The holiday season is upon us, which means the calendar is bursting with things to do and see. We’ve selected 13 events for the month of November that allow you to give back and support your community, enjoy the waning fall season and marvel at the creative talents of others. Our picks for December will be posted online later in November.
1.Lancaster County Craft & Cork Trail
Ongoing
Discover Lancaster recently unveiled yet another trail, with the focus of this one being breweries, distilleries, meaderies and wineries/vineyards. In total, there are 37 stops along the trail. An app that can be downloaded through Discover Lancaster’s website provides access to the trail. By checking in (via the app), you will earn 100 to 150 points at each stop, which accumulate and earn you prizes that can be picked up at Discover Lancaster’s Greenfield Road visitors center. In addition, participating businesses are offering discounts and promotions.
Information: DiscoverLancaster.com
2.Lancaster County Barn Tour
Ongoing
Unveiled last month, the tour is a collaborative effort of the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County and the Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley. The self-guided driving tour includes some of the county’s oldest and historically significant barns. Most are working barns located on private property and can be viewed from public roads. (The tour extends only to viewing the exteriors.) A few are located on public property. A full-color tour book serves as your guide and contains photographs, detailed descriptions and pertinent information about each barn.
Information: Books can be ordered through the Trust’s website at hptrust.org.
3.Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour: The Movie
Through November 5
Theatres throughout Lancaster County
Move over Barbie, there’s a new queen of filmdom. Not bad for a girl who grew up on a Christmas tree farm in Berks County! Taylor’s sold-out 52-city North American tour broke the internet and the hearts of Swifties who could not score tickets for the spectacle of what Architectural Digest called an unbelievable display of “architecture and fashion” in that the staging and costuming change for nearly every one of the 44 songs Taylor performs from her 17-year career. The concert debuted on the big screen last month and can be seen through November 5 at Penn Cinema (including IMAX) in Lititz, Regal Manor and Reels Cinemas in Lancaster, Kendig Square Movies in Willow Street, and The New Main in Ephrata.
4.Silent Samaritan Luncheon
November 3
Calvary Church
The Silent Samaritans are a group of women whose goal is to empower other women. As part of the Samaritan Center, which offers counseling, business consulting and other services, the Silent Samaritans host a fundraising luncheon each year; proceeds are used to support women who are seeking counseling through the Samaritan Center but find the cost is beyond their means. This year’s keynote speaker will be Timbrel Chyatee, a downtown business owner (Chyatee), fashion designer, podcast host, philanthropist and advocate for the underprivileged. 1051 Landis Valley Rd., Lancaster. 11:30 a.m.
For tickets, visit samaritanlancaster.org.
5.Greek Food Bazaar
November 4-5
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
It’s back in full swing, as this celebration of all-things Greek returns to its traditional option of offering dine-in or take-out. On the menu is a traditional platter that includes chicken in traditional Greek sauce, pastitsio, spanakopita, Greek salad and a roll. A selection of homemade Greek pastries and desserts will also be available for purchase, including baklava, kourambiethes, koulourakia, finikia, honey balls, rice pudding (16 oz) and a variety box. One-third of proceeds will be donated to various philanthropic organizations that benefit the Lancaster community. 64 Hershey Ave., Lancaster. Hours are Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Information: 717-394-1735 or Annunciationorthodox.org/festival/bazaar
6.Eastland Alpacas Open House
November 4-5 & 11-12
Zurin Farm, Mount Joy
A perfect family-friendly event (WJTL’s Kids Cookie Break will be on-site the morning of Nov. 4), 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.
7.The First Noel
November 7-December 30
American Music Theatre
The magic and splendor of the holidays are celebrated at AMT with its annual original production that features incredible singers, astonishing dancers, wondrous costumes, breathtaking sets, and all the endearment of a perfect fireside family moment! Bask in the beauty of the season and cherish the stories of spirit and love as AMT brings all your favorite sights and sounds to the stage. Even before the show starts, Christmas cheer welcomes you into the theatre’s festive lobby decorated with Christmas trees, garland, natural wreaths and more. 2425 Lincoln Hwy. East.
Information: amtshows.com or 717-397-7700.
8.ExtraGive & One World Festival
November 17
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, the ExtraGive is considered Lancaster County’s biggest day of giving. Last year saw 24,600 donors raise $10,180,000 that benefitted 452 nonprofit organizations. A festive countdown party is held at the Lancaster County Convention Center. Many participating organizations will host their own fundraisers and celebrations throughout the day, all of which can be found on the website.
This year’s event will be complemented by the One World Festival, a celebration of the various ethnic and cultural groups that have contributed to Lancaster’s diverse makeup. The festival will feature food and craft vendors, music and dance performances, as well as cultural and community organizations.
The Lancaster County Convention Center is hosting both events. The One World Festival will be held from 12-8 p.m. The ExtraGive countdown festivities will be held from 8 p.m.-midnight.
Information: extragive.org and oneworldfestival.org
9.Christmas Show
November 18
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 19th-annual show. Also enjoy food vendors, live music and a visit with Santa. 705 Greystone Rd., Manheim. 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Information: Facebook or 717-898-7811.
10.Holiday Shopping Fair
November 18
Lancaster Farm & Home Center
Furever Home Adoption Center and Pet Pantry of Lancaster County will be hosting their 9th annual Holiday Shopping Fair. The free, indoor, family-friendly public event will feature 100 local businesses, unique crafters, vendors and food! Shoppers can take a chance on a wide variety of raffle items donated by local businesses, donors and sponsors. The first 100 adult guests will receive a free raffle ticket entry into a special prize drawing.
Furever Home Adoption Center and Pet Pantry of Lancaster County share the mission to relieve the suffering and meet the needs of homeless animals in Lancaster County. Both organizations exist through public support and private fundraising, and this event is an integral part of their ability to help save more lives. 1383 Arcadia Rd., Lancaster. 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Information: FureverHomeAdoptionCenter.com and PetPantryLC.org.
11.Thanksgiving Scooter Tour
November 23
Strasburg Scooters
Before Thanksgiving dinner is served and the games (football) begin, why not take a few hours to get outside and enjoy the crisp fall weather. Strasburg Scooters is hosting a guided tour of covered bridges and scenic backroads in that area of the county on Thanksgiving morning, with your transportation being a one- or two-seat scooter or scooter coup. It’s also the perfect way to share Lancaster County with out-of-town guests. 246 N. Decatur St., Strasburg. 9 a.m.
Information: Reservations are needed, visit strasburgscooters.com.
12.Small Business Saturday
November 25
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 restaurants, shops and businesses on the all-important Saturday after Thanksgiving. The groundswell of support saw 32 million such businesses across the country benefit from an estimated $17.9 billion in consumer spending in 2022. 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 restaurant, café, shop or business on Saturday, November 25.
13.Chanticleer
November 29
The Trust Performing Arts Center
This GRAMMY® Award-winning vocal ensemble has been hailed as “the world’s reigning male chorus” by The New Yorker and is known around the globe as “an orchestra of voices” for its wide-ranging repertoire and dazzling virtuosity. This holiday concert will feature Chanticleer’s original interpretations of vocal literature … from Renaissance to jazz and from gospel to venturesome new music. 37 N. Market St., Lancaster. 7:30 p.m.
Information: reserve tickets at lancastertrust.com.
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