy is His Name. No tickets are required; free-will offerings will be accepted. Sat., 7 p.m. Sun., 3 p.m. 725 Hamilton Rd., Lancaster. Information: Lancasterchorale.org
Dutch Winter Wonderland
November 15-December 31
Dutch Wonderland
This fun, family-friendly event features 20+ themed rides, 10 varieties of entertainment, warm holiday drinks and The Royal Lights Show! Take in thousands of twinkling lights as the kingdom is fully decorated for a truly royal holiday! Days/Hours vary. 2249 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster. Information: Dutchwonderland.com
Christmas Trains at Strasburg Railroad
November 15-December 31
Strasburg Railroad
A nostalgic Christmas tradition for nearly 65 years continues at the historic Strasburg Rail Road, which ushers in the holiday season with an array of themed trains. Choose from Santa’s Paradise Express, Night Before Christmas Train or the Santa Claus Limited. A Christmas Feast with Mrs. Claus is also offered, as are other themed train rides. Days/times vary. 301 Gap Rd., Strasburg. Information: Strasburgrailroad.com
Yuletide at Wheatland
November 17-December 30
Wheatland/LancasterHistory
Explore Christmas in the mid-1800s through festive, guided tours of President James Buchanan’s historic home. Discover how Buchanan and his family celebrated the season during a time when the Christmas holiday was beginning to take shape in the United States. From ornaments to Christmas cards, learn about the time-honored traditions that started in the mid-Victorian era. Days/times vary. 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster. Information: Lancasterhistory.org
ExtraGive
November 21
Lancaster County
During this 24-hour fundraiser, join thousands of community members as they make online donations to more than 400 local organizations that directly impact the quality of life in Lancaster County (and beyond). Launched in 2012 by the Lancaster County Community Foundation, the ExtraGive is considered to be Lancaster County’s biggest day of giving. Since 2012, 40,000 donors have raised over $110 million for more than 500 organizations. Donations per capita in Lancaster County are among the most generous in the nation, and the Foundation credits the dedication of participating organizations, members of the community, and sponsors that help stretch every dollar that is donated as the reason for its success. A festive countdown party is held at the Lancaster County Convention Center (8 p.m.-midnight/25 S. Queen St., Lancaster). Many participating organizations will be hosting their own fundraisers and celebrations throughout the day; details can be found on the website. Information: ExtraGive.org
Elf the Musical
November 21-December 28
Fulton Theatre
Based on the beloved holiday film, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity. This modern-day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. After all, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear! Days/times vary. 12 N. Prince St., Lancaster. Information:Thefulton.org
National Christmas Center
November 21-January 3
Stone Gables Estate
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. The National Christmas Center’s collections also include 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 on view is the Anastasia’s Doll Emporium, a collection of the finest dolls and dollhouses from around the world.
Stone Gables Estate will also be the site of numerous events during the Christmas season including the Christmas Drive-Thru lighting extravaganza, Christmas Village, the Santa Express, and holiday dinners in the Star Barn.
Information: Stonegablesestate.com
Illumination
November 21-December 23
PRIMA
This immersive candlelit holiday concert, featuring a grand piano, musicians and vocalists, will offer captivating renditions of beloved holiday classics, all the while the audience will be enveloped in a radiant ambiance, making for an unforgettable holiday experience. Days/times vary. 941 Wheatland Ave., Lancaster. Information: Primatheatre.org
Christmas Show
November 22
Root’s Country Market
Hundreds of makers and vendors will be offering unique holiday gifts including holiday décor, wreaths, hand-made toys, hand-knitted items, pottery, jewelry and more during this 20th-annual show. Also enjoy food vendors, live music and a visit with Santa. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 705 Greystone Rd., Manheim. Information: Rootsmarket.com
Holiday Tasting Tour
November 28
Kitchen Kettle Village
Spend Black Friday sipping, snacking and shopping your way through Kitchen Kettle Village. A passport will provide you with food and beverage samples, personalized service and more. The village will also be holding its tree lighting and will resound with live music. Reservations required. 4-7 p.m. 3529 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse. Information: Kitchenkettle.com
Tree Lightings
November 28
Lancaster
Mayor Sorace will light the tree in Penn Square, signaling the start of the holiday season in Lancaster. Santa will also be on hand, as will live entertainment. Central Market will be open late that evening (5-8 p.m.) with select standholders offering warm beverages and yummy treats. Festivities start at 5 p.m. Penn Square, Lancaster. Other seasonal events will be held through New Year’s Eve. Information: Visitlancastercity.com
Ephrata
Walk down Main Street at Christmastime and you’ll feel as if you’ve landed on the set of a Hallmark movie (actually, drone shots of Ephrata have appeared in several of the network’s movies). Ephrata’s tree lighting is an extravaganza that also includes the arrival of Santa (who will be at Whistlestop Plaza on Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 21) and an appearance by the Belsnickel (according to German folklore, he visited homes ahead of Christmas to check on the behavior of children). Santa’s Big Book (an Ephrata tradition) will also be available for kids to sign. Food trucks and entertainment will also be offered. 5:30-8 p.m. Main St., Ephrata. Information: Mainspringofephrata.org
Small Business Saturday
November 29
Founded by American Express in 2010 and cosponsored by the Small Business Administration (SBA) since 2011, Small Business Saturday encourages consumers to patronize locally owned shops, businesses and restaurants on the all-important Saturday after Thanksgiving. The groundswell of support saw millions of such businesses across the country benefit from an estimated $17 billion in consumer spending in 2023. In Lancaster County, towns and small businesses are preparing fun promotions and events to get feet in the street for Small Business Saturday. Be sure to “think small” and patronize your favorite locally owned shop, business or restaurant on Saturday, November 30.
Creatively Lancaster Holiday Makers Market
November 29
Spooky Nook Sports
Explore a curated collection of handmade treasures from local artisans and makers. The selection will range from unique jewelry and home decor to cozy textiles and one-of-a-kind gifts. No doubt, you’ll find something special for everyone on your list (or for yourself). 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 5 Champ Blvd., Manheim. Information: Facebook.com
Christmas Wreath Making Class
November 29, December 2 & 6
Flourish
Start decorating for the holidays by making your own wreath that will take your front door through the winter season. All that you’ll need to get creative will be provided, including add-ons such as natural, dried and ornamental elements. 10 a.m. (Dec. 2 at 6:30 p.m.). 1518 Main St., East Earl. Information: Flourish.flowers
Gifts That Give Hope
November 30
Lancaster Farm & Home Center
Now in its 18th year, this alternative gift fair provides ethically minded and socially conscious shoppers a central location to “put their money where their heart is” in terms of aligning their desire to live with intention throughout the year with their spending habits around the holidays. The fair allows holiday shoppers to purchase fair trade, social enterprise, environmentally friendly, business for good, and locally and ethically sourced gifts, as well as sample delicious tastes from around the world that are provided by Lancaster food vendors. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 1383 Arcadia Rd., Lancaster. Information: Giftsthatgivehopelancaster.org
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