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. Our picks for December will be posted online later in November.
Joy to the World
November 5-December 30
American Music Theatre
The ringing of church bells in a quaint town square sets the scene for Joy to the World. Evoking the revered holiday nostalgia of hometown America, the AMT stage is transformed into a small town winter carnival brimming with family, friends, and entertaining elves. Awe-inspiring music and dance, phenomenal voices, and light-hearted holiday humor are the ingredients for this holiday extravaganza! This year’s all-new holiday show features favorite seasonal and sacred Christmas songs brought to life by marvelous vocal talent from across the country and accompanied by the AMT Orchestra. Times vary. 2425 Lincoln Hwy. East. Information: amtshows.com
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
November 8-January 5
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
Based on the beloved movie of the same name, the show sees military veterans turned song-and-dance men, Bob and Phil, meet a sister duo and follow them to a Vermont inn. To their surprise, they discover the inn is owned by their old Army general who has fallen on hard times. The foursome decide to put on a show in an effort to save the inn. The production features favorites songs such as Blue Skies, Sisters, Happy Holidays and White Christmas. Lunch and dinner buffets served with the exception of Thursday, when table service is provided. Times vary. 510 Centerville Rd., Lancaster. Information: Dutchapple.com
Thank You Veterans Concert
November 11
Garden Spot Village Chapel
The New Holland Band presents a 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 from home. 7 p.m. 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland. Information: Newhollandband.org
Full Moon Walk: Beaver Moon
November 15
Lancaster County Central Park
As animals begin preparing for winter, Senior Park Naturalist Lisa J. Sanchez, will lead hikers along the park’s moonlit trails, around the pond and beside the creek looking and listening for the sights and sounds of nature. 6:30 p.m. Meet at the Environmental Center’s parking lot. Information: Register online (Co.lancaster.pa.us) or call 717-295-2055 to register/prepay by noon on Thursday.
Earl David Reed
November 15
Mickey’s Black Box
A well-known stand-up comedian with multi-decades of experience, Reed has appeared on The Tonight Show, at hundreds of venues (including Atlantic City and Las Vegas), and has had various radio gigs – all while offering clean, classy, non-offensive improvisational material. 7 p.m. 101 Rock Lititz Blvd., Lititz. Information: Mickeysblackbox.com
Frozen the Broadway Musical
November 15-December 29
Fulton Theatre
Making its regional debut, Frozen is the perfect holiday family outing. The show invites you to step into an icy wonderland where magic chills the air and sisterhood burns bright. Discover the power of love and the magic of letting go in this dazzling musical adventure. Times vary. 12 N. Prince St., Lancaster. Information: Thefulton.org
Zombie Fun Run
November 16
Field of Screams
Returning for its 12th year, runners and zombie-wannabes are invited to travel the course that will take you through the Field of Screams property, which will be outfitted with 30 obstacles. Proceeds will benefit the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition. The festivities start at 11 a.m. and continue into the evening, followed by an after-party. (Register for a time slot.) 191 College Ave., Mountville. Information: Zombiefunrun.com
Family Fun Fest: The Pack Drumline
November 17
Winter Visual & Performing Arts Center
Blending Southern show-style drumming with intense upbeat choreography, The Pack Drumline creates an electrifying performance with dynamic rhythms and high-energy beats. From the opening notes to the final crescendo, these America’s Got Talent winners captivate with expert percussion, energetic choreography and stunning visuals, demonstrating incredible range and versatility. This production will have you dancing in the aisles! Children’s activities will be held in the lobby beginning at 2 p.m. Show starts at 3 p.m. 60 W. Cottage Ave., Millersville University. Information: ArtsMU.com
Servant Stage’s Sunday Night Cabaret with Brandon Cameron
November 17
Magic & Wonder Theatre
The Servant Stage alum and current Hadestown cast member will return “home” to perform his favorite songs and stories. Originally from New Jersey, Cameron considers Lancaster to be his second home. He has performed and worked with multiple theatre companies throughout Pennsylvania, including Servant Stage, American Music Theatre and Sight & Sound Theatres. He has worked as a performer since he was 7 years old, and became an educator, director and choreographer while still in high school. He continued performing and teaching through college and graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre in May 2022. In September of that year, he joined the Broadway company of Hadestown, where he remains currently and continues to work as an educator, teaching Broadway masterclasses, voice, acting and dance to students from all over the country. 7 p.m. 3065 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise. Information: Servantstage.org
Christmas Trains at Strasburg Railroad
November 16-December
Strasburg Railroad
The Strasburg Railroad ushers in the holiday season with an array of themed trains. The November schedule includes Santa’s Paradise Express, which welcomes Santa to ride aboard the Paradise-bound train. Children 11 and under will receive a special gift from Santa. Schedule begins November 16. The Night Before Christmas Train recreates the excitement and anticipation of Christmas Eve. It begins its run on November 29. These and other themed train rides will continue through December. 301 Gap Rd., Strasburg. Information: Strasburgrailroad.com
ExtraGive
November 22
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. Launched in 2012 by the Lancaster County Community Foundation, the ExtraGive is considered to be Lancaster County’s biggest day of giving. Last year, $8.86 million was raised. A festive countdown party is held at the Lancaster County Convention Center. Many participating organizations will be hosting their own fundraisers and celebrations throughout the day; details can be found on the website. The ExtraGive countdown festivities will be held from 8 p.m.-midnight. 25 S. Queen St., Lancaster. Information: ExtraGive.org
National Christmas Center
November 22-December 29
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. 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
Illumination
November 22- December 22
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. Times vary. 941 Wheatland Ave., Lancaster. Information: Primatheatre.org
Christmas Show
November 23
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. 705 Greystone Rd., Manheim. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Information: Rootsmarket.com
The History of Sweitzer Barns in Lancaster County
November 23
Historic Rock Ford
Author, historian and consultant, Greg Huber, will delve into the history of the two-level bank barn (aka the Sweitzer), which was likely the first barn of its specific type in North America, appearing initially in the middle-third of the 18th century. Learn about the various factors that helped to influence the making and use of this barn. Appropriately enough, Huber’s presentation will take place in the Langmuir Education Room located on the first floor of the Rock Ford Barn, which is an outstanding example of this style of barn architecture. After the presentation, Huber will have copies of his book, The Historic Barns of Southeastern Pennsylvania, available for purchase and signing. 1 p.m. 881 Rockford Rd., Lancaster. (Note: there is an admission charge.) Information: Historicrockford.org
Yuletide at Wheatland
November 23-December 30
Wheatland/LancasterHistory
This guided tour explores the holiday season as it was experienced by James Buchanan’s niece and nephew, Harriet Lane and James Buchanan Henry, following the death of Buchanan in 1868. You’ll learn how the Industrial Revolution expanded holiday celebrations with the introduction of electric tree lights, holiday entertainment and gift-giving. Tours provided hourly between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday-Saturday (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas eve/day). 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster. Information:Lancasterhistory.org
Tree Lightings
November 29
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. 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 on hand for kids to sign. Food trucks and entertainment will also be provided. 5-8 p.m. Main St., Ephrata.
Information:Mainspringofephrata.org
Small Business Saturday
November 30
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.
Christmas Wreath Making Class
November 30
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. (Note: classes will also be held December 3 & 7.) 1518 Main St., East Earl. Information: Flourish. Flowers
Historic Ephrata Cloister Candlelight Open House
November 30
Ephrata
Discover the beauty of this fascinating early community by candlelight! Tour the historic buildings and visit with local craftspeople such as Elva Hurst, chalk pastel artist and owner of Barnyard Art Studio; Matt Vardjan, owner of PA German Folk Art Papers, who will demonstrate how to make paper stars; Jim King, faux graining artist and co-author of the book False Graining Techniques; and Paul Luttrell, wood turner and creator of exquisite, handcrafted bowls. All will have items available for purchase. The Museum Store will be open, as well. The Ephrata Cloister Chorus will perform throughout the evening. Food will be available for purchase. 5-8:30 p.m. Information: Ephrata Cloister.org
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