Christmas Season Highlight Events Near Our Area (Part 2 of 2)
This is Part 2 of our Top Christmas Season Highlight Events throughout the beautiful Lebanon Valley and in areas beyond. See Part 1 here, as well as our Christmas in Hershey blog post of the Top Christmas Experiences in Hershey.
16. White Christmas at Lebanon Community Theatre
Not only will the performance get you into the holiday spirit with all its yuletide magic, but a night at the theatre is also a great way to support the arts in our community.
- Dates & Times: Various showtimes, Dec. 12 – 15 & Dec. 19 – 22, 2024
Address: E. Maple St. at Theatre Drive, Stoever’s Dam Park, Lebanon, PA
Cost: Tickets start at $17
17. Christmas at the Homestead
Stop by the Isaac Meier Homestead, a location on the National Register of Historic Landmarks, for Christmas at the Homestead. This shopping experience will feature a variety of Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers, including penny rugs for all seasons, handmade brooms, crochet wool hats, goat milk soaps and lip balms, and gourd baskets. The homestead will also provide complimentary mulled cider and baked goods to enjoy while you shop at this Christmas season highlight!
- Date & Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Dec. 14, 2024
Address: 524 S College St., Myerstown, PA
Cost: Free
18. Historic Lantern Walk at the Isaac Meier Homestead
After attending Christmas at the Homestead in the morning, head back to the Isaac Meier House in the evening for their Historic Lantern Walk. The jolly old fella will be in attendance, so be sure to bring the kids along to this festive evening of crafts, hayrides, and candlelight tours around the homestead. Tours will begin at 6:15 p.m. and 7:15 p.m., and there will be cookies, s’mores, hot dogs, mulled cider, and hot cocoa for refreshments.
- Date & Time: 6 – 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024
Address: 524 S. College St., Myerstown, PA
Cost: Free
19. Drunken Smithy Yule Bazaar
Join the Drunken Smithy’s and the St. James Players for their annual Yule Bazaar at the Lebanon Valley Mall. Much like a renaissance festival, the Yule Bazaar will include live theatrical and musical entertainment, costume contests, family friendly activities, and costumed actors for all attendees to interact with. Plenty of vendors will also be in attendance with items ranging from handcrafted jewelry and metal masterpieces to board games and books!
- Date & Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday Dec. 14 & Sunday Dec. 15, 2024
Address: 2231 Lebanon Valley Mall, Route 422, Lebanon, PA
Cost: Free
20. PA Christmas + Gift Show (Dec 4 – Dec 8)
- Looking for unique gifts or simply want to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit? The PA Christmas + Gift Show is the perfect place to do just that. You’ll find an array of vendors selling holiday decor, crafts, and gifts that are sure to delight everyone on your list. After shopping, enjoy the 600 square foot Christmas Lego Village and a walk-through dozens of beautifully decorated Christmas trees in this year’s Christmas Tree Lane. Tickets are $10. Be sure to search the interactive vendor list and view the performance schedules here.
- Bonus: Get $3 off tickets by using code: EXPLORE1
21. A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens
Returning for the 25th year, Harrisburg’s Open Stage’s adaption of Charles Dicken’s classic tale runs from Nov 30 to Dec 22. Relive the magic of Ebenezer Scrooge’s Christmas Eve journey and kick off the holiday season with an opening night reception on Saturday, Nov 30. Tickets are $39 for adults.
22. Christmas at Fort Hunter (Dec 7 – Dec 22)
Throughout December, Fort Hunter Mansion and Park transforms into a holiday wonderland. Each weekend, visitors can explore a charming toy-train exhibit, marvel at beautifully decorated Christmas trees, and enjoy the unique Fort Couture dresses made from unconventional materials. This month-long event brings history, creativity, and holiday spirit together as well as offering a delightful experience for visitors of all ages.
The Fort Hunter Mansion is also open for tours Tuesday-Sunday with reservations preferred and prioritized. Admission is just $8.00 per person. Learn more & register.
23. Christmas at Italian Lake, Harrisburg
Saturday, December 14th: The eighth annual Christmas at Italian Lake. This year’s celebration features a Christmas market full of unique gift ideas from local small businesses, horse-drawn sleigh rides for only $5 a person. Food trucks, live musical performances, petting zoo, s’mores station, plus more, all along the banks of beautiful Italian Lake in Uptown Harrisburg. The festivities begin at 10 am and event proceeds benefit Bethesda Mission. Inclement weather during this Christmas season highlight will push the event to Sunday, December 15.
24. The Nutcracker Ballet (Dec 14 & 15)
The Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet is delighted to present their annual production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts in downtown Harrisburg. This year’s performance will be held on December 14th at 1pm and 5pm and December 15th at 2pm. Orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony seats are available with tickets starting at $35. Tickets for this annual tradition usually sell quickly, so be sure to reserve your seats early.
25. Historic Harrisburg Association’s Candlelight House Tour (Dec 8)
For those who appreciate history and architecture, the Candlelight House Tour is a fantastic way to explore Harrisburg’s rich heritage. On December 8th from 1pm to 6pm, you are able to visit beautifully decorated historic homes, learning the city’s history. It’s a unique and educational way to celebrate the holidays. Your ticket is a 60+ page tour guide booklet with map, property descriptions and everything you need to plan a memorable Historic Harrisburg experience!
25. The Pennsylvania State Capitol, “The Most Beautiful Capitol in the USA”—Architectural Digest.
The Pennsylvania Capitol is especially beautiful during the holiday season.
The Capitol in Harrisburg goes all out for the holiday season. Inside the rotunda, the Capitol features a beautifully decorated tree that greets guests coming for any of the concerts held there throughout December. Visitors can stop by the rotunda to take in a free concert by various local singing groups as well as school groups to get into the holiday spirit.
For a full overview of the Capitol building and its history, you can sign up for a tour of the Pennsylvania Capitol. Visitors can also feel free to go on a self-guided tour at this Christmas season highlight.
26. Christmas Trains
If you or anyone in your family is interested in Christmas trains, Central Pennsylvania is the perfect place to be during the holiday season. With multiple railroad spots throughout the area, Central Pennsylvania has multiple Christmas train attractions to choose from.
The Middletown and Hummelstown Christmas trains are longtime holiday favorites.
The Strasburg Railroad is especially well-known for its train-centered holiday season events. When it comes to Christmas, the Strasburg Railroad truly outdoes itself every year. Here are three special Christmas Trains pulling out of Strasburg:
- Santa’s Paradise Express: During this train ride, Santa himself and his helpers appear to visit with passengers.
- Christmas Tree Train: Pick out your Christmas tree in style by riding the Christmas Tree Train to Leaman Place Grove. You and your family will get to select a locally grown tree to decorate your home this holiday season.
- The Night Before Christmas Train: For all the excitement of Christmas Eve, climb aboard the Night Before Christmas Train where you can enjoy milk and cookies while listening to a reading of the classic “The Night Before Christmas” poem.
27. Christmas Season Highlight Shows at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre presents Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn from November 7th to December 28th. Experience this tale in a new way, with original songs and incredible performances. Tickets to the show include a delicious meal, which will occur prior to the show. What a great way to swing into the spirit of Christmas.
28. President Buchanan’s Home at Christmas:
Tour President James Buchanan’s Wheatland from November 17th to December 30th this year for Yuletide at Wheatland! Join a tour guide to traverse the festively decorated halls and rooms of the 1828 mansion. Learn about the public and personal life of James Buchanan through the lens of Yuletides and traditions past. From Yuletide menus and meals to how Christmastime was celebrated during the Civil War, viewers will learn how Buchanan and his family experienced Yuletide in the mid-1800s.
29. Fulton Theatre Christmas Shows!
Elf, The Nutcracker & It’s a Wonderful Life
Experience festive fun with three beloved Christmas shows at the Fulton Theatre! Elf runs from November 21st to December 28th and The Nutcracker from December 6th to December 27th. Another holiday classic is the live radio play, It’s a Wonderful Life, from December 5th to 28th.
30. American Music Theatre’s Christmas
The 2025 Christmas Show: Deck the Halls
Running from November 7th to December 30th at American Music Theatre, the 2025 Christmas Show: Deck the Halls holiday musical extravaganza celebrates the joys and merriment of spending the holidays with the ones we love. This Christmas Season Highlight features dashing dancers as well as merry musicians.
31. The Ephrata Cloisters at Christmas
Spend a few moments in quiet reflection at the Ephrata Cloister with seasonal readings and holiday music in the historic Saal. Christmas at the Cloister is offered each night, December 8th & 9th. During Christmas, the cloister shines with Moravian stars and greenery, while candlelight tours transport you to the past, guided by interpreters sharing its history and the significance of Christmas. Don’t miss the a cappella music by the Ephrata Cloister Chorus, featuring traditional hymns and carols, creating a serene and reflective atmosphere. Be reminded of the more meaningful aspects of the holiday, while revisiting history and traditions. Make sure to check out their Christmas at the Cloisters and Lantern Tours events. Dates and times on their Website.
32. National Christmas Center
New location, moved from the former National Christmas Center in Paradise, PA: The entire collection of exhibits and memorabilia was purchased by the Stone Gables Estate, where they’re being restored and displayed in the new 40,000 sf Barns of Belmont. Tours can be booked online. While you’re visiting, you can also take a ride on the “Santa Express”, a magical narrated train experience aboard the Harrisburg, Lincoln & Lancaster Railroad.
33. Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Fulton Theatre
The Fulton Theater is one of the premier theatrical venues in Lancaster PA. This holiday season they’re performing Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat from November 17 – December 30th! Buy your tickets ahead of time online, you’ll be guaranteed to enjoy a fantastic performance of this Christmas season highlight!
34. Sight and Sound
Sight and Sound will be offering the story of Noah in 2025. Their 2026 show will be Joshua. So come see their amazing productions with live animals, amazing sets and more.
35. Christmas Candlelight Tours
In December, the Lititz Historical Society will be holding its Candlelight Tour of the 1792 Johannes Mueller House, where you can learn the customs and history of the Moravian community in Lititz. This tour is 40 minutes long, and attendees are welcome to visit the Lititz Museum for holiday treats and a gift shop with a large selection of items! Tickets are $8 each and can be bought online as well as in person.
36. Christmas in the Village at Landis Valley Farm Museum
Whenever in the Lancaster or Lititz area, it is always refreshing to visit the Landis Valley Farm Museum. This season, stop by the Landis Valley Farm Museum for a real Old-Fashioned Christmas. Surely a Top Christmas Season Highlight! A great way to launch the Christmas Season! Lots of Christmas decorations. Learn how early PA German families celebrated Christmas here in south central PA. Watch out for the Belsnickel! Their calendar shows all dates.
37. Christmas Eve Services
Our Valley is filled with beautiful and meaningful Christmas eve services, including one we especially find joyous and meaningful located in Lebanon’s Cathedral, often featuring spectacular organ recitals on their pipe organ, which features antiphonal pipes below the Rose Window! Many churches offer early evening Christmas eve services as well as “Midnight Candlelight Services,” “Midnight Candlelight Mass,” etc. We will feature these in a blog post in the coming month.
As you can see, there are many great reasons to visit the Hershey area during the holiday season! Book your trip today and choose one of our elegant guest room, decorated for the holidays. Soak away your cares in our hot tub outdoors or ensuite Jacuzzis as well as relaxing by your room’s fireplace. Our destination retreat provides the opportunity to kick back in our state-of-the-art movie theatre, try your hand at billiards, or get into a friendly competition provided by board games in our spacious Game Room.
