Kids Only Christmas Shop
Dec. 1-14: Shoppers 12 and under can do their holiday shopping with assistance from Santa’s helpers at Fort Hunter in the Centennial Barn on Saturdays and Sundays, 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. All items $10 and under. Visit forthunter.org.
Wreath Auction
Dec. 1-19: Perry County Council of the Arts will hold a silent auction featuring cleverly crafted, artistic holiday wreaths and decorations, as well as matted prints from the 2015 Perry County Photography Calendar showcasing shots of local birds and animals. Bidding ends Dec. 19. Visit perrycountyarts.org.
Festival of Trees
Dec. 1-21: View Christmas trees decorated by local garden clubs using handmade ornaments at Fort Hunter Tavern House on Saturdays and Sundays, 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Trees available for raffle. Ornaments for sale. Visit forthunter.org.
Catalyst Awards Presentation
Dec. 4: Join the Harrisburg Regional Chamber at Whitaker Center for a black-tie optional event to present the Catalyst Awards. Reception begins at 5:30 p.m. Tickets $100. Members $75. Contact Nicole Keiner at nmkeiner@gmail.com.
Craft Reunion
Dec. 5-7: This annual tradition at Fort Hunter brings unique, handmade works to craft lovers. Browsers and buyers can see and purchase one-of-a-kind creations from Pennsylvania artisans. Visit forthunter.org.
Greens Sale
Dec. 5-7: Holiday greenery such as topiaries, centerpieces, swags, as well as hand-painted ornaments, will be for sale at this annual event at Fort Hunter. Go to forthunter.org.
Polar Express Pajama Party
Dec. 5: Celebrate the holiday in unique fashion at the Polar Express Pajama Party, 6 to 9 p.m., at the AACA Museum in Hershey. After being greeted by a railroad conductor, visitors can tour the museum and the Polar Express model train display. Information is at aacamuseum.org.
Elegant Progressions
Dec. 5-6: The black tie progressive dinner, presented by Historic Harrisburg Association and the Kidney Foundation of Central Pennsylvania, features dining in three landmark private homes. For more information, visit historicharrisburg.com.
Holiday Music
Dec. 5-7: Help the Harrisburg Singers ring in the holiday at their traditional concert of carols. Three performances: Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. at Faith Presbyterian Church in Colonial Park; Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Camp Hill; and Dec. 7 at 3 p.m. at Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church. More information is at harrisburgsingers.org.
Holiday Fun
Dec. 6: Perry County Council of the Arts will host its annual holiday shopping and music extravaganza in downtown Newport, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit www.perrycountyarts.org or call 717-567-7023.
Whig National Convention Celebration
Dec. 6: The Dauphin County Historical Society and Zion Lutheran Church will hold a commemoration of the 175th anniversary of the Whig National Convention at Zion Lutheran Church, 15 S. 4th St., Harrisburg, starting at 2 p.m. Visit zionharrisburg.org.
Community Bible Church Musical
Dec. 6: Hear the sounds of the 1940s and watch the story of a family and a nation on the brink of World War II preparing to celebrate Christmas. Musical starts at 7 p.m. at David’s Community Bible Church, Millersburg. Light refreshments provided. Call 757-5903 or email tammybriggs@msn.com.
Victorian Tea
Dec. 7: Enjoy Victorian elegance, tasty tea sandwiches and spiced tea at this holiday tradition at Fort Hunter, 1 to 4 p.m. Visit forthunter.org.
“This Christmastide”
Dec. 7: Hershey Community Chorus will perform both sacred and secular holiday music during two concerts, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., at the AACA Museum in Hershey. The second concert includes the option of a holiday buffet dinner starting at 6 p.m. Visit aacamuseum.org.
Sounds of the Season
Dec. 7: Central PA Symphony will ring in the holiday season with the Derry Handbell Choir at the Palm Lutheran Church in Palmyra. The concert begins at 6 p.m. For more information, visit centralpasymphony.org.
Fredricksen Reads
Dec. 9: Join the discussion of “Unwritten,” a novel by Charles Martin at the Fredicksen Library. You must have read or listened to the book to attend. Call 761-3900 or visit fredrickensenlibrary.org.
Dickens Celebration
Dec. 9: Historical Society of Dauphin County will hold its annual fundraiser at the Harris-Cameron Mansion, Harrisburg, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The evening will include music by Joe Trojack, drinks, heavy hors d’oeuvres and desserts. For tickets and information, call 233-3462 or email office@dauphincountyhistory.org.
Chamber Award Winners
Dec. 9: West Shore Chamber’s Annual Meeting & Luncheon will feature addresses by the board and an awards presentation to four local business leaders. Event takes place at the Radisson Hotel Harrisburg, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Members only. Tickets $35. Visit wschamber.org.
Railway Historical Society Talk
Dec. 9: “Streamliners to Spencer, NC” will be the topic of an illustrated talk by Mark S. Eyer, vice president of operations of Carlisle-based Daily Express, at Hoss’s Restaurant in Enola at 7 p.m. Meal available as early as 5 pm. Call 238-2131 or email sloan@auchincloss.com.
Sing Me to Winter
Dec. 12: The Cumberland Singers will celebrate the holiday season at the Enola Emmanuel United Methodist Church at 8 p.m. The singers will feature holiday favorites, as well as fresh approaches to music. Call 367-8030 or visit cumberlandsingers.org.
Holiday Mansion Tour
Dec. 13: Historical Society of Dauphin County and Pennsylvania National Fire Museum will present a holiday tour of the beautifully decorated Harris-Cameron mansion in Harrisburg at 10 a.m. The tour then heads to the museum, which will feature a display of toy trains. Admission $5. Space limited. Call 233-3462.
Santa’s Reindeer
Dec. 13: Kids will have an opportunity to meet and take pictures with Santa’s reindeer and Mrs. Claus in a Christmas wonderland at Fort Hunter, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Visit forthunter.org.
Meet the Monks
Dec. 14: Enjoy a 30-minute mini-Reiki session and a blessing from monks of the Drepung Gomang Monastery at the Reiki Space & Learning Place, 2793 Old Post Rd., Harrisburg, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Refreshments, door prizes and suggested $30 donation to benefit the monks. Call 599-2299 or visit reikibyrickie.com.
Cancer Support Group
Dec. 14: Penn State Hershey Medical Center will host a head and neck cancer support group at the University Conference Center in Hershey for patients to connect with and receive support from other patients and caregivers. Call 531-4728 or email headandnecksupportgroup@hmc.psu.edu.
Christmas at the Mansion
Dec. 14: Visit with Santa and tour the beautifully decorated Harris-Cameron Mansion in Harrisburg, 1 to 4 p.m. Light refreshments will be served, and holiday crafts will be available for purchase. $5 suggested donation. Information at dauphincountyhistory.org.
Candlelight Tour
Dec. 14: Join Historic Harrisburg Association for its 41st annual Candlelight House Tour, which this year features homes in the Bellevue Park neighborhood. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the tour, which runs 1 to 6 p.m. Visit historicharrisburg.com.
Harps and Handbells Concert
Dec. 15: Get into the holiday spirit with a relaxing evening of carols and holiday music at the Fredricksen Library at 7 p.m. Light refreshments provided. Call 761-3900 or visit fredricksenlibrary.org.
Little Buffalo Christmas Trail
Dec. 17-23: In this annual holiday celebration, children can meet Santa, see thousands of lights and enjoy handcrafted wooden figures. The free event takes place 6 to 9 p.m. in the park’s East Picnic area. Contact the park at 717-567-9255 or email littlebuffsp@state.pa.us.
Business After Hours
Dec. 18: Mix and mingle with business professionals at the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC for its December networking event at BDO USA, 945 E. Park Dr., Suite 103, Harrisburg. Visit harrisburgregionalchamber.org.
3rd in The Burg
Dec. 19: Enjoy the best of Harrisburg during 3rd in The Burg, the monthly arts event at galleries, restaurants and art spaces throughout downtown and Midtown. For more information, visit thirdintheburg.org.
Christmas Music
Dec. 21: Enjoy a free holiday concert by the 11-member brass group Brass Triumphant at Fort Hunter, 2-3 p.m. More information is at forthunter.org.
“Christmas Celebration”
Dec. 21: Harrisburg Choral Society will perform holiday favorites, as well as lesser-known works, at 3 p.m. at the Grace Milliman Pollock Performing Arts Center, 340 N. 21st St., Camp Hill. More information is at harrisburgchoralsociety.org.
Children’s New Year
Dec. 31: Join the Popcorn Hat Players as they count down to noon during their annual New Year’s Eve Party for children. Admission includes a Hawaiian lei, noisemakers, a party hat and admission to a performance of “The Three Little Pigs.” Visit gamutplays.org.
New Year’s Celebration
Dec. 31: Hear music, enjoy live performances and watch the strawberry drop at midnight in Market Square during Harrisburg’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration. For more information, visit stayandplayhbg.com.
