Theatres are debuting their holiday shows this week, veterans are being honored, a film festival celebrates its 7th year, Christmas light shows begin to twinkle and arts-and-crafts shows arrive just in time for holiday shopping.
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Merrily We Roll Along
Through November 15
Susquehanna Stage
Fresh from its smash-hit Broadway revival (Jonathan Groff won a Best Actor in A Musical Tony), Merrily We Roll Along is a captivating and deeply moving story from legendary composer Stephen Sondheim. This bittersweet musical rewinds the lives of three friends, tracing their journey from jaded success back to their starry-eyed beginnings. With a stunning score and a story full of humor, heartbreak and hope, it’s a powerful reminder of how dreams change and how friendships endure. Times vary. 133 W. Market St., Marietta. Information: Susquehannastage.com
The Peace of Wild Things
Through November 15
MH Gallery
Marietta Art Alive! is hosting this juried exhibit that features original works inspired by Wendell Berry’s evocative poem, The Peace of Wild Things. Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 42 W. Market St., Marietta. Information: Mariettaartalive.com
Luminary Trail
November 11
Ephrata
Ephrata will honor the millions who have defended our freedom with the annual Veterans Day Luminary Trail that was started by the Winters Leadership Memorial Committee on Veterans Day 2014. Nearly 400 luminaries will illuminate the Veterans Plaza and Winters Memorial Trail, honoring the more than 41 million Americans who have served in the U.S. military. The tribute is free and open to all, inviting visitors to walk through the illuminated trail in remembrance and gratitude. 5-8 p.m. 229 Railroad Ave., Ephrata. Information: Mainspringofephrata.org
Thank You Veterans Concert
November 11
Garden Spot Village Chapel
The New Holland Band presents its annual Veterans Day concert that features music that was 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 Perfect Harmony
November 11-December 21
Barn at Paradise Station
Part musical theater nostalgia and 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, including 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
Red Rose Film Festival
November 12-15
Lancaster
Now in its 7th year, the festival enables patrons to experience more than 200 submissions from 25 countries, bringing stories from around the world to our community while celebrating local filmmaking talent. Guided by “Global Perspectives, Local Impact,” the festival invites visitors to discover new voices, share in meaningful stories, and enjoy a memorable weekend of cinema at local venues, including Penn Cinema (where the awards ceremony will be held on Sunday), Zoetropolis and West Art. Information: Redrosefilmfestival.com
Pennsylvania Long Rifle Event
November 13 & 14
Historic Rock Ford
The event is being presented by Historic Rock Ford and the Kentucky Rifle Association. Admission includes self-guided tours of the circa 1794 General Edward Hand Mansion and the John J. Snyder, Jr. Gallery of Early Lancaster County Decorative Arts. Additionally, displays of Pennsylvania Long Rifles and rifle-making demonstrations can be seen in the barn. Rifle identification will also be provided (no guns that use cartridges or are post-1830 permitted). Food concessions will be available. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 881 Rockford Rd., Lancaster. Information: Historicrockford.org
Holiday Gift Show
November 13 & 14
Lititz
Looking for gifts with a truly personal touch? If so, head for Lititz, where the Lititz Art Association will be hosting their annual Holiday Gift Show, a festive celebration of local talent and handcrafted beauty. From breathtaking fine art to unique, giftable creations, every item in the show is crafted with passion by the artists living right here in our community. Fri., 3-7 p.m. Sat., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 300 W. Orange St., Lititz. Information:Lititzartassociaton.com
Elizabethtown Heritage Craft Show
November 13 & 14
Elizabethtown
The Winters Heritage House Museum invites you to experience history and handmade craftsmanship at the 36th Annual Heritage Craft Show, during which you can shop unique artisan goods while supporting local community causes. Food will be available Saturday. Admission is by a suggested donation of $3, a non-perishable food item, or a new, unwrapped toy benefiting the Community Cupboard of Elizabethtown. Fri., 4-8 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 47 E. High St., Elizabethtown. Information: Wintersheritagehouse.org
Distelfink Country Christmas Show
November 13-15
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
Refreshing Mountain Christmas Light Adventures
November 13-January 2
Stevens
A festive atmosphere and amazing winter activities make Christmas Lights a popular destination at holiday time. The property is adorned with hundreds of thousands of beautiful Christmas-time lights displaying the supernatural mystery of the Christmas season. You have the choice of walking through the display or seeing it via a zipline. Days/times vary. 455 Camp Rd., Stevens. Information: Refreshingmountain.com
Holly Jolly Holiday
November 13-January 3
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season with this original holiday musical extravaganza sure to make you merry. The halls are decked with holly, so let the jolly festivities begin with lively dancing and singing to the yuletide tunes you know and love, along with a visit from Old St. Nick himself! The perfect feel-good, hometown Christmas revue the entire family will enjoy. Meal options include lunch and dinner buffets and Thursday night table service. Days/times vary. 510 Centerville Rd., Lancaster. Information: Dutchapple.com
Eastland Alpacas Open House
November 14 & 15
Zurin Farm, Mount Joy
A perfect family-friendly event, 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
Dutch Winter Wonderland
November 14-January 3
Dutch Wonderland
This fun, family-friendly event features themed rides, 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
Holly Jolly Jukebox
Through December 19
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 November through January 2, is Winter Wonderland, a one-of-a-kind Christmas show that fuses 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
Christmas Show: Winter Wonderland
Through December 30
American Music Theatre
Step into the magic of the season with a show that will take you from a charming Bavarian village to the festive North Pole. This dazzling production features stunning sets, gorgeous costumes, and live performances of your favorite sacred and secular holiday songs. Days/times vary. 2425 Lincoln Hwy. East, Lancaster. Information: AMTshows.com
The Christmas Rush
Through December 31
Bird-in-Hand Stage
On the day before Christmas, the biggest department store in a small American town has announced a Last-Minute Madness Sale. Will the harried staff be able to handle the onslaught? Will the Santa in the lobby raise enough to save the town’s soup kitchen? And will the recently widowed Alice and her daughter find what they are so desperately seeking? This brand-new show from Blue Gate Musicals is big on laughs, full of heart and has a score that sounds like it stepped right off the Broadway stage. Lunch or dinner is available before the show. Days/times vary. 2760 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand. Information: Bird-in-hand.com
National Christmas Center
Through January 2
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, and stop into Woolworth’s in Downtown Lancaster. 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
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