1. My Fair Lady
'Tis the season to partake in some theatre shows, now that the weather is–at times–frightful. Take in My Fair Lady, based on George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion, at the Ephrata Performing Arts Center. The story is centered on the infamous Eliza Doolittle, a flower girl picked up by a professor of phonetics in an attempt to make her more of "a proper lady." Shown both on Broadway and around the world, the play delineates the challenging yet entertaining adventure of Eliza and Professor Higgins as she tries to climb the social ladder with mixed success. With bursts of romance and humorous songs from the award-winning score, the show is sure to delight all. The Ephrata Performing Arts Center has, in its own right, risen to the level of quality shows and popular stars, with performances shown on an intimate three-quarter thrust stage.
December 5-21/ Ephrata Performing Arts Center / 320 Cocalico St., Ephrata, PA / 717-733-7966 / ephrataperformingartscenter.com
2. Victorian Tea and Hearth Cooking
Stepping back in time during the holidays that makes for a magical experience. Take, for example, a Victorian tea at Fort Hunter Mansion, complete with natural trimmings made of fresh greens, flowers, and fruits, evoking times of yore when decorations were purer and simpler. Peruse the holiday decor whilst sipping spiced tea, nibbling on desserts, and enjoying tea sandwiches, perhaps getting ideas for one’s own home. At the same time, discover the original cooking style from the 1800s over the hearth during demonstrations complete with samples. Members of the Civil War Dance and Arts Society will be greeting guests and pouring tea in period costumes.
December 8/ Fort Hunter Mansion and Park / 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, PA / 717-599-5751 / forthunter.org
3. Susquehanna Chorale Candlelight Concerts
Spreading holiday cheer, the Susquehanna Chorale will be playing three separate Candlelight Christmas shows at three different locations. Enjoy the sounds of the season with a mix of holiday pieces and traditional carols, some even with audience participation. Each performance will begin with a 15-minute prelude by Ai-Lin Hsieh on the cello and Daniel Dorty on the organ. The nationally acclaimed adult chamber ensemble, founded in 1981, has since garnered much recognition for its 36-voice chorale. Attend one or all three shows to really get into the Christmas spirit.
December 13, 14, 15/ Various Locations / 717-533-7859 / susquehannachorale.org
4. Lebanon New Year's Eve
Once recognized as one of USA Today's most interesting New Year's Eve drops, the dropping of the bologna in it's namesake Lebanon is sure to be a local favorite. With food, activities, and a DJ spinning tunes, the fun will rock from 10 p.m. into the morning and center around a 150-pound bologna donated by Godshall’s dropping by crane at midnight. Known and loved by locals, the meaty treat made famous by the Pennsylvania Dutch as early as the 19th century brings a tradition, as well as a fun nuance, to a usual New Year’s event. The big bologna will be donated to local food banks after the celebration.
December 31/ Downtown Lebanon, PA / 8th St. between Cumberland and Chestnut Streets. / downtownlebanon.com
5. 'Twas the Night Before Christmas
Taking kids to a full-length show at the Fulton Theatre might not be a great idea for everyone. The Family Series, comprised of a total of four different shows throughout 2019-2020, is perfect for young thespians. ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas is an hour-long show with no intermission geared towards the little ones. Younger audiences will delight in seasonal songs like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Frosty the Snowman.” Watch as Charlotte embarks on a magical adventure through Toyland in a performance guaranteed to stoke wonder and maybe even garner a few laughs. It’s shown only on Saturdays at 11am, so scoop up tickets early. A cute souvenir shop awaits for a perfect holiday memory.
November 30-December 28/ Fulton Theatre / 12 N. Prince St., Lancaster, PA / 717-397-7425 / thefulton.org
6. Giving Hope Food Tour
Shopping the Gifts That Give Hope fair has been popular for over 10 years now, but as if all of the alternative gifts and fair-trade finds weren't enough, there is also all of the tasty food. Choosing one or two restaurants to try is no longer a concern, because this year the foods are part of a one-price food tour. Sample small dishes from eight eateries, each with a story to tell about their respective endeavors. Receive a stamp card that allows casual tasting while continuing to peruse the gift fair. Support small businesses while finding some new favorite causes. A few of the participating restaurants are Xulbo Bridge Food Stands, Upohar Ethnic Restaurant, and Grape Leaf Cafe. Treat the taste buds while taking home some unique, alternative, and fair-trade gifts.
December 7/ The Junction Center / 1875 Junction Road, Manheim, PA / giftsthatgivehope.org
7. Breakfast on the Farm
Join Bill, a fifth generation farmer, and his wife Mary Ann as they present an impressive breakfast of pancakes with cranberry and apple topping, sausage, apple bread, scrambled eggs, coffee, tea, and apple cider. Choose from three different sized portions–small, large, or child–and two different breakfast times. Oyler Organic Farm has lots to crow about with a market open year-round, classes, popular events, and a range of available products. Weather permitting, the casual breakfast will be served outdoors for a very farm fresh experience. Take home some yummy organic applesauce with apples grown right on site.
December 7/ Oyler's Organic Farms / 400 Pleasant Valley Road, Biglerville, PA / 717-677-8411 / oylersorganicfarms.com
8. Mifflinburg Christkindl Market
While not as old as its original German counterparts, the Mifflinburg Christkindle Market, now going strong after more than three decades, does stand out as the oldest in the United States. Attendees can step back in time and go halfway around the world to experience over 100 food and craft vendors, some selling hand-crafted German creations perfect for any home. There will be delicious eats and drinks to warm up with, because as an outdoor event, it can get pretty chilly! The whole family can enjoy the event, but the kids will really have something to remember after visiting Kinder World, complete with an Elf School, a Gingerbread Creations Hut, marionette shows, and even a traditional Lantern Parade on Friday. Shop, eat, listen, and enjoy, German style! Froh Weihnachten!
December 12-14/ Market St., Mifflinburg, PA / 888-666-0877 / oldchristkindl.com
9. Motown Legends
Try not to sing along too loudly as live performers fill Prima Theatre with the hits from Motown. Since 2010, Prima has been bringing "boutique musicals" as well as concerts and special events to Downtown Lancaster. Now, Motown, the record label synonymous with soul and popular favorites for all, will get everyone moving to the hits from Jackson 5, the Temptations, and the Supremes, to name a few. The impressive collection amassed by Motown crosses all boundaries and has become beloved by all. Prima Theatre, started by Mitch Nugent and his wife Diana, is committed as a non-profit to bringing as many affordable and culturally engaging experiences as possible to the people of Lancaster and beyond.
December 6-2/ Prima Theatre / 941 Wheatland Ave., Suite A, Lancaster, PA / 717-327-5124 / primalancaster.org
10. Cookie Stroll
What if there were a way to sweeten the deal for holiday shopping? Perhaps in the form of cookies? Hanover seems to think that everyone, regardless of their love for shopping, deserves a treat this time of year. Visit participating businesses and receive a free cookie sample while strolling around the stores. Check out some new retailers for potential presents for everyone on the list, including the list maker. No one should be afraid to eat a bunch of cookies and shop, because shopping is exercise, right? And the New Year is just around the corner.
December 14/ Center Square, Hanover, PA / 717-637-6130 / mainstreethanover.org
