December 7-8 | Holiday Homes on Parade
Various Locations
The Building Industry Association of Lancaster County is holding a holiday home tour again this year. Newly built and remodeled homes will feature the latest trends in design and products. All will be decorated to reflect the holiday season. Presenting companies include Costello Builders, Custom Home Group, EGStoltzfus, Kitchen Encounters, Kitchens by Eileen and Landmark Homes. Also on the tour as a sponsor presentation is a remodeled mid-century that was formerly an Armstrong Idea House. Penn Stone will also welcome ticket holders. A door prize will be featured in each home. Proceeds benefit the Salvation Army Coats for Kids program. Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased via the website or at Penn Stone. December 7, 5-8 p.m. December 8, 2-8 p.m. Information: holidayhomesonparade.com.
December 1-30 | Messick’s Christmas Light Show
Elizabethtown
If Christmas lights put you in the holiday spirit, then Elizabethtown is the place to visit this season. In addition to the lighting display at The Star Barn (see Backyard Tourist), Messick’s Farm Equipment will once again put on a light show like no other. View thousands of twinkling lights that are synchronized with music when tuning into 95.5 FM on your radio. Donations benefit local charities and families. 187 Merts Dr., Elizabethtown. 6-9:30 p.m. Information: 717-367-1319 or messicks.com.
Make an evening of it and dine at T.J. Rockwell’s American Grill & Tavern, Lucky Duck Bar & Grille, Folklore Coffee & Co., or other eateries in the area.
December 7-9 | Christmas in the Park
Terre Hill Park
Kick off the holiday season at Terre Hill’s first annual Christmas in the Park. This fun-filled event will include dozens of handmade light displays along the walking trail, visits with Santa in Christmas Village, craft vendors, kids’ activities, live music and a variety of tasty treats. Stop by each night for special events and visit with other community organizations from the area. Parking is free; some activities have a small fee. Proceeds benefit the Terre Hill Park. 210 Lancaster Ave., Terre Hill. 5-9 p.m. Information: 717-468-8474 or terrehilldays.com.
December 2 | 53rd Marietta Candlelight Tour of Homes
Marietta
Marietta Restoration Associates is proud to host one of the oldest, continuous holiday walking tours in Pennsylvania. A splendid array of eight private homes, public buildings and a variety of special events make this a tour you will not want to miss. Free parking and convenient shuttle bus service are available. Advance tickets ($20) are available through November 29 (see website for locations). Day of tickets are priced at $25. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Information: 717-426-4048 or mariettarestoration.org.
December 15 | An Allegro Christmas
First United Methodist Church
Join Allegro Orchestra Lancaster in the candlelit sanctuary and celebrate the season. This performance is accompanied by a full chorus of over 125 performers. Ten percent of the proceeds will be donated to the First United Methodist Church’s Anchorage Breakfast Program. 29 E. Walnut St. 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Information: 717-288-8461 or allegrolancaster.org.
November 23-December 16 | Trees Galore
Lancaster Museum of Art
This beloved museum tradition will feature a Starry Night theme that includes original artwork by Lancaster area artists (available through a silent art auction), mini-trees decorated by local design and architectural firms (available for bidding), a display of beautiful handmade ornaments created by local school children and a Holiday Gift Shop featuring handmade and locally sourced items. A special collaboration with the Wolf Museum and Echo Valley Art Group will also be showcased. 135 N. Lime St. Tue.-Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sun., 12-4 p.m. Closing party (tickets required) will be held December 14, 6-9 p.m. Information: 717-394-3497 or lmapa.org.
Through December 30
The 2018 Christmas Show: The First Noel
American Music Theatre
Witness the magic and splendor as the American Music Theatre presents The First Noel, featuring inspiring music, wondrous costumes, astonishing dancers, breathtaking sets and all the endearment of a perfect fireside family moment. 2425 Lincoln Hwy. East. Information: 717-397-7700 or amtshows.com.
December | Railroading
Strasburg
Spend the holidays in Strasburg! At the Strasburg Rail Road, the popular Night Before Christmas Train will run on select Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings through December 21. A portion of ticket proceeds benefits the Clinic for Special Children. 301 Gap Rd. Information: 1-886-725-9666 or strasburgrailroad.com.
The magic of Christmas comes to Traintown USA® as the Groff family continues their tradition of decorating the expansive setup at the Choo Choo Barn. 226 Gap Rd. Information: 717-687-7911 or choochoobarn.com.
On December 1 & 8, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania will host Home for the Holidays, which will transport visitors to Christmas Past. 300 Gap Rd. Information: 717-687-8628 or rrmuseumpa.org.
Santa will be at the National Toy Train Museum on December 1, 8 and 15. Bring a canned-good item for FREE admission. 300 Paradise Lane. Information: 717-687-8976 or nttmuseum.org.
December 8, 15 and 22 | December Makers Market
Park City Center
Shop small, support local and get all of your holiday shopping done in one place. The Creatively Lancaster December Makers Markets, being held in the former Bon-Ton space, will feature the work of local makers, creators, artists, crafters, bakers and more. 142 Park City Center. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: creativelylancaster.com.
Through January 6 | A Longwood Christmas
Longwood Gardens
This holiday season Longwood Gardens is paying homage to the Christmas tree with an imaginative display featuring traditional favorites and inspiring new twists. Outdoors, illuminated trees lead you on an enchanting holiday journey through the gardens. Sip cocoa and warm up by welcoming firepits, listen to carolers sharing the sounds of the season, and relish in the beauty and wonder of the Main Fountain Garden. 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square. Information: 610-388-1000 or longwoodgardens.org.