Harrisburg announces new city communications director

December 3, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Mischelle Moyer

Harrisburg has announced a new communications director for the city.

Mischelle Moyer will fill the position, bringing with her over two decades of communications experience, according to the city.

Moyer takes the post vacated by former director Matt Maisel who resigned in September.

“I am honored to join the City of Harrisburg in this capacity,” Moyer said. “As a lifelong advocate for communication as a tool for effecting positive change, I am eager to work alongside city leadership and the residents of Harrisburg to amplify voices, celebrate our community and address challenges head-on.”

Moyer served as a communication and media consultant for the combined title agency of Keystone Land Transfer, Integrated Land Transfer, Mi Casa Land Transfer and Shamrock Settlement Services. She also served as the staff, educational and communications director for Just for Today Recovery and Veterans Support Services. She was also a featured speaker at Gov. Tom Wolf’s Opioid Command Center Summit, according to the city.

Moyer holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and journalism with a minor in social work from Shippensburg University and a master’s degree in teaching and curriculum development and a Pennsylvania Secondary English Certification from Penn State University.

In her new role, Moyer will oversee Harrisburg’s public messaging, media relations and community outreach efforts.

“Mischelle’s exceptional background in communications, leadership and community outreach makes her the perfect choice to guide our city’s messaging and public engagement efforts,” Mayor Wanda Williams said. “Her passion and dedication to meaningful communication align perfectly with the city’s vision for transparency, growth, and collaboration.”

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Bob’s Art Blog: Holiday Art Outposts (A Gallery Gift Guide)

December 2, 2024 | by Bob MacGinnes

For that hard to buy for person on your holiday shopping list there is the exhilarating, often unexpected gift of a work of art. In some ways, it’s a roll of the dice but always more welcome than a fruitcake. Santa experiences the same rush of adrenaline every time he goes down the chimney, never knowing what’s waiting at the other end. To simplify your art search, here is a bag full of places, sampling galleries across central Pennsylvania. Support your local artists whenever possible. From Perry County to York, Lebanon, Lancaster, Carlisle, Boiling Springs, Camp Hill, Hershey and of course, Harrisburg.

Art at Perry County Council of the Arts

Headed north to Newport finds Perry County Council of the Arts bursting at the seams. On the square at 1 N. 2nd St., PCCA takes a wide-angle lens with its expansive holiday windows showcasing the range of giftware, from pottery to jewelry, sculptures and artisanal clothing. Erin Sparler, gallery manager, revealed “PCCA is home to over 170 artists. In addition, 200 hand-crafted items just arrived, perfect for that special someone. A holiday treat for the season is a series of ‘Unboxing’ videos online.” Special featured artist for December is Deborah Smith whose exhibit ‘Hand-hooked Wool Rugs’ is hung at the gallery from now through Jan. 8. Be sure to hitch up your reindeer to see the wonder of it all.

Checking in with the Lebanon elves, Melody and Eric, of Lebanon Picture Frame and Fine Art Gallery located at 847 Cumberland St., shared they are “celebrating 25 years in business anchoring a town known for its bologna that art plays a part at the very heart.” This Friday, Dec. 6 is the opening night reception, from 5 to 8 p.m., for First Friday in Lebanon. A half dozen local ceramic artists light up the kiln for “Fired Up! A Celebration of Wood Fired Ceramics and Friendship,” on view through Feb. 1. The gallery is a gem with its magical layout and visual tour-de-force inside with offerings from A to Z. It’s well worth the drive, especially on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays with the Lebanon Farmers Market open close by.

You would think it was still baseball season in York and Lancaster with double-header art venues close to each other. The White Rose City of York finds Venture Gallery holding court on the corner at 128 E. King St. with its levitating art. Susan, Karen and JoAnne await your arrival with your art requests, from jewelry to felted pieces, treasures of handbound books, and paintings. All one needs to do is Venture a guess and you will probably find it there. Next door at 126 E. King is Hive founded by the art queen bee herself, Susan Scofield. Excitement abounds as the buzz about town…holiday gifts start at $2; you read it right. The caveat, think of all the gifts you could buy at that price. And if there is any art from Alana Beall, that’s a deal, you should buy with zeal.

With gifts on your list, make a beeline to Hive.

The Red Rose City of Lancaster boasts two blockbuster galleries on Queen Street, one recently opened, The Lancaster Art Vault at 100 N. Queen, and one soon to close, EsoArts at 317. Lancaster Art Vault’s owner, Victoria Abadir brings a special insouciance to the art menu at her establishment. Lancaster’s new kid has a hip representation with a young vanguard of artists from points within Lancaster and beyond. Harrisburg transplant, Amie Bantz is featured through the end of the month and art icons like the Huckle Buckle Boys have shone their lineup of characters on its walls. It is fast becoming the go-to place to show and see art.

The phenomenon EsoArts shown as bright as Sirius for its two-year existence in Lancaster and will close its doors for good on Dec. 15. We wish them the best.

Headed to the capital, Harrisburg, the beltway to I-81-South lands us in Carlisle at the Carlisle Arts Learning Center for its annual Holiday Gift Gallery. They fill the entire downstairs floor with giftware, from paintings to ceramics to jewelry and more. Cathy Stone, executive director, promises the best selection to date. Artists from all over Cumberland County pulled out all the stops at 38 W. Pomfret St. for spectacular holiday shopping.

Village Artisans Gallery

From CALC to Boiling Springs is but a short jaunt to one of the pioneers of art galleries in our area and may very well be the gold standard by which all others are measured. Village Artisans Gallery found at 321 Walnut St. has been a landmark stop for 29 years, with its founder and curator owner, PJ Heyman, at the helm. She has passed the baton to the new owner and artist, Richelle Dourte, a jeweler of renown. The setting is unique, as it is housed in a church dating to 1875. Nationally “recognized as a treasury of American craft and artistry,” at the Village you will discover a plethora of artisanal crafts from artists across the United States. You will find blown glass, pottery, turned wood, wrought iron, hand-loomed apparel, jewelry and fine art. Ms. Dourte promises to continue the successful path that PJ forged for almost three decades and invites the public to meet her and see what new is in store.

Next stop…to 2010 Market St. in Camp Hill, Gallo’ry on Market. Its owner, Heather Ebersole showcases art filled to the brim and hand-picked with paintings galore. Featured artists for the month of December are Paul Gallo, Bob and Barb Buchanan, and Richell Castellon. When visiting the gallery be sure to view Ralph Hocker’s hand-painted stones and carved Santas. Arriving in New Cumberland at 190 Reno Ave., Smith Fine Art Gallery hears the patter of hooves on the roof meaning new art is coming down the chimney. Mallory Shelley, one of Debbie Smith’s elves shared, “A special delivery of paintings from Susan Getty and Lorenzo Ignacio have safely landed on easels for purchase.”

Art at Gallo’ry on Market

Four minutes across the river at 21 N Front St., one will find the art institution soon to celebrate its centennial—Art Association of Harrisburg. Carrie Wissler-Thomas, president, noted gallery sales manager, Nate Foster, has their sales alcove overflowing with prime choices to fit most budgets including a passel of Santas. Just up the street at 608 N 2nd where you will find Ted Walke’s Gallery at 2nd, you will need to schedule an appointment with Ted to view his two floors of surrealistic lowbrow art. Take a Walke on the wild side. Just a few blocks away, Ten Oh! Six Gallery and Studio finds owner/proprietor, Julia Mallory, with her studio stocked with gifts of art, books and more at 1006 N 3rd St.

Vivi on Verbeke

Vivi on Verbeke’s holiday window captures old-world charm with a nod to the whimsical, featuring an angel teddy bear front and center. New for the season are clay ornaments to “spruce” up the decor a notch…stars, gingerbread men and trees. This year’s theme is pure vintage, “How Will You Earn Your Wings?” Drop in for a step back in time and chat with Vivi and her partner, photographer, the irrepressible, Jackson Boyd. If you see a resemblance to Mr. and Mrs. Claus, you’re in the right neighborhood at 258 Verbeke.

Doors away at 340 Verbeke St., you will come upon Millworks and its gallery found on the lower level with “giftables” from all three dozen in-house artists.

Last, but certainly not least, we travel to Hershey. Hershey Gallery and Gifts is found at 1077 Swatara Rd., just two miles away from the Hershey Hotel. This holiday season celebrates its second year in style. Stunning watercolors by owner, Joan Maguire are the icing on the cake with artisanal soaps, bath salts, handcrafted wares, cards and jewelry that offer shoppers an array to choose from. A birdy told me, actually a partridge in a pear tree, that artist and soap maker, Jana MacGinnes, will be manning the gallery this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with some surprises in store. Now that is someone I would like to meet!

“It’s that special time of year, all bundled head to toe…let’s give art, get some back, the more you give the more you’ll have.” With my sincerest apologies, Mr. Bublé, there is nothing more delightful than to receive an unexpected gift of art at the holidays given with love or even better yet, to be the giver. The Painted Word for the Burg’s December issue highlights one of Santa’s workshops in Dillsburg. In fact, it’s Larry Lerew’s gallery that serves as the inspiration for this blog. Please support all the creatives that surround you no matter where you call home. Happy Holidays!

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PA Dairymen add mint flavor to their milkshake lineup for 2025 Farm Show

December 2, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda

Mint milkshakes will be on tap at the 2025 PA Farm Show.

The milkshake verdict is in, and the winning flavor is . . . mint.

The PA Dairymen’s Association today announced its annual special flavor for the 2025 PA Farm Show, which runs Jan. 4 to 11.

“The 2025 PA Farm Show will be extra sweet with our new, delicious mint milkshake,” said association Executive Director Dave Smith.

Luckily, you won’t have to wait until the Farm Show opens for a taste. The association is hosting several pre-show pop ups in the area, including:

Dec. 6, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Camp Hill GIANT, 3301 Trindle Rd., Camp Hill (first 100 patrons receive a free milkshake)
Dec. 7, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., York GIANT, 1255 Carlisle Rd., York
Dec. 13, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Harrisburg GIANT, 5005 Jonestown Rd., Harrisburg

In addition to the limited-edition mint milkshake, the association will also offer its traditional flavors—vanilla, chocolate and a mix.

“We are excited to share our newest feature flavor with fans starting in December, thanks to our pop-up hosts and long-time agricultural supporters The GIANT Company,” Smith said. “We are grateful to GIANT for hosting us and for their ongoing investments in our dairy industry and in our nutritious foods and beverages our farmers produce for families.”

You also can get an early taste at the food court-only opening, which takes place on Jan. 3, a day before the Farm Show officially opens.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

November 29, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Santa will be a very guest at the SoMa Christmas Market on Sunday in downtown Harrisburg.

It’s been a busy week around TheBurg, as the December issue dropped just before Thanksgiving. Pick up a copy of the new magazine and, while you’re at it, review our reporting from the past week, which is listed and linked below.

TheBurg’s publisher welcomes readers to the December magazine with his introductory note, which offers a brief review of 2024 and a look ahead to next year.

Harrisburg introduced its proposed 2025 budget last week, without a property tax increase. According to our online story, the overall budget is about flat with the 2024 spending plan.

Harrisburg City Council gave its nod to a plan for a housing development for homeless veterans last week. The approval came despite a need to move a popular hiking trail, according to our reporting.

Harrisburg School District has approved a proposal to hire its own police force. Our online story details what that will look like and the next steps.

Peschel Press may be small, but its influence is strong, says our features writer. Learn about the local couple who have turned their interests into a specialty publishing house.

Sara Bozich has your long weekend plan, with plenty of events to kick off the heart of the holiday season, according to her weekly column.

Serendipity Stitch should be on your holiday shopping radar, says our magazine feature. Read about the mother/daughter team behind the shop, which recently relocated to Carlisle.

Shop local is the mantra for Small Business Saturday, and who better to advise you than our own Sara Bozich? She shares her local “favorite things” with Burg readers as the shopping season gets serious.

SoMa Christmas Market returns for a second year, with an outdoors holiday celebration on Sunday in downtown Harrisburg. Check out our online story for the details.

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Harrisburg School District to hire police officers, create police station in high school

November 27, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg High School-John Harris Campus

The Harrisburg School District will move forward with plans to hire police officers for its schools.

On Tuesday, receiver Dr. Lori Suski approved a new safety plan that will bring four police officers and a police station into the district, due to a recent increase in violent incidents.

“Looking at some of the positive factors of having police presence in the schools is the extra layer of security and protection for the students and the staff,” Suski said.

At a board meeting last week, the district presented the plan, citing a significant issue with violence in the schools, expulsions and often slow city police response times.

Under the plan, the district plans to hire four officers of its own to help with high-level incidents such as drug use, weapons and physical violence. They will also help implement educational programming and patrol buildings.

Two officers are slated to be stationed at Harrisburg High School-John Harris Campus, one at Camp Curtin Middle School and one will float between the elementary buildings.

Current safety monitors and coordinators will still be employed and present at each school. However, district officials explained that officers are needed to handle violent incidents, such as those including weapons, that safety monitors are not equipped or trained for.

Also under the plan, the district will spend $441,507 to convert empty classroom space in John Harris into a police headquarters.

Officials said the plan will be phased in beginning during the 2025-26 school year. In the meantime, they will begin looking for candidates.

“If we look at the situation, I think we would all agree that safety and security for the students in the Harrisburg School District, K-12, is of utmost seriousness,” said board member Ellis Roy. “It has gotten far worse today than it was in my time, so then our approach has to be different. We must move with the times.”

However, Suski mentioned last week that, during town hall meetings held over the past few years on the matter, community members have shown concern over creating a “school-to-prison” pipeline. On Tuesday, several board members expressed similar concerns.

“I remember the programs that we had as far as the D.A.R.E program and the junior police cadet program, but we never had a police station in the school,” said school board director Brian Carter. “To that extent of having a police station in the school district, I’m not in agreement with.”

Board member Danielle Robinson expressed skepticism of the plan, saying that she felt the decision was rushed and board members weren’t given enough details on how the safety plan would operate procedurally.

“You can’t tell me that you’re building a police station in a high school and tell me there is no school-to-prison pipeline. That right there doesn’t make any sense to me,” she said.

However, other board members noted that, with its own employees, the district may have greater control over who is selected for the positions and how the officers perform, rather than relying on the Harrisburg Police Bureau.

“We don’t want folks to be protected and then incarcerated. We want to protect people’s lives not ruin people’s lives,” said board member Autumn Anderson. “So, for us, it’s about doing due diligence and designing a program that does that first part, protecting, providing guardianship […] not making it so students then have fear about what’s going to happen to the rest of their lives.”

After hearing board members’ concerns, Suski added two conditions to her approval of the plan. She tasked the district with assembling an advisory committee made up of board and community members, as well as requiring that the district implement restorative justice practices, such as providing mental health support for students. She also said that construction on a police station will not begin until more conversations are had.

“The more restorative practices you have, the less policing you will need, that’s what it boils down to,” she said. We need to address the mental health of our students […] but we also know that we cannot allow students to behave in some of the ways that they’re behaving because it is disruptive to the learning of others. So, we have to do something.”

Also on Tuesday, Suski approved the termination of a license agreement with Harrisburg-based Wildheart Ministries, which allowed the organization to operate the district’s Joshua Farm property at 213 S. 18th St.

The contract was originally instated in May 2023, terminated briefly in June due to concerns over the way the organization was using the property, and reinstated in August after Suski learned that Wildheart had received a federal grant for the farm. On Tuesday, the district originally proposed also declaring the property as unnecessary, which would allow them to move towards selling the land. However, Suski removed that portion of the resolution after several board members said they opposed a sale and wanted to see the land retained for educational purposes.

In other school board news, Suski declared a vacancy on the school board, following the passing of longtime director Jim Thompson earlier this month. Suski said that the district will accept letters of interest from now through Dec. 6. Then, at a Dec. 10 school board meeting, the board and administration will interview candidates. Suski will solicit feedback from the board directors and then appoint a board member to be sworn in that night. That director would serve until Dec. 1, 2025.

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Harrisburg proposes 2025 budget; no property tax increase planned

November 27, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg City Council at Tuesday’s meeting.

Harrisburg has proposed a spending plan for the coming year.

On Tuesday, Mayor Wanda Williams presented her $87 million general fund budget proposal for 2025, which includes funding infrastructure projects, the Broad Street Market rebuild and regular operational costs.

The budget does not include a property tax increase.

“As in previous years, this budget is fiscally sound and responsible,” Williams said. “This administration continues to invest in the residents of Harrisburg.”

In total, the proposed 2025 budget equals $142.6 million, including a $21.7 million neighborhood services fund budget, among other budget categories.

Last year’s 2024 adopted general fund budget was $109.4 million, and the overall budget totaled $141 million. While the proposed general fund budget is lower this year, other fund areas are higher, bringing the total budget close to last year’s.

According to Budget Manager Timothy Brooks, personnel costs and capital expenditures make up some of the largest budget expenses this year. For the former, the city has to accommodate contract-obligated raises for staff, as well as raising salaries to account for inflation, Brooks said. Capital expenditures, such as roadwork and construction are another significant budget item, though the city has taken some of that work in-house, which saves money, he said.

Money-saving strategies such as that are important, especially as the city still deals with post-pandemic challenges like a loss in parking revenue, business privilege taxes and property taxes. The lingering remote work culture affects those revenue sources, as fewer people come into the city to park, work, shop and dine regularly, and as owners of largely empty office buildings seek property tax reassessments.

According to Business Administrator Samuel Sulkosky, those issues are affecting cities nationwide, as well as Harrisburg.

In the proposed 2025 budget, items like reduced debt service payments, due to the city paying off significant debt in 2023, freed up funds to make up for the revenue losses, Sulkosky said. Other sources like federal COVID funds and grants fill in gaps, as well. Even things like about $3.5 million in interest accrued from the city’s share of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money, some of which sits in the general fund, help, he said.

Other “big ticket” items on the proposed budget include costs associated with the Broad Street Market rebuild and the FNB Field stadium upgrades for the Harrisburg Senators, explained Bryan McCutcheon, accounting manager. Both of those expenditures, however, are supported by grant funding on the revenue side.

Broad Street Market spending is estimated to be about $6 million this year, with about $4.5 million in insurance money to help cover it. For the Senators’ project, the city received a $6 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant from the commonwealth, which covers about half of the total project cost.

Harrisburg City Council will hold budget hearings to discuss the proposal in-depth on Dec.3, 4, 10 and 11. Each meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

November 27, 2024 | by Sara Bozich

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!

What you’ll find ⤵️

For something new: Rubicon/Mangia Qui is hosting Thanksgiving Dinner if you need a spot to dine on Thursday! Also serving Thanksgiving Dinner: Mad Moose, The Hotel Hershey, Luna Italian Restaurant Worth noting: SoMa Christmas Market on Sunday Things on my agenda this weekend: Happy Thanksgiving!! For us, it’s a brief jaunt to the PA Wilds then back for a quiet weekend

For your weekend planning

Below are more options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

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Harrisburg City Council approves veteran’s housing project, necessitating Greenbelt relocation

November 26, 2024 | by Maddie Gittens

A rendering of the Tunnel to Towers project in south Harrisburg (credit: Tunnel to Towers)

A project to construct affordable housing for veterans in south Harrisburg can move forward to a groundbreaking.

On Tuesday night, City Council approved the land development plan for New York-based Tunnel to Towers’ 64-unit apartment building and 20 small “comfort homes” for veterans along the Susquehanna River, near the PennDOT building.

Originally, the proposal generated some controversy, as the project will take land long used by the Capital Area Greenbelt Association (CAGA) to connect its trail segment in south Harrisburg.

The Harrisburg Planning Commission approved the project on the condition that the developer allow the Greenbelt to remain along the southern border of the property. However, council removed that condition on Tuesday, after CAGA, at a work session last week, said it planned to pursue an alternative route around the Tunnel to Towers site.

At last week’s meeting, council members largely expressed support for the project, but questioned the developer about local and minority contractor participation in construction, programming for tenants and property security. On Tuesday, council voted unanimously to approve the land development plan.

“I really look forward to this project because I feel like it is something that is very much needed,” said council member Ausha Green at last week’s meeting.

Tunnel to Towers is the second housing project for veterans in the South Harrisburg area. In May, Veteran’s Outreach of Central Pennsylvania cut the ribbon on its tiny houses for veterans nearby.

In addition, another group of local residents has teamed up with Missouri-based nonprofit Eden Village to propose constructing tiny houses for unhoused people in the same area. That project still must go through the city’s land development process.

In other news, council approved a bill that targets the illegal creation and use of ghost guns. Ghost guns are firearms created using build kits and sometimes even incorporate parts made with a 3D printer. These guns do not have serial numbers and are untraceable. The bill will require those in Harrisburg who purchase or sell unfinished gun kits or use a 3D printer to make gun parts to have a Federal Firearms License (FFL).

“This is, of course, a no-brainer. It’s something we need,” said council member Jocelyn Rawls, at last week’s council work session. “It’s us being proactive.”

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SoMa Christmas Market to feature unique gifts, handmade goods, food trucks

November 26, 2024 | by Lawrance Binda

A scene from last year’s SoMa Christmas Market

Do you need a little Christmas?

This weekend, the holiday season kicks into high gear in Harrisburg with the return of the SoMa Christmas Market, which will take place Sunday, Dec. 1.

The outdoor event, hosted by Harristown Enterprises, will feature about 30 local and regional vendors, who will set up on S. 3^rd street, between Market and Chestnut streets, in downtown Harrisburg. They will offer a variety of products, including unique crafts, handmade goods and artisan creations, according to organizer Sara Bozich.

In addition to shopping, attendees will enjoy the sounds of DJ EMD spinning holiday tunes, a visit from Harrisburg’s beloved street band, No Last Call, and an appearance by Santa, who will be on-site for photo opportunities.

The market will also feature a selection of food and beverages from local food trucks, including:

Crema Coffee (offering coffee, tea and baked goods)
Madeline’s Sweets & Savories (offering both soup and ice cream)
BFG Snacks

Several SoMa Harrisburg businesses, including Found Collab, Tamara’s Boutique and Boneshire Brew Works, also will open their doors to market-goers, Bozich said. Admission is free.

The SoMa Christmas Market takes place Sunday, Dec. 1, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., in downtown Harrisburg’s “south of Market” neighborhood. For a full list of participating vendors, visit www.sarabozich.com/events.

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Community Corner: Notable December Events

November 26, 2024 | by Missy Smith

December Community Corner

Christmas Party
Dec. 1: Blues Society of Central PA invites members and guests to their annual Christmas party with live music and food at the Hummelstown Fire Hall, 249 E. Main St. Doors open at 1 p.m., and the show begins at 3 p.m. www.bscpblues.com

Wreath Workshop
Dec. 1, 2: Use natural materials to create an evergreen wreath at Wildwood Lake, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The workshop cost is $30 per person, which includes supplies to make a wreath with natural decorations. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Festival of Trees
Dec. 1-22: View Christmas trees decorated with handmade ornaments and trimmed by local garden clubs at the Fort Hunter Tavern House, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, Saturdays and Sundays, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Trees will be up for raffle and a selection of ornaments available for purchase. www.forthunter.org

Toy Train Exhibit
Dec. 1-22: Keystone Model Railroad Historical Society returns to Fort Hunter Centennial Barn, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, with a display of HO gauge trains that travel over a large layout representing communities in central PA. www.forthunter.org

Holiday Trains
Dec. 1-30: All aboard for a magical journey at the Hershey History Center, 40 Northeast Dr., Hershey. Experience a display of festive model trains with intricate tracks, scenery and locomotives. Exhibit included with admission. www.hersheyhistory.org

Holiday Puppets
Dec. 1-31: Join Imaginary Friends Puppet Theater, Strawberry Square, Harrisburg, for a festive and whimsical production, “Holiday Hullabaloo.” Catch the show at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., Thursdays through Saturdays. www.puppetfriends.com

Cocoa Challenge
Dec. 1-Jan. 3: Kids through 18 years old are invited to participate in a reading challenge at New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza. Grab the library’s packet and fill your hot cocoa cup with “marshmallows” (reading challenges). www.newcumberlandlibrary.org

Tree Showcase
Dec. 1-Jan. 5: Hershey Gardens welcomes the holiday season with a festive exhibit of Christmas trees by local artists, sparkling lights, a 14-foot white poinsettia tree, photo opportunities, appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus and kids’ crafts, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. www.hersheygardens.org

Light Show
Dec. 1-31: Experience the Christmas Spirit Light Show at Clipper Magazine Stadium, 650 N. Prince St., Lancaster, with a drive-through light show with color-changing lights, synchronized to Christmas music. www.christmasspiritlightshows.com

Holiday Market
Dec. 2: Penn Cumberland Garden Club hosts its 55th annual Holiday Market Benefit & Lunch at Penn Harris Hotel, Harrisburg, noon. Enjoy a luncheon, presentation by Polly Berginc, Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, and floral demonstration. www.penncumberlandgardenclub.org

Giving Tree
Dec. 3: Join Dauphin County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for a virtual Giving Tree-Lighting ceremony, 5:30 p.m. at the Linglestown Christmas Tree at the Square, 5967 Linglestown Rd. Free to the public, with free hot cocoa and cookies. www.dauphincountycasa.org

Christmas Show
Dec. 4-8: Shop the 41st annual Pennsylvania Christmas and Gift Show for gifts, decor, apparel, jewelry, seasonal items, gourmet food and more at the PA Farm Show Complex, Harrisburg. www.pachristmasshow.com

Holiday Stroll
Dec. 5: Take a festive evening stroll along Market Street in Camp Hill from 5 to 7 p.m. Enjoy shopping, dining, live music, photos with Santa, hot beverages and activities. The borough parking lot hosts a tree lighting ceremony and visit with Santa at 6 p.m. www.camphillborough.com

Deck the Halls
Dec. 5: Dauphin County Historical Society hosts the 29th annual “Deck the Halls” gala at the Harris-Cameron Mansion, 219 S. Front St., Harrisburg, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy food, desserts, craft wines and beer, musical performances, holiday décor, a silent auction, a raffle and networking. Tickets start at $90. www.dauphincountyhistory.org

Light Parade
Dec. 6-7: Camp Hill Borough hosts the Parade of Lights for Toys for Tots on a walking trail through Willow Park, 6 to 8:30 p.m. New, unwrapped toy donations are requested as admission. www.camphillborough.com

Black Nativity
Dec. 6-8: Sankofa African American Theatre Co. returns to the West Shore Theatre, 317 Bridge St., New Cumberland, for its annual Gospel musical celebration, Langston Hughes’ “Black Nativity.” Performances are 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 6, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 7 and 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 8. www.sankofatheatrehbg.com

Light Show
Dec. 6-29: Messick’s Equipment, 1475 Strickler Rd., Mount Joy, hosts its 12th annual Christmas Light Show choreographed to holiday music. The show is free and open to the public, but donations will be collected for local charities. www.messicks.com

Greens & Gifts
Dec. 7: Shop festive greens and gourmet gifts at the Gettysburg Garden Club annual Christmas Greens & Gourmet Gifts sale, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Gettysburg Fire Hall, 35 N. Stratton St. Sales benefit Lincoln Square Flower Gardens and horticulture scholarships. www.gettysburggardenclub.org

HBG Flea
Dec. 7: Explore the holiday HBG Flea for local art, vintage treasures, curated curios and unique gifts, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Strawberry Square, 320 Market St., Harrisburg. The mission of the HBG Flea is to create a platform for community growth by bringing artists, small businesses and patrons together. www.hbgflea.com

Holiday Homes
Dec. 7: Strasburg Heritage Society hosts the 13th annual Strasburg Holiday Tour, with unique holiday décor featured in homes and churches, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg, 101 S. Decatur St., will have tickets, lunch, greens, craft vendors and a silent auction. www.strasburgheritagesociety.org

Diversity Fest
Dec. 7: The PA Immigrant & Refugee Women’s Network hosts the 21st annual Diversity Festival at the State Museum of Pa., 300 North St., Harrisburg, 3 to 7 p.m. Attendees enjoy stories, performances and food. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. www.pairwn.org

La Festa Italiana
Dec. 7: Join the Hershey History Center, 40 Northeast Dr., Hershey, 5 to 9 p.m., for La Festa Italiana, its annual festival celebrating the borough’s rich Italian history. Savor a multi-course seafood dinner with hors d’oeuvres, seven seafood dishes, an aperitivo and a digestive. Enjoy live music and bid on silent auction items. www.hersheyhistory.org

Elegant Progressions
Dec. 7: Historic Harrisburg Association and Kidney Foundation of Central PA host the 33rd annual “Elegant Progressions,” with two black tie progressive dinners, 6:30 to 11:45 p.m. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and aperitifs, a formal dinner and dessert at decorated mansions in Harrisburg in support of both organizations. www.elegantprogressions.org

Holiday Fundraiser
Dec. 7: Sing along to classic holiday tunes and Summer Club favorites at a festive fundraiser for Gretna Theatre’s 2025 season at Gardner Theatre, 725 Hamilton Rd., Lancaster, at 7:30 p.m. VIP tickets include a pre-show reception. Other ticket options also available. www.gretnatheatre.org

House Tour
Dec. 8: Join Historic Harrisburg Association for the 51st Annual Candlelight House Tour, 1 to 6 p.m. Advance discounted tickets are on sale through Dec. 8 for the self-guided holiday tour. Day-of-tour tickets are on sale at HHA, 1230 N. 3rd St., for $25 each. www.historicharrisburg.org

Lessons & Carols
Dec. 8: Pine Street Presbyterian Church, 310 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, presents “A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” service of scripture and song at 4 p.m. A gala reception follows. www.maps.pinestreet.org

Natural Ornaments
Dec. 8, 15: Turn nature into holiday ornaments at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Craft unique ornaments using pinecones, milkweed pods and more. All materials included. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Holly Lunch
Dec. 10: Friends of the New Cumberland Library, Foundation House, 1 Benjamin Plaza, presents its annual Holly Luncheon with live music by Sweet Adelines Barbershop Octet, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Program is free to attend; luncheon is $10 per person. www.cumberlandcountylibraries.org

Annual Meeting
Dec. 10: Join West Shore Chamber of Commerce for its annual meeting and dinner at the Penn Harris Hotel, 1150 Camp Hill Bypass, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., to celebrate the chamber’s accomplishments. www.wschamber.org

Photo Display
Dec. 10-Jan. 25: View photographs entered in Friends of Wildwood Park’s annual contest in the Olewine Nature Center, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg. Vote for your favorite photos. Winners announced on Jan. 12 at 1 p.m. People’s Choice Award winners will be named at the show’s conclusion. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Food Rally
Dec. 12: Enjoy fresh, savory foods at the New Cumberland Food Truck & Restaurant Rally every second Thursday of the month, 5 to 8 p.m. Grab dinner from food trucks or restaurants and enjoy shopping and special promotions. www.newcumberlandpa.org

Curiosity Kids
Dec. 13: Kids ages 3 to 6 are invited to the State Museum of Pa., 300 North St., Harrisburg, to learn about Victorian holiday celebrations, 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Curiosity Kids events are included with general admission. www.statemuseumpa.org

Music in Motion
Dec. 13-14: The West Shore Symphony Orchestra presents “Music in Motion,” an original concert drama that teaches about rhythm and tempo, at St. Patrick School Activity Center, 87 Marsh Drive, Carlisle. See website for details of each concert. www.westshoresympony.org

Christkindlmarkt
Dec. 14: Enjoy a holiday outing at the Lower Paxton Christkindlmarkt, a traditional German Christmas market with more than 100 juried craft vendors, craft activities, German and festival food, a live nativity, pictures with Santa, live music, dancing and more, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.facebook.com/LPChristkindlmarkt

Christmas Fest
Dec. 14: Bethesda Mission hosts “Christmas at Italian Lake,” 3rd and Division streets, Harrisburg, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event features a carriage ride, photos with Santa, a petting zoo, a market of local artisans, a tree lighting ceremony, live performances, food trucks, s’mores and more. www.bethesdamission.org

Dance Night
Dec. 15: Dance enthusiasts are invited to join Harrisburg USA Dance Chapter #3009 for an afternoon of social dancing and music by Dance Avanti at PA DanceSport, 585 E. Main St., Hummelstown. Admission is $15, $10 for members and $5 for students. Facebook: USA Dance Chapter #3009 – Harrisburg Area PA

3rd in The Burg
Dec. 20: Explore the best of Harrisburg during 3rd in the Burg, the monthly arts and culture event, where you can visit and enjoy galleries, restaurants and art spaces throughout downtown and Midtown, 6 to 9 p.m. www.thirdintheburg.org

Candlelight Tour
Dec. 21: Experience Fort Hunter Mansion, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, by candlelight, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Explore the halls decked out for the holidays and learn about past holiday traditions. Tour tickets are $8. www.forthunter.org

Reindeer Workshop
Dec. 22: Create a set of three wooden reindeer at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg, 1:30 to 3 p.m. All materials and decorations provided. The workshop is open to children of all ages, who must be accompanied by an adult. www.explorewildwoodpark.org

Candlelit Carols
Dec. 22: Enjoy Arts on the Square’s Carols by Candlelight at Market Square Presbyterian Church, 20 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg, 4 p.m., with its 50-voice Sanctuary Choir, an orchestra and harpist. www.marketsquarechurch.org

Candlelight Service
Dec 24: Historic Salem UCC, 231 Chestnut St., Harrisburg, hosts its annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 6 p.m., with pre-service music starting at 5:45 p.m. Enjoy holiday decorations in the sanctuary, sing carols, light candles and listen to the Christmas story. www.salemuccharrisburg.org

Last Laughs of 2024
Dec. 31: Gamut Theatre, 15 N. 4th St., Harrisburg, will ring in the new year with “Last Laughs of 2024,” a series of short comedy shows by TMI Improv Comedy Troupe, 9 to 11 p.m. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. www.gamuttheatre.org

NYE Countdown
Dec. 31: Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the whole family at The Hershey Story, 63 W. Chocolate Ave., at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Kids can get in the spirit stomping on bubble wrap and taking part in fun activities. www.hersheystory.org

Kids’ New Year
Dec. 31: Kids and families can count down to noon at Popcorn Hat Players’ 32nd annual New Year’s Eve party and performance of “Snow White & The Two Dwarfs,” starting at 11 a.m. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Tickets include noisemakers, party hats, a Hawaiian lei and the balloon drop. Reservations recommended. www.gamuttheatre.org

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