Cars & Christmas Celebration
Dec. 1–Jan. 15: The galleries of the Antique Automobile Club of America Museum will all be transformed into wintery wonderlands featuring Christmas trees and a variety of themed special exhibits for the holiday season. Special exhibits include a display of snowmobiles, sleds and sleighs and “Sammy The Snow Plow.” Standard admission prices apply. For more information, visit aacamuseum.org.
Trains and Trees
Dec. 1-Jan. 1: Experience a display of model trains and themed trees with the return of the season’s Holiday Trains and Trees exhibition in the Gloria M. Olewine Gallery in Whitaker Center. For more information and tickets, visit whitakercenter.org.
Christmas at Fort Hunter
Dec. 1-22: For the month of December, Fort Hunter will be bright with holiday trimmings, decorated with fresh greens, fruits and fresh flowers. Open every day but Monday, guided tours highlighting the holiday decorations and customs will be provided. For more information, visit forthunter.org.
Hershey Sweet Lights
Dec. 1-30: Get ready for the holiday spirit as Hershey illuminates more than 600 animated displays for onlookers as they drive by. The lights will be located between Route 39 and Sand Beach Road in Hershey. For more information and admission prices, visit Hersheypark.com.
Hersheypark Christmas Candylane
Dec. 1-31: Hersheypark decks the halls for December. With 2 million twinkling lights, more than 30 rides and Hershey characters out and about in their holiday best, the park is prepared for the holidays. For more information and specific holiday attractions, visit christmasinhershey.com.
Deck the Halls Celebration
Dec. 4: The John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion will once again host “Deck the Hall,” a holiday celebration and recognition event. The evening starts at 5:30 p.m. with wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres, as well as dessert. In its 19th year, this major fundraiser for the Historical Society is crucial in supporting its educational and research programs, as well as the national landmark itself. For more information, visit dauphincountyhistory.org.
2013 Catalyst Awards
Dec. 4: Each year, the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC honor local businesses and individuals for their contributions to our local community. The event, called “It’s a Wonderful Region,” will begin at 5 p.m. at the Whitaker Center in Harrisburg with a short reception followed by the awards program. General admission is $85, $75 member rate. For more information, visit harrisburgregionalchamber.org.
International House 11th Anniversary
Dec. 4: Join the International House for a continental breakfast as it dedicates its Legacy Lounge with friends and partners. The breakfast begins at 7 a.m. and concludes at 9 a.m. The event will be held at International House, 29 S. 3rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit ihousehbg.org.
2013 Pennsylvania Christmas & Gift Show
Dec. 4-8: Be warm with Christmas spirit as people from across the state converge to share in gifts, crafts and merriment. This year’s show at the PA Farm Show Complex will host more than 500 specialty shops selling a wide array of unique holiday gifts. Hours of the show will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Individual tickets are $7 per person, $5 for seniors; group rates also apply. For more information, visit pachristmasshow.com.
Craft Reunion
Dec. 6-8: Lovers of crafts and handmade gifts are welcome to appreciate and purchase one-of-a-kind creations at the Craft Reunion, located in the Centennial Barn in Fort Hunter. Sculptures, rustic furniture, jewelry, pottery and fine art pieces will be sold. The event will run noon to 9 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free. For more information visit forthunter.org.
“Twas the Night Before Christmas”
Dec. 7: A twist on the classic Christmas tale, Studio 91 presents its own unique rendition with more than 175 dancers performing. Doors will open at 1 p.m. at the Cumberland Valley High School Performing Arts Center in Mechanicsburg. Tickets are $13.50 per person. For more information, visit studio91.com or call 717-691-5567.
Holiday Champagne Brunch
Dec. 8: The Civic Club of Harrisburg will host its annual Holiday Champagne Brunch beginning at 1 p.m. at the Club, 612 N. Front St., Harrisburg. Cost of the event is $32 per person and guests will be entertained by members of the Harrisburg Choral Society. Please bring gifts of toys and monetary donations to assist the Junior League of Greater Harrisburg’s program of helping needy families. For more information or to make a reservation, call the club at 717-234-4736. Reservations also can be made at the organization’s email address, civicclubhbg@gmail.com.
24th Annual Bistro Fundraiser
Dec. 8: Escape the cold and join the Market Square Presbyterian Church at a festive, all-you-can-eat holiday bistro, noon to 2 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. All proceeds support the HELP Ministries of Christian Churches United assisting local communities and families in need. For additional information, visit marketsquarechurch.org.
Annual Children’s Christmas Party
Dec. 8: Visit Santa, create unique holiday crafts and enjoy entertainment and refreshments as the Zembo Shrine Center hosts this holiday celebration for kids. Open to children 10 years and younger, they are encouraged to bring gifts and toys to donate for children at the Philadelphia Shriners Hospital. The event will begin at 1 p.m. in the Zembo Auditorium in Harrisburg and conclude at 3 p.m. For more information and donation guidelines, visit zembo.org.
Christmas at the Harris-Cameron Mansion
Dec. 8: Santa is coming to town at the John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion. Come see the mansion decorated in Christmas decorations, including a special exhibit of antique toys. Refreshments will be served, and the museum shop will be open. Admission is a suggested donation of $5 for adults; children under 12 are free. The event will be held 1 to 4 p.m. For more, visit www.dauphincountyhistory.org.
Green Sale
Dec. 8: Decorate for the holidays with handmade boxwood trees and topiaries, pine candle rings and more items sold at the Continental Barn in Fort Hunter. The sales begin at 11 a.m. and will continue until all is sold out. For more information. visit forthunter.org.
Home for the Holidays
Dec. 10: Join the Eaken Piano Trio at the 24th annual “Home for the Holidays” concert. The concert begins at 7 p.m, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral, Front Street, Harrisburg. A gourmet reception follows. All proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area. The event is free, but donations are encouraged. For a $25 donation, seats can be reserved in advance by calling the Habitat office at 717-545-7299.
Holiday Networking Mixer
Dec. 12: The Central Pennsylvania Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual business networking holiday mixer featuring the Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus and Central Pennsylvania Womyn’s Chorus. The event runs 6-8 p.m. at the Jay & Nancy Krevsky Production Center, 513 Hurlock St., Harrisburg. The event is free for members and $10 for prospective members. For more information, visit https://cpglcc.org.
Get On Board
Dec. 20: Swing down to the “Get on Board” skateboard art show to benefit the Autism Society Greater Harrisburg Area. Presented by Rayzor Tattoos, the show features custom artwork on skateboard decks from locally and nationally renowned tattoo and fine artists. The show will run 6 to 9 p.m. at Little Amps Coffee Roasters, 1836 Green St., Harrisburg. The boards then will be on display for one month. All proceeds support Autism Society Greater Harrisburg Area. For more information, visit facebook.com/getonboardforautism.
A Candlelight Christmas
Dec. 20-22: Enjoy a warm, candlelit Christmas performance as the Susquehanna Chorale performs three nights in a row. Listen in at three venues: Messiah College, Elizabethtown College or the Market Square Presbyterian Church in Harrisburg. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door and $5 for students. For more information, visit susquehannachorale.org.
“Countdown to Noon”
Dec. 31: Welcome the New Year and get a full night’s rest as the Popcorn Hat Players present the 21st annual “Countdown to Noon,” a fun-filled day of entertainment for kids. The afternoon celebration and entertainment is hosted at Whitaker Center in Harrisburg. The show begins at 11 a.m. and includes a performance of “Snow White and the Two Dwarfs.” For more information and tickets, visit gamutplays.org.
