Rock On: With lots of family time over the holidays, try out a craft that’s fun for all

November 25, 2025 | by Gina Napoli

Illustration by Aron Rook

If my first love language is quality time, then my second is handmade crafts.

Because my husband liked to have a child every nine years, and our grandchildren are arriving even more quickly, we entertain all age groups for the holidays. Finding activities to keep everyone simultaneously engaged has taken trial and error over the years.

Out of hundreds of crafts we’ve tried over the decades, only one appeals to everyone: rock painting.

Crafters can paint rock after rock, creating multiple free-form masterpieces. While a typical crafting session can last a few minutes, rock painting sessions can occupy all ages for days. And then the scavenger hunt afterward keeps the game and the conversation going.

For more free-form craft ideas, I consulted expert Karen Whiting, a prolific, award-winning author of craft books, whose professional credits tie her to Gettysburg, Montrose and western Pennsylvania. Whiting’s crowd-pleasers include paper crafts and greeting cards.

“To build kids’ confidence,” Whiting said, “choose projects with just a few steps where success is easy to achieve.”

With free-form art, all crafters need are a few beginning instructions. All results are successful, with no such thing as failure. If the craft allows self-expression, the bigger the chance is of it being a crowd-pleaser.

Hide & Seek

Rock painting has a little game and an entire community surrounding it.

The Kindness Rocks Project went viral during lockdown to remotely encourage strangers through found art. Once you have painted your rock masterpieces, you leave them somewhere for kids to find. The more sophisticated rock painters host social media sites for their painted rocks, with codes mapping back to the artist. It’s the most robust sort of scavenger hunt because you’re on both ends—both planting and finding—and your family is connecting to a larger community.

I learned about the Kindness Rocks Project from my mother. Mom still carries a few painted rocks in her gigantic purse for planting. She didn’t want me to tell this story, but I enjoy embarrassing her, so here we go.

Years ago, rather than purchase rocks from a hardware or crafting store, Mom stole rounded rocks from people’s landscaping, helping herself to dozens of perfectly shaped rocks with the smoothest finishes. When Mom told Nanny about harvesting rocks, Nanny encouraged Mom to get right with the Lord. To this day, Mom insists you cannot steal what nature already provides, and Nanny prays for Mom’s soul.

From whatever location you source your rocks, I won’t judge. I’ve “borrowed” from neighbors, too, but I’m not telling Nanny. Porous rocks soak up paint unevenly, and they tend to have duller finishes. Paint will adhere predictably to rocks with smooth finishes. Whichever surface you prefer, be sure the rocks are clean and dry, and provide lots of them to your crafting crew.

Choose an area in your house where mess is allowed, grouping several tables and chairs together. Whiting recommends moving tables away from walls, spreading out a plastic sheet or thick tablecloth, and having plenty of wipes. Buffet wrap is available at restaurant supply stores or Costco, or even cheap tablecloths from dollar stores. I use old fitted twin sheets that naturally wrap around table corners.

When you set up workstations, keep the personalities of your crafters in mind. For little kids, Whiting recommends putting supplies in individual baggies. If each baggie has the same contents, this eliminates the inevitable complaints of comparisons, and fights over supply ownership. In our basement craft room, we craft family-style, encroaching on each other’s spaces at our oversized table.

Keep a snack station nearby. Serve hearty finger foods that kids can eat with one hand, like chicken nuggets, tater tots, pre-sliced fruits and vegetables, pretzels and drinks with lids.

Acrylic paint works best for painted rocks. I don’t allow glitter, but you can find glitter paint already mixed. Whether you bag supplies individually or spread them across tables, provide paintbrushes, water cups, paper towels and a separate area for drying finished projects. We use our bar because it’s high up, away from curious dogs and kids.

For Everyone

In understanding children’s personalities in group dynamics, Whiting said, “Some are introverted and want to watch before they start, and they want their own space. Others are impulsive and want to start without listening or understanding the process. They make the biggest mess and take the most space.” I felt that.

Having one adult “floater” keeps littles of all personalities on track. A good floater will allow kids to go at their own pace, to make their own choices, to interact nicely with fellow crafters, and to make mistakes gracefully. Most importantly, a good floater must be encouraging no matter what that rock looks like when kids yell, “I’m done!”

To help inspire ideas, provide worksheets of simple line patterns or templates. Either print from an online source, or find coloring books at dollar stores. I like themed sticker books. The cartoonish line figures are easy to copy, or kids may opt to stick them on the rocks, paper, my fitted sheet, whatever.

When the paint is dry, have an adult take the rocks outside, place them on a tarp, and apply a clear coat of epoxy spray. (Take extra care if that rock is double-sided.) When the clear coat dries, you can enjoy being on both ends of the painted rock scavenger hunt.

Rock painting has something for everyone. Even my husband, who does not care for the actual painting part, has a more action-oriented role before and after everyone else paints. Beforehand, he gets to visit the hardware store for a bag of rounded river stones. And later, he walks the gang around the neighborhood to help plant the rocks for other kids to find.

Find out more about The Kindness Rocks Project at www.thekindnessrocksproject.com or on social media.

For more painted rocks inspiration, visit www.paintedrocksapp.com and www.ilovepaintedrocks.com.

Find out more about Karen Whiting at www.karenwhiting.com.

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Adventure Together: Watch the moon, DIY a suncatcher and find light in the winter months

November 25, 2025 | by Natalie diSanto

DIY sun catcher

This month, we experience the shortest day of the year during the winter solstice.

With parents almost always feeling short on time, this measly stretch of daylight can suck the wind from even the most determinedly optimistic caregiver’s wings. So, let’s seek advice from those who came before us in the cultures of the past, where people celebrated displays of light as darkness lay heavy on the year.

Dancing Lights

While researching the moon schedule this month, I learned that the Geminid meteor shower will be visible in Pennsylvania, peaking around Dec. 13 and 14. Meteor showers are best viewed away from light pollution, so head into the woods with snacks and hot chocolate for a night full of wishes. The full moon will occur on Dec. 4, and what better way to celebrate light than the celestial options found in the night sky?

If you’re more into city lights, Negley Park in Lemoyne offers a view of the illuminated Harrisburg skyline. For those who don’t enjoy being outside at nighttime, you can see the skyline at Negley Park from the safety of your car. If you will be outside, hit up the dollar store for some glowsticks before your nighttime adventure so children stay visible while they run around. We divided into neon color coded teams and had a wild game of flashlight tag that had everyone sweating and laughing. For even more glowstick fun, tape them to your clothes in line with your arm and leg bones to make a glow-in-the-dark skeleton illusion. I cannot recommend enough recording your family doing a glowing skeleton choreographed dance. If you’ve never choreographed a dance before, just turn on a video from KPop Demon Hunters and rehearse some of the simpler moves, then bump the soundtrack while your family recreates the dances. In the dark, no one notices imperfections, so just have fun!

Gift of Giving

On the tune of music, the Susquehanna Folk Music Society is hosting the band Windborne at the Unitarian Church in Harrisburg on Dec. 9. Windborne is a folk band that stands out with their engaging four-part harmonies, mystifying young and old alike with masterful, old timey performances. Volunteer with SFMS to earn free tickets to their events. Volunteers help with set up/tear down of chairs and tables, greeting patrons to hand out flyers, selling merchandise before/after the show and other tasks.

Another way to volunteer this holiday season is to get involved with The Brethren Housing Association in Harrisburg. They offer Adopt-A-Family programs where folks are matched with those in need to provide holiday gifts for a whole family. This is a wonderful option for kids to get involved, selecting items that will be celebrated by another person their age. Families can provide holiday meals by donating food items listed on the BHA website. BHA is in need of household items like toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap and other items that can be found on their website.

Catching Rays

Inspired by the spirit of celebrating unique forms of light, we made upcycled suncatchers this month. Suncatchers require a flat or semi-flat translucent surface to decorate, so we cut off the top of a plastic strawberry container and used that. We chose to make our suncatcher square, but they can be circles, stars or any shape that feels right.

There are endless options to decorate your suncatcher. For a classic look, cut up crepe or tissue paper and glue it in a pattern, then draw lines of black with marker for a stained-glass effect. For a natural alternative, use dried flowers or leaves that are coated with Mod Podge. Paint is an easy option for decorating a suncatcher. Just remember that light moving through the paint will show your brush strokes, so watch out for globs. Markers are another tried-and-true method that allow for a lot of detail and easily let light pass through. Make your suncatcher extra exciting by combining art supplies for a mixed media creation. We added tassels to ours that went with our “Wicked” theme, but feel free to add gemstones, glitter, beads or any other treasures that will look pretty in a window.

They say that it is not the lantern that illuminates a path, but the light inside. The solstice is the day my kiddo came into the world, bringing with him an inextinguishable brightness. Each year, we find new ways to celebrate the light that can be found on even the darkest days. As we move into this winter season, focus on the people who bring you warmth and the moments that glow.

Negley Park is located at 210 Cumberland Rd., Lemoyne.

For more information on Susquehanna Folk Music Society, visit www.sfmsfolk.org.

For more information on Brethren Housing Association, visit www.bha-pa.org.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Happenings: Our December Calendar of Events

November 25, 2025 | by Missy Smith

Museums & Art Spaces

AACA Museum
161 Museum Dr., Hershey
717-566-7100; aacamuseum.org

“Mustang Then and Now,” through April 18

“Old School Rods and Customs, through April 19

SAAB Showroom, through April 19

Art Association of Harrisburg
21 N. Front St., Harrisburg
717-236-1432; artassocofhbg.com

“Women of the Permanent Collection,” featuring a variety of female artists from the 20th century with their own distinctive style and unique perspective, through March 27

“All Access Harrisburg,” highlighting Pennsylvania’s capital city through the lenses of photographers William Hicks, Dr. Eliseo Rosario, Ron Steficek and Michael Yatsko, Dec. 5-Jan. 8

The Art Center School & Galleries
18 Artcraft Dr., Mechanicsburg
717-697-2072; theartcenterschoolandgalleries.com

Holiday Fine Art & Craft Show, Dec. 6, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Dec. 7, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Arts on the Square
20 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg
717-257-1270; marketsquarechurch.org

“Along the River & Beyond—Landscapes by Jonathan Frazier and Carrie Wissler-Thomas,” through Dec. 14

Carlisle Arts Learning Center (CALC)
38 W. Pomfret St., Carlisle
717-249-6973; carlislearts.org

“Art for the Holidays,” through Dec. 24

The Cornerstone Coffeehouse
2133 Market St., Camp Hill
thecornerstonecoffeehouse.com

Artist of the month: Jesus Gaytan

Fort Hunter
5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg
717-599-5751; forthunter.org

Festival of Trees, through Dec. 21

Toy Train Exhibit, through Dec. 21

Gallery on the Square
Millersburg Area Art Association
226 Union St., Millersburg
Facebook: Gallery on the Square

Millersburg Area Art Association Art Show & Awards reception at Ned Smith Center for Nature & Art: Dec. 12, 6-8 p.m.

The Annual Holiday show, artwork by Millersburg Area Art Association members, through Dec. 31

Hershey Area Art Association (HAAA)
hersheyart.org

HAAA Member Artwork at Hershey Public Library, hallway gallery, Dec. 13-Feb. 14

HAAA Member Artwork at Hershey Public Library, community room, through May 30

Historical Society of Dauphin County
John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion
219 S Front St., Harrisburg
717- 233-3462; dauphincountyhistory.org

Mansion Tours, Tuesdays-Friday, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Messiah University
One University Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2511; messiah.edu

Course Highlight—Art 217 (Digital Imaging), Dec. 5-18; reception: Dec. 5, 4:30 p.m.

The Millworks
340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg
717-695-4888; millworksharrisburg.com

Holiday gift shopping, a collection of work by Millworks in-house artists, through Jan. 11

New Cumberland Public Library
1 Benjamin Plaza, New Cumberland
717-774-7820; newcumberlandlibrary.org

Art in the Stacks— Rebekah Richmond

Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art
176 Water Company Rd., Millersburg
717-692-3699; nedsmithcenter.org

Mark Muhich, “Turtles of PA,” through Dec. 27

“Cryptids of Pennsylvania and the Appalachian Trail,” through Jan. 10

Pennsylvania National Fire Museum
1820 N. 4th St., Harrisburg
717-232-8915; pnfm.org

Exhibits dedicated to Pennsylvania firefighting history

Perry County Council of the Arts
Landis House, 67 N. 4th St., Newport
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

11th Annual Juried Art Exhibition at the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building, Dec. 1-31

Rose Lehrman Art Gallery
One HACC Drive, Harrisburg
717-780-2435; hacc.edu

Student Honors Photography, through Dec. 5; reception: Dec. 4, 5:30-7 p.m.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania
300 North St., Harrisburg
717-787-4980; statemuseumpa.org

“Game Changers—Pennsylvania Women Who Made History,” celebrating women from across PA in diverse fields, detailing their contributions and challenges they faced in their lifetimes

“Bannered Heroes—Celebrating Pennsylvania’s African American Veterans,” presented by Beta Pi Boulé, the Harrisburg chapter of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (the Boulé)

“Home Improvements—New to the Collections,” artifacts designed and marketed in the first half of the 1900s as modern conveniences

“Horse2Auto—A Transportation Revolution”

Susquehanna Art Museum
1401 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-233-8668; susquehannaartmuseum.org

“Mixed Mythology,” works by Mary Curran that draw on a deep reverence for the natural world and explores how humans make sense of their surroundings, through Jan. 4

“If Herr Street Could Talk,” the homecoming exhibition of award-winning abstract artist and Harrisburg native, Alteronce Gumby, through Feb. 22

Suzanne H. Arnold Art Gallery
Lebanon Valley College
101 College Ave., Annville
717-233-8668; lvc.edu/gallery

“Art Evolved—Intertwined,” an exhibition by Studio Art Quilt Associates and the National Basketry Organization, bringing the ancient art forms of quilting and basketry, through Dec. 21

The Trout Gallery
Dickinson College
240 W. High St., Carlisle
717-254-8159; troutgallery.org

“To Listen Deeply,” examining how sound is a key component for diverse works of art, through Dec. 13

“Her Dreams Are True,” a new perspective on the role of archives, museum collections and the personal memory in Apsáalooke (Crow) artist Wendy Red Star’s prints and photos, through Feb. 7

Wheel of Light Studio
3738 Peters Mountain Rd., Halifax
wheeloflightstudio.com

“Home for the Holidays,” showcasing the latest designs and holiday crafts by Wheel of Light members, through Dec. 31

Wildwood Park
100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg
717-221-0292; explorewildwoodpark.org

2025 Photo Contest Display, showcasing Dauphin County parks photographs, Dec. 9-Jan. 24; reception and awards: Dec. 14, 1 p.m.

Read, Make, Learn

The Art Center School & Galleries
18 Artcraft Dr., Mechanicsburg
717-697-2072; theartcenterschoolandgalleries.com

Dec. 3, 17: Watercolor Painting Step-by-Step (adults), 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Dec. 4: Volunteer Holiday Centerpiece Workshop (adults), 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Dec. 9: Holiday Cards Watercolor Workshop (adults), 3-5 p.m. or 6-8 p.m.
Dec. 17: Christmas Ball Mania (adults) 6-8 p.m.

Bosler Library
158 W. High St., Carlisle
717-243-4642; boslerlibrary.org

Dec. 1: Monday Night Book Group, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Dec. 10: Just Mysteries, 1-2 p.m.
Dec. 10: Wicked Wednesday Book Group, 1-2 p.m.
Dec. 10: Adult Coloring Night, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Dec. 15: Graphic Novel Discussion Group, 6-7:30 p.m.

Capital Blue Cross Connect
4500 Marketplace Way, Enola
capitalbluecrossconnect.com

Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 31: Gentle Yoga, 9:30 a.m.
Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22: Fitness Flow, 4:15 p.m.
Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Virtual Pilates, 5 p.m.
Dec. 2, 16: Chair Yoga at York Connect Store, 11:30 a.m.
Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24: Virtual INSPIRE, 9 a.m.
Dec. 3, 10, 17: Virtual Pilates, 12 p.m.
Dec. 3, 10, 17: Kickboxing & Strength at Enola and virtual, 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 4, 11, 18: Ready, Steady, Action at Enola and virtual, 4:15 p.m.
Dec. 5, 12, 19: Strong and Fit at Enola and virtual, 10 a.m.
Dec. 16: Connect Monthly Webinar—Back Basics, 4 p.m.
Dec. 24, 31: Kickboxing & Strength at Enola and virtual, 10 a.m.

Carlisle Arts Learning Center (CALC)
38 W. Pomfret St., Carlisle
717-249-6973; carlislearts.org

Dec. 1: Winter Wonderland (ages 5-12), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Dec. 5: Swizzle Sticks and Wine Charms (ages 12-adult), 6-8 p.m.
Dec. 6: Make an Ornament (ages 5-12), 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 6: Eraser Prints—Holiday Cards and Tags, 12-2:30 p.m.
Dec. 6- 20: Landscapes in Colored Pencils and Pastels (ages 9-14), Saturdays, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Dec. 9: Storybook Studio (ages 2-5), 10:30-11:45 a.m.
Dec. 13: Put Your Color Pedal to the Metal, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 13: Gift Lab (ages 5-12), 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 13: Copper Enamel Open Studio (ages 13-adult), 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Dec. 15: Third Space Craft Night, 6-8 p.m.

Dauphin County Library System
dcls.org

Dec. 9: Books on Tap at Rubber Soul Brewery, Hummelstown, 6-7 p.m.
Dec. 13: Reading the Rainbow at LGBT Center of Central PA, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

East Pennsboro Library
98 S. Enola Dr., Enola
717-732-4274; eastpennsborobranch.org

Dec. 2: Read to Dogs, 6-7 p.m.
Dec. 3: Family Game Night, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Dec. 4: Creative Movement Class with Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, 4 p.m.
Dec. 6: Library Christmas Party, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Dec. 9: Drop-In Giant Paper Bag Snowflake Craft, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Dec. 10: Santa’s Sleigh STEM Challenge, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 11, 18: Story Time and Craft, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 17: Drop-In Mini Yarn Hat Ornaments, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Dec. 23: Drop-In STEM Play, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Dec. 30: BINGO for Books, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

East Shore Area Library
4501 Ethel St., Harrisburg
717-652-9380; dcls.org

Dec. 1: The Stitch Sitch, 2-3:30 p.m.
Dec. 1: Digital Detox Book Club, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Dec. 6: Figment Forge, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Elizabethtown Public Library
10 S. Market St., Elizabethtown
717-367-7467; etownpubliclibrary.org

Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Card Making Group, 5-7 p.m.
Dec. 3, 10, 17: Homeschool Happening, 2-4 p.m.
Dec. 4, 11, 18: Fiber Artists, 3-6 p.m.
Dec. 6: Knitter’s Group, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Dec. 13: Fiber Artists, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Dec. 16: Baby Musik Time, 10-10:25 a.m.
Dec. 20: Book Discussion Group, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 27: Board Game Meetup, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Fort Hunter
5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg
717-599-5751; forthunter.org

Dec. 7: Victorian Tea, 11:30-3:30 p.m.
Dec. 7: Hearth Cooking Demonstration, 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Dec. 7: Clear Toy Candy Demonstration, 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Dec. 13, 20: Candlelight Mansion Tour, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Dec. 14: Santa’s Reindeer and Mrs. Santa, 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Fredricksen Library
100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill
717-761-3900; fredricksenlibrary.org

Dec. 1: Man Made, 7-8:30 p.m.
Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22: Santa’s Workshop (ages 5-8), 4-5 p.m.
Dec. 2: Career Exploration Workshop, 10-11 a.m.
Dec. 2: Book Dragon Club—Plot Twisters, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Dec. 4: Special Themed Storytimes (ages 3-5), 10-10:30 a.m.
Dec. 4, 18: Device Advice, 5-6:30 p.m.
Dec. 4-Feb. 26: Teen Teaching Tech, Thursdays, 4-5 p.m.
Dec. 5: Book Dragon Club— Book Keepers, 6-8:30 p.m.
Dec. 5: Chess Club, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 6: Tween Mystery Party—Murder at the Ugly Sweater Party, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Dec. 6: Teen Mystery Party—Murder at the Ugly Sweater Party, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Dec. 7: Teen Holiday Hangout, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Dec. 8: Preschool Holiday Stories and Cookie Decorating (ages 3-5), 11-11:30 a.m. and 6-6:30 p.m.
Dec. 8, 15, 22: Book Explorers (ages 3-6), 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Dec. 9: Resume Writing, 10-11 a.m.
Dec. 9: Read to Dogs, 6-7:30 p.m.
Dec. 9: Tween LEGO Club, 6-7:30 p.m.
Dec. 11: Artist Reproduction Team (A.R.T.), 6-7 p.m.
Dec. 12: Peaceful Poses Yoga Storytime for Preschoolers, 10-10:45 a.m.
Dec. 12: Device Advice, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 14: Pokémon Club for Tweens and Teens, 3-4:30 p.m.
Dec. 15: World Explorers—India, 6-7 p.m.
Dec. 19: Solopreneur Roundtable—Open Discussion, 12-2 p.m.
Dec. 19: Family Paint & Pix!, 6-8 p.m.

Gallery on the Square
Millersburg Area Art Association
226 Union St., Millersburg
Facebook: Gallery on the Square

Dec. 5: Fresh Evergreen Wreath, 6-7:30 p.m.
Dec. 6: Copper Sunset Necklace (ages 13 and older), 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Dec. 12: Chunky Knit Throw, 6-8 p.m.
Dec. 13: Kids Christmas Workshop (ages 7-12), 1-3 p.m.
Dec. 14: Holiday Ornament Tree (ages 12 and older), 2-4 p.m.

George & Hettie Love Memorial Library
530 S. 29th St., Harrisburg
717-234-3934; dcls.org

Dec. 4: Love Friends Book Bingo, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Dec. 6: Otherworldly Book Club, 12-1 p.m.
Dec. 9: Coloring for Adults, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Dec. 13: Knit One, Crochet Too!, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Dec. 20: Silent Book Club, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Hershey Gardens
170 Hotel Rd., Hershey
717-534-3492; hersheygardens.org

Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27: Crafty Christmas Creations, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Dec. 13: Visit with Santa, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Dec. 20: Storytime with Mrs. Claus, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Hershey Public Library
701 Cocoa Ave., Hershey
717-533-6555; hersheylibrary.org

Dec. 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18: Storytime for Everyone, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Dec. 1, 8, 15: Books and Babies, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Dec. 1, 8, 15: Storytime for Everyone, 11-11:30 a.m.
Dec. 1-31: Spice of the Month: All Spice
Dec. 2: Exploring Poetry, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 2: Hershey Area Pokémon Club, 5:30-7 p.m.
Dec. 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 30: Penn State Hershey Mothers & Babies, 10:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Dec. 2, 9, 16: 1, 2, Whee!, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Dec. 3: LEGO Club, 1-2 p.m.
Dec. 3, 10, 17: Community Crochet Night, 6-7 p.m.
Dec. 4, 11, 18: Teen Time, 2:30-4:15 p.m.
Dec. 4, 18: Hershey Quilters, 12:30 p.m.
Dec. 5-6: Pop-Up Booksale, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Dec. 6: Yarn Craft Exchange, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Dec. 6, 20: Chess Club, 1-3 p.m.
Dec. 13: Chess Tournament, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Dec. 15: Read to a Hockey Player, 4-4:45 p.m.
Dec. 16: Splash of Serenity—Watercolors for Relaxation, 2-3:30 p.m.
Dec. 16, 30: Silent Book Group, 10-11:30 a.m.
Dec. 20: Cocoa Area Fiber Enthusiasts, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education
4945 Horn Road, York
717-757-6441; hornfarmcenter.org

Dec. 7: Twigs & Digs—Late Foraging Walk, 1-3 p.m.
Dec. 13: Winter Plant ID, 12:30-3 p.m.

Johnson Memorial Library
799 East Center St., Millersburg
717-692-2658; dcls.org

Dec. 8: Upcycled Crafting, 6-7:30 p.m.
Dec. 16: Weekday Getaway, 4-5:30 p.m.

Joseph T. Simpson Public Library
16 N. Walnut St., Mechanicsburg
717-766-0171; simpsonlibrary.org

Dec. 1, 8, 15: Story Time, 10:15-11 a.m.
Dec. 1, 8, 15: Toddler Time, 11:15-11:35 a.m. and 11:40 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 2, 9, 16: Tea and Stitches, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 2, 9, 16: Storybook STEAM, 6-7 p.m.
Dec. 5, 12, 19: LEGO Time, 10:15-11:15 a.m.

The LGBT Center of Central PA
717-409-5781; centralpalgbtcenter.org

Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24: Common Roads (ages 12-17), 6-8 p.m.
Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27: Passageways, 2 p.m.
Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28: Young Adult Group, 4 p.m.
Dec. 13: QTPOC Advisory Group, 6-8 p.m.

Madeline L. Olewine Memorial Library
2410 North 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-232-7286; dcls.org

Dec. 3: Zine for Teens, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Middletown Public Library
20 N. Catherine St., Middletown
717-944-6412; middletownpubliclib.org

Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: STEAM Club, 6 p.m.
Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Tiny Tots Storytime, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Wee Readers Storytime, 1-2 p.m.
Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Tales with T.A.I.L.S., 6-7 p.m.
Dec. 4, 11, 18: Teen Time, 4-5 p.m.
Dec. 4, 11, 18: LEGO Club, 6-7 p.m.
Dec. 6: Open Studio, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 13: Community Table Top Game Time, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Midtown Scholar Bookstore-Cafe
1302 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-236-1680; midtownscholar.com

Dec. 6: Book Launch with Jessica Yoon, 10-11 a.m.
Dec. 13: Storytime at the Scholar, 10-10:30 a.m.

The Millworks
340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg
717-695-4888; millworksharrisburg.com

Dec. 6: First Saturdays, 2-5 p.m.
Dec. 7: Sparkly Holiday Trees, 1-3 p.m.
Dec. 14: Paper Ornaments, 1-3:30 p.m.
Dec. 18: Beginner Visual Journaling Playshop, 6:30-8 p.m.

Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art
176 Water Company Rd., Millersburg
717-692-3699; nedsmithcenter.org

Dec. 6: Wreath Making Workshops, 9-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-2 p.m.

New Cumberland Public Library
1 Benjamin Plaza, New Cumberland
717-774-7820; newcumberlandlibrary.org

Dec. 1-5: Polar Express LEGO Contest (ages 5 and older)
Dec. 1, 8, 15: Cozy Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5), 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Dec. 1, 15: Great Books Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Dec. 1-31: 12 Days of Christmas Scavenger Hunt (ages 0-12)
Dec. 1-31: Reading Wrap-Up (ages 0-18)
Dec. 2, 9, 16: Cozy Book Babies (ages 0-2), 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 3: Piece Seekers, 6-7:30 p.m.
Dec. 4: Ruth’s Mystery Discussion Group, 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 4: Musical Mornings (ages 2-5), 10:30-11 a.m.
Dec. 5: Playdoh Palooza (ages 2-5), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Dec. 6, 13, 20: Take and Makes (ages 0-12)
Dec. 6, 20: Book Sales, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Dec. 9: Shelf Love, 6-7 p.m.
Dec. 9: Tales for Tails (ages 6-12), 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Dec. 10: Holiday DIY Workshop (ages 3 and older), 4-6 p.m.
Dec. 11: Toddler Time (ages 2-3), 10:30-11 a.m.
Dec. 12: Tumble Tots (ages 0-3), 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 13: Teen Craft Kits (ages 13-17)
Dec. 16: Junior Scientists (ages 5 and older), 5-6 p.m.
Dec. 18: STEM Sort & Match with Fall Sensory Bins (ages 2-5), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Dec. 18: Teen Tarot Club (ages 12-16), 5-6 p.m.
Dec. 19: Block Party (ages 0-3), 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Dec. 22: Holiday Book Trivia (ages 3 and older), 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 29: Hygge Hot Chocolate Party (teens ages 12 and older), 3-4 p.m.
Dec. 30: Storytime STEAM (ages 3-5), 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Palmyra Public Library
50 Landings Dr., Annville
717-838-1347; palmyra.lclibs.org

Dec. 1: Genealogy Group, 10-11 a.m.
Dec. 3, 10, 17: Strength & Stretching 50+, 10-11 a.m.
Dec. 3, 10, 17: Smart Start Storytime, 12:15-1:15 p.m.
Dec. 8: Book Club, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 18: Debut Author Book Club @ Book Bar, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Dec. 22: BYO Craft Nights Adults 18+, 4:30-6:45 p.m.

Panacea Healing Arts
701 N. Mountain Rd., Harrisburg
484-373-9109; panaceahealingarts.com

Dec. 1: Crystal Bowl Sound Immersion, 6-7 p.m.
Dec. 5: Winterfest Open House, 6-9 p.m.
Dec. 6: Tai Chi, 10-11 a.m.
Dec. 6: Qi Gong, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 9: Holiday Mixer with Central Pennsylvania Psychedelic Society, 6-8 p.m.
Dec. 20: Tai Chi, 10-11 a.m.
Dec. 20: Qi Gong, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Perry County Council of the Arts
Landis House, 67 N. 4th St., Newport
717-567-7023; perrycountyarts.org

Dec. 3: Mosaic Wreath, 6-8 p.m.
Dec. 13: Holiday Greens Centerpiece Floral Workshop, 2-4 p.m.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania
300 North St., Harrisburg
717-787-4980; statemuseumpa.org

Dec. 3-28: Faster Light
Dec. 3-28: Passport to the Universe
Dec. 5, 20: Storytime, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Dec. 6, 13, 27: Oasis in Space, 12-12:30 p.m.
Dec. 10: Holiday Traditions of 1950s and 1960s, 11:30 a.m.
Dec. 10-21: Season of Light
Dec. 12: Curiosity Kids—The Winter Solstice, 11:30 a.m.
Dec. 12: Virtual Program—PA’s Native Evergreens, 12:15 p.m.
Dec. 17: Dioramas, 11:30 a.m.
Dec. 19: Curiosity Kids— Holiday Traditions of 1970s and 1980s, 11:30 a.m.

Wheel of Light Studio
3738 Peters Mountain Rd., Halifax
wheeloflightstudio.com

Dec. 5: Watercolor Holiday Cards, 6-8 p.m.
Dec. 6: Dumpling Snow Folk, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Dec. 6: Make Your Own Santa Gnome, 2-3 p.m.
Dec. 9: Mosaic Wreath, 6-8 p.m.
Dec. 10: Embroidered Ornaments, 6-8 p.m.
Dec. 12: Hand Built Clay Trees, 6-8 p.m.
Dec. 13: Winter Cardinal Acrylic Painting, 1-3 p.m.
Dec. 20: Tree Luminary, 2-3 p.m.

Wildwood Park
100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg
717-221-0292; explorewildwoodpark.org

Dec. 2: Wreath Workshop, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 3, 10, 17: Wednesday Wellness Walks, 1-2:30 p.m.
Dec. 6: Young Birders—Counting is for the Birds with Appalachian Audubon Society, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Dec. 6, 7: Natural Ornaments, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Dec. 13: Birds & Coffee with Appalachian Audubon Society, 10-11 a.m.
Dec. 21: Reindeer Workshop, 1:30-3 p.m.

William H. & Marion C. Alexander Family Library
200 W. Second St., Hummelstown
717-566-0949; dcls.org

Dec. 13: The 13 Un-merry Monsters of Christmas, 1-2 p.m.

The Winery at Hunters Valley
3 Orchard Rd., Liverpool
717-655-6508; www.huntersvalleywines.com

Dec. 13: Holiday Lights Vineyard Walk, 6-9 p.m.
Dec. 20: Paint & Sip—Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Man, 12-3 p.m.

Live Music

Appalachian Brewing Co./Abbey Bar
50 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg
717-221-1083; abcbrew.com

Dec. 3, 10, 17: Open Mic Night
Dec. 6: The Local Honeys, Abby Hamilton, Virginia Masland
Dec. 14: Joy to the Burg Fundraiser
Dec. 21: Abbey Family Christmas
Dec. 31: Dirty Grass Players and Treesap

Appell Center for the Performing Arts
50 N. George St., York
717-846-1111; appellcenter.org

Dec. 3: The Wood Brothers, with The Wildmans
Dec. 4: Dailey & Vincent
Dec. 5: Jazz in the City
Dec. 19: ZOSO—The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience

Arts on the Square
20 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg
717-257-1270; marketsquarechurch.org

Dec. 14: Carols by Candlelight

Capital City Music Hall
234 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg
capcitymusichall.com

Dec. 4: Better Lovers
Dec. 5: It’s a 2000’s Party
Dec. 6: Tots For Tots Benefit
Dec. 9: Weedeater
Dec. 10: Koffin Kats
Dec. 12: Santa Rave
Dec. 13: Omnium Gatherum
Dec. 14: Primer 55
Dec. 19: Daft Punk Night

Carlisle Town Band
carlisleband.org

Dec. 14: Christmas Concert (St. Patrick Catholic Church Activity Center)

Carley’s Ristorante and Piano Bar
204 Locust St., Harrisburg
717-909-9191; carleysristorante.com

Dec. 3, 17: Christine Purcell
Dec. 5, 6, 11, 17: Chris Emkey
Dec. 10, 12: Tristin Lynee
Dec. 13, 20, 27: Anthony Haubert
Dec. 18: Andrea Britton
Dec. 19, 26, 31: Ted Ansel

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
510 Centerville Rd., Lancaster
717-898-1900; DutchApple.com

Dec. 31: Yachtzilla! Monsters of Soft Rock

Englewood Hershey
1219 West End Ave., Hummelstown
717-256-9480; englewoodhershey.com

Dec. 6: Songs For Phil Benefit Concert w/Colebrook Road, The Very Fine Gentlemen, Hockersville Station, Nina & Joe Scarcia

Fort Hunter
5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg
717-599-5751; forthunter.org

Dec. 10: St. Thomas Dulcimer Society Holiday Concert
Dec. 21: Brass Triumphant

H*MAC
1110 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-441-7506; harrisburgarts.com

Dec. 5: The Band Feel
Dec. 13: Alienpark
Dec. 19: From Ashes To New

Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus
www.hgmcchorus.org

Dec. 12-14: “Radiance of the Rainbow” concerts

Harrisburg Singers
www.theharrisburgsingers.org

Dec. 5-7: “Sounds of the Season” concerts

Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra
The Forum at 5th and Walnut St., Harrisburg
717-545-5527; harrisburgsymphony.org

Dec. 6-7: Come Swing with Me!

Hershey Public Library
701 Cocoa Ave., Hershey
717-533-6555; hersheylibrary.org

Dec. 6: Jay Smar—Old Country Christmas Music

Hollywood Casino
777 Hollywood Blvd., Grantville
717-469-2211; hollywoodpnrc.com

Dec. 5: Central City Orchestra
Dec. 6: Tribute/7 Bridges
Dec. 12: Smooth Like Clyde
Dec. 13: Colt Wilbur Band
Dec. 19: Andromeda
Dec. 20: Fast Times at Shermer High
Dec. 26: JJ Rupp Band
Dec. 27: Cazhmiere

Johnson Memorial Library
799 East Center St., Millersburg
717-692-2658; dcls.org

Dec. 4: Holiday Music with Ray Holland

Keystone Concert Band
145 E. Main St., First Floor, Mechanicsburg
717-329-7541; keystoneconcertband.com

Dec. 6, 10, 13, 17: Christmas Concerts

Luhrs Performing Arts Center
1871 Old Main Dr., Shippensburg
717-477-7469; luhrscenter.com

Dec. 8: The Rock Orchestra
Dec. 10: Celtic Woman
Dec. 13: Glenn Miller Orchestra
Dec. 16: The Modern Gentlemen

Majestic Theater
25 Carlisle St., Gettysburg
717-337-8200; gettysburgmajestic.org

Dec. 3-14: Million Dollar Quartet Christmas

Messiah University
One University Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2511; messiah.edu

Dec. 4: Messiah University Piano Ensemble Side by Side
Dec. 7: Messiah University Christmas Concert
Dec. 9: Messiah University Musica Nova—Student Compositions
Dec. 14: Messiah University Guitar Ensemble
Dec. 19: Susquehanna Chorale Candlelight Christmas Concert

Metropolis Collective
17 W. Main St., Mechanicsburg
717-458-8245; metropoliscollective.com

Dec. 13: Surface Noise, Jynx & Dino

Open Stage of Harrisburg
223 Walnut St., Harrisburg
717-232-OPEN; openstagehbg.com

Dec. 13: Figgy Pudding

Pine Street Presbyterian Church
310 N. Third St., Harrisburg
717-238-9304; pinestreet.org

Dec. 14: A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

Susquehanna Chorale
One College Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-533-7859; susquehannachorale.org

Dec. 19: Candlelight Christmas Concert at Messiah University
Dec. 20: Candlelight Christmas Concert at Market Square Presbyterian Church
Dec. 21: Candlelight Christmas Concert at Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren

Susquehanna Folk Music Society
717-745-6577; sfmsfolk.org

Dec. 9: Windborne

The Ware Center
42 N. Prince St., Lancaster
717-871-2308; artsmu.com

Dec. 3: An Irish Christmas with RUNA
Dec. 6: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Wild & Swingin’ Holiday Party
Dec. 11: Anthony Nunziata—Bocelli & Beyond at Christmas
Dec. 12: Julia Kamanda & Cabbage Hill
Dec. 13: Bria Skonberg—Jingle Bell Swing
Dec. 17: Glenn Miller Orchestra: In the Holiday Mood

West Shore Theatre
317 Bridge St, New Cumberland
717-759-5464; westshoretheatre.org

Dec. 12: “Christmas with Elvis” with Jeff Krick, Jr.
Dec. 14: “A Carpenters Christmas” with Jillian Rossi
Dec. 31: The Martini Bros.

Whitaker Center
222 Market St., Harrisburg
717-214-ARTS; whitakercenter.org

Dec. 15: Michael Cavanaugh

XL Live
801 S. 10th St., Harrisburg
717-409-8975; xlhbg.com

Dec. 6: Scythian, The Dishonest Fiddlers—Ugly Christmas Sweater Show
Dec. 12: The Gilmour Project
Dec. 18: Samantha Fish, Cedric Burnside & Jon Spencer
Dec. 19: The Badlees, Ben Arnold
Dec. 20: Back in Black ACDC Tribute
Dec. 28: R&B Takeover hosted by Jacquees
Dec. 31: Crack New Years Eve—Tribute to Creed & Nickelback

The Stage Door

American Music Theatre
2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster
717-397-7700; amtshows.com

Dec. 2-30: “The 2025 Christmas Show—Deck the Halls”

Appell Center for the Performing Arts
50 N. George St., York
717-846-1111; appellcenter.org

Dec. 8: “Hadestown”
Dec. 11: The Outlet—Music & Poetry Open Mic
Dec. 13: Greater York Youth Ballet presents “The Nutcracker”

The Belmont Theatre
27 S. Belmont St., York
717-854-3894; thebelmont.org

Dec. 5-14: “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
510 Centerville Rd., Lancaster
717-898-1900; DutchApple.com

Dec. 2-27: “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”
Dec. 2-28: Irving Berlin’s “Holiday Inn”

Gamut Theatre Group
15 N. 4th St., Harrisburg
717-238-4111; gamuttheatre.org

Dec. 31: Countdown to Noon with the Popcorn Hat Players—“The Ugly Duckling”

H*MAC
1110 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
717-441-7506; harrisburgarts.com

Dec. 4, 11, 18: Poetry Night at H*MAC

Harrisburg Christian Performing Arts Center (HCPAC)
1000 S. Eisenhower Blvd, Middletown
717-939-9333; thehcpac.org

Dec. 12-14: “The Lion King Jr.”

Harrisburg Comedy Zone
110 Limekiln Rd., New Cumberland
717-920-5653; harrisburgcomedyzone.com

Dec. 3: Michael Winslow
Dec. 5, 6: J. Bliss and Jennifer Espenshade
Dec. 12, 13: David Rosenblatt and Sharon Simon
Dec. 19, 30: Shawn Banks
Dec. 26, 27: Mike Harrison
Dec. 31: Rich Aronovitch

Harrisburg Improv Theatre
1633 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
hbgimprov.com

Dec. 5: Free Improv Mixer, Goose Parade, Bondfire Society, Barn Bitches
Dec. 6: Free Improv Mixer, Solo Sleepover, Lil’ Stinkers, Ham Juice
Dec. 12: Team Z, Girl’s Trip, Left Unsupervised, Tater Tot Dish, Spice Crones, Neighborhood Gossip, And Another Thing—A Sketch Show
Dec. 13: Musical Improv Graduation Show, Awkward Timing, Uncomfortable, Rockstar, Rockstar Karaoke
Dec. 14: Musical Improv Class Graduation Show, And Another Thing—A Sketch Show
Dec. 19: Goose Parade, LoS CoMpLiCaDoS, Offbeats, The Real Fast Coast Wives of Central PA, Wrastlin’
Dec. 20: Spiced Ham, Original 6, The Next Leaver, Unshushed Sisters, Barbra, Blackest Thing Ever
Dec. 26: Free Improv Mixer, Left Unsupervised, Tater Tot Dish, What? Hell Yeah! What?, Am I the Assshow
Dec. 27: Introduce a Self, Homie-Sexual, All Over the Place, Elderprov, Cosmic Trash, Big Business LLC

Hershey Area Playhouse
830 Cherry Dr., Hershey
717-533-8525; hersheyareaplayhouse.com

Dec. 11-14: “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer”

Keystone Theatrics
The Playhouse at Allenberry
1559 Boiling Springs Rd., Boiling Springs
717-258-3211; www.keystonetheatrics.com

Dec. 5-21: “A Christmas Story”

Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg
915 S. York St., Mechanicsburg
717-766-0535; ltmpa.com

Dec. 4-14: “Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol”

Luhrs Performing Arts Center
1871 Old Main Dr., Shippensburg
717-477-7469; luhrscenter.com

Dec. 6-7: Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet presents “The Nutcracker”
Dec. 18: “Cirque Dream Holidaze”

Messiah University
One University Ave., Mechanicsburg
717-766-2511; messiah.edu

Dec. 5, 7, 12, 13: Fall Senior Series I & II

Open Stage
223 Walnut St., Harrisburg
717-232-OPEN; openstagehbg.com

Dec. 5-21: “Who’s Holiday!”
Dec. 6-23: “Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas”

West Shore Theatre
317 Bridge St, New Cumberland
717-759-5464; westshoretheatre.org

Dec. 31: The Artificial Wizards

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The 6 Best Managed IT Services in Central PA: A Complete Guide for Local Businesses

November 24, 2025 | by Admin

Information technology (IT) solutions help you keep your business running smoothly in digital environments. Whether managing a small shop in York or a growing company in Lancaster, you must protect your data. However, when your systems go down or cyber threats strike, the cost of downtime can rise rapidly.

More local businesses throughout Central PA turn to the top managed IT providers for round-the-clock monitoring and proactive security. These experts identify, resolve and prevent issues from occurring, which allows you to focus on growth instead of troubleshooting. With the right partner, you can strengthen your defenses and gain peace of mind knowing your IT backbone is in capable hands.

Based on several key differentiators and criteria, the following are the best managed IT services in Central PA.

1. Kirbtech

Kirbtech provides managed IT services for small and midsize businesses throughout Central Pennsylvania. Its services include proactive monitoring, daily system checks, unlimited remote support and emergency after-hours coverage for true 24/7 protection. The team handles network design, cloud migration, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems and data backups, so you can focus on running your business.

With fast local response times across Chambersburg and Lancaster, Kirbtech helps reduce downtime and improve stability. Clients often report fewer issues and better productivity after switching. If you want reliable and people-first IT support, Kirbtech delivers measurable peace of mind every day.

2. IntermixIT

IntermixIT delivers services that keep your business running without interruption. Key features include 24/7 monitoring, proactive maintenance and a responsive help desk with an average response time under 15 minutes and a 98% client satisfaction rate.

Its team also provides cybersecurity protection and Microsoft 365 management to align your technology with business goals. Founded in 2007, IntermixIT has helped Central PA companies reduce downtime and gain peace of mind through consistent, high-quality support. If you’re looking for a proactive IT partner that focuses on reliability and measurable performance, IntermixIT is a top choice.

3. Morefield Communications

Morefield Communications helps your business stay connected and secure. Backed by over 75 years of experience, its services include unlimited IT support and life cycle management. The team offers fully managed and co-managed options, providing flexibility to complement your in-house staff.

Morefield specializes in industries like health care and manufacturing, delivering secure networks and cloud solutions. With an “Excellent” customer rating and a focus on long-term partnerships, Morefield helps Central PA businesses cut downtime and scale confidently with a single, trusted technology partner.

4. EZComputer Solutions

EZComputer Solutions provides managed IT services to keep your business running efficiently. With continuous system monitoring, automatic updates, cybersecurity protection and reliable data backups, its proactive approach prevents problems to reduce IT costs and improve productivity.

It also provides cloud integration and disaster recovery planning. Based in Lancaster, EZComputer Solutions delivers fast, local service with a focus on long-term relationships. With measurable reductions in downtime and consistent client satisfaction, you gain a dependable IT partner dedicated to keeping your systems running at peak performance.

5. Landis Technologies

Landis Technologies provides solutions to keep your company optimized for performance. Services include 24/7 monitoring, proactive maintenance, cloud management and Microsoft 365 support from a team of certified professionals. With more than 26 years of experience, Landis specializes in helping Pennsylvania businesses simplify IT while improving uptime and data protection.

Its approach focuses on prevention, not repair. Landis ensures problems are fixed before they disrupt operations. As a trusted Microsoft partner, the company delivers scalable solutions tailored to your goals, which makes Landis Technologies a dependable choice for long-term, worry-free IT management and business continuity.

6. MBIT Group

MBIT Group helps you keep your business running smoothly with proactive, 24/7 support. Its continuous monitoring, system patching, cloud backups and rapid recovery help minimize downtime for your business. Its team also manages antivirus protection and data security to prevent disruptions before they start.

With predictable monthly costs, MBIT helps you control your IT budget while improving performance and reliability. Businesses across Central PA rely on its quick response times and hands-on local service. By reducing tech issues and optimizing network stability, MBIT Group delivers measurable value and peace of mind for growing companies.

Comparing the Best Managed IT Services in Central PA

Choosing the right partner comes down to more than just pricing. Consider reliability, location and technical depth to find a company that works for your business needs. The table below compares the most trusted providers, highlighting their core strengths and best-fit business types.

Company	Location	Core Strengths	Ideal Fit
Kirbtech	Chambersburg	24/7 monitoring, personalized support and proactive cybersecurity	Small to midsize businesses needing hands-on local service
IntermixIT	Harrisburg	Cloud migration, compliance-focused IT and proactive monitoring	Regulated industries like health care, finance and government
Morefield Communications	Mechanicsburg	Enterprise-level IT, unified communications, and Microsoft and Cisco partnerships	Medium to large businesses seeking scalable infrastructure
EZComputer Solutions	Lancaster	Managed IT, cloud backup and cybersecurity education	Small businesses wanting reliable local support
Landis Technologies	Lancaster	Microsoft 365 and VoIP expertise and fast local service	Small and midsize businesses prioritizing communication tools and cloud integration
MBIT Group	Lancaster	Business continuity, secure cloud backup and responsive support	Companies needing dependable disaster recovery and uptime

How to Choose the Right IT Partner for Your Business

Finding the best managed IT services in Central PA starts with knowing what matters most to your business. The right partner should feel like an extension of your team, not just a vendor you call when something breaks. Here are key tips to guide your decision:

Assess your business needs first: Identify your biggest IT challenges, whether it is security, cloud migration or compliance, before comparing providers.
Look for proven local experiences: Choose a partner with a strong presence in Central PA for faster on-site support and a deeper understanding of the community.
Check response times and availability: Ensure it offers 24/7 monitoring and clear service level agreements so help is always within reach.
Ask about scalability: Pick a provider whose services can grow with your business and adapt to new technologies.
Verify certifications and expertise: Look for Microsoft, Cisco or cybersecurity credentials that prove technical reliability.

Choosing a Local IT Partner for Lasting Business Growth

Outsourcing IT lets you focus on growth and innovation instead of constant troubleshooting. By partnering with the best managed IT services in Central PA, you gain expert support that keeps your systems running smoothly. Start by exploring trusted local providers, then compare others based on responsiveness and how well their services align with your business goals.

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The Lowengard Building: A Blueprint and Call to Action for Harrisburg

November 24, 2025 | by Chris Dawson

Chris Dawson (middle), his employees, family and local officials cut the ribbon on the Lowengard building in October.

What needs to be done to bring back Harrisburg’s thriving downtown?

Harrisburg is a beautiful, vibrant city that isn’t living up to its full potential, and reinvigorating the downtown would go a long way towards making Pennsylvania’s Capital City what it can and should be.

I have spent the past 16 years building a design-driven architectural firm, Chris Dawson Architect (CDA), based downtown, with a staff of 15. We have worked on many projects in the downtown area, ranging from remodeling portions of the Capitol Complex to reimagining the iconic Chockablock Clock in Strawberry Square as the new ClockBox Stage and Lounge to creating Zeroday’s Taproom on 3rd Street, Elementary Coffee on North Street, and, most recently, the Lowengard building, a formerly elegant architectural gem that had fallen into disrepair. I am fully invested in the success of the city and believe firmly in its potential.

While every redevelopment project is meaningful, the renovation of the Lowengard building was personal—a watershed moment for me and my firm. The Lowengard building was built in 1917 to house The Courier newspaper printing operations and was the first location of the iconic Mary Sachs department store in 1918.

As my firm continued to grow, we would eventually need more space, and I had had my eye on the building for years. When I purchased the building three years ago, I knew it would take a lot of work, but, as with all renovation projects of historic buildings, unforeseen challenges were in store.

Government resources proved to be critical in enabling us to complete this project. We received funding from Dauphin County via a gaming grant and the County Land Bank via a demolition grant. In retrospect, we would not have been able to complete the project without these grants.

There were also governmental hurdles related to building code interpretations, transferring the building permit when the initial general contractor went bankrupt, and a fluid list of inspector whims to satisfy to get to the final elevator, electrical, and occupancy certificates.

It would have been easier to leave the city and build a new office for ourselves in the suburbs, but that was never an option for us. We value Harrisburg city for what it is —a walkable, visually rich urban setting where I bump into clients in coffee shops and restaurants, and home to a vibrant arts scene. CDA is committed to doing our part to make it better, as evidenced by our investment in renovating the Lowengard building. Architects believe that improving the built environment is critical to creating true community. City density enables building community at scale, and that density is lacking in the suburbs.

It was with tremendous pride and gratitude that we were able to cut the ribbon on the Lowengard renovation project earlier this month. The revamped building is a mixed-use development with two apartments, office space for my firm, a retail space on the ground floor, and a rooftop deck amenity for all the building occupants. It was incredibly challenging to get to this point, but it was genuinely worth it, and we are proud to be doing our part to improve Harrisburg.

There is no silver bullet that will save downtown. It won’t be easy, but it absolutely can be done, and this project’s success is concrete proof that a better future for Harrisburg is possible. We need the cooperation of elected officials, architects, real estate developers and contractors, and a shared sense of urgency to start making progress.

The good news is, we are not starting from scratch. Harrisburg has plenty of underdeveloped assets that we can build on. There are plenty of people, like me, who are committed to making it a better place, but we need to continue to grow that community and increase collaboration across sectors in deliberate, strategic ways.

We know that cities are the future—urban offices are 6 to 8 times more energy-efficient than remote work from home, and 21st-century work is rooted in collaboration. Quality of life is higher in cities, and more than half the world’s population currently lives in cities, with that growing to 70% by 2050.

Architects are detail-oriented planners, but we are also creative thinkers who can look at a space, imagine what it could be, and help put that vision into practice. However, we can’t do it alone. I never would have been able to complete this project without help from elected officials, my contractors, my bankers, my family and my incredible staff.

There is a blueprint for revitalizing the city we are proud to call home if we can all pull together as a community to build a better Harrisburg for everyone.

Chris Dawson is the owner of Harrisburg-based Chris Dawson Architects.

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Free live music coming to lunchtime in downtown Harrisburg this December

November 24, 2025 | by Alexandra Jones

Strawberry Square is a mixed-use complex in downtown Harrisburg.

Downtown for lunch this holiday season? If you go to Strawberry Square, you may be able to enjoy free live music while you eat.

Harristown Enterprises announced Monday that it will host a variety of hour-long shows during the week at UPMC Stage. Regional performers and school groups will perform around noon, Dec. 1 through Dec. 19. Groups include the Hershey High School Jazz Combo, the Lower Dauphin Chamber Orchestra, the York/Adams Mennonite Singers, and the St. Joseph School Choir Chimes and Handbells.

“We’re excited to have so many talented people in our region and we welcome them to downtown Harrisburg,” said Brad Jones, president of Harristown, which owns Strawberry Square. “We hope this will bring a wider audience into the city to see the talent that the downtown is offering on our stage.”

Patrons of the Square’s second-floor food court will be able to easily enjoy the music while dining.

Food vendors in the Square include Denim Coffee, Chef Chen’s, Fresca Burger and Chicken Shack, Santa Fe Taco Factory, Sakura Tokyo, Tropical Smoothie Cafe and Taco Bell.

The holiday performances will cap off Dec. 19 with an evening holiday variety show from 6 to 9 p.m., organized by Sara Bozich. The final show will feature DJ EMD. Open Stage, Harrisburg Improv Theatre’s Hyena Skits, the Rhythm Lounge, River the Bubble Musician, Theatre Harrisburg, the Gamut Theatre Group, Paul Hood, and the musical group Oversoon will also take the stage.

For more information on Strawberry Square, visit its website.

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Burg Review: Take a nostalgic holiday ride with Open Stage’s charming “Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas”

November 22, 2025 | by Gina Napoli

Just imagine single-digit-aged Gina in her flannel jammies, wrapped in a patchwork quilt, sitting in front of a humming cathode ray tube television set, eagerly awaiting Kermit T. Frog to introduce Jim Henson’s latest puppeteering masterpiece.

I forgot all about that little girl… until I watched Open Stage’s rendition of “Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas.” As soon as this specific Gen-X memory unlocked my subconscious, I found myself singing and swaying along to songs I hadn’t heard or thought about in X# decades. I remembered every dang word. It felt like adjusting the TV’s rabbit ears to bring back every countrified variety show on my old four-channel TV, like the Barbara Mandrell Show and Hee-Haw.

Paul Williams wrote the music and lyrics, and Timothy Allen McDonald and Christopher Gattelli wrote the book based on the children’s book by Russell and Lillian Hogan. Jerry Juhl wrote the television script, “Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas,” which will forever live in the collective cultural memory as a Jim Henson classic, frozen in time after the master puppeteer’s passing in 1991.

Open Stage Director Stuart Landon brings us a story as familiar as cozy sweaters and hats topped with pompoms (Jacob Schlenker, costume designer). We peek inside a comfortably rustic Waterville community barn dance, complete with a slide from the hayloft and line dancing to Christmas music by an animated band already toe-tappin’ and a-pickin’ and a-strummin’ and a-thumpin’ (Brad Barkdoll, Adrienne Connaghan, Jon Godinez, Anthony Pieruccini). The setting’s time and place become a character in the story, with Open Stage actors playing Henson’s puppets as live people.

The simple but ironic plot could be lifted from an O. Henry short story. Emmet Otter (Isaac Austin) and Alice “Ma” Otter (Chris Krahulec) can’t afford to buy each other Christmas presents, so they sell their only two things of value to help them win money in a talent show. Austin and Krahulec regale the audience with the hilarious “The Bathing Suit That Grandma Otter Wore,” which is a laundry list of items repurposed from a bathing suit the size of a circus tent. Krahulec’s ballads, “When the River Meets the Sea” and “Our World,” both have a Grand Ole Opry-meets-gospel beauty about them. And their “Ain’t No Hole in the Washtub” is adorably delivered and [Insert Dad joke here] just good, clean fun.

Emmet finds new singing partners when he and his friends Charlie Muskrat (TJ Creedon), Harvey (Drew Patti), and Wendell Porcupine (Luke Rider) form a jug band, thumping and twanging their way through the rhythmic “Bar-B-Que” and “Brothers.” Kudos to Creedom for taking his character next level. Every time he voiced the pre-pubescent Charlie Muskrat character, he reached a dog-whistle frequency, with every line making me laugh no matter what he said.

The jug band’s competition, the Riverbottom Nightmare Band (Fred Lizard, Barkdoll; Howard Snake, Connaghan; Chuck Stoat, Godinez; Catfish, Michael Rodriguez; Stan Weasel, Jason Samarin) rocked out an eponymous title song, serving us “villains” without being too scary.

Throughout the talent show, Waterville’s townspeople take turns showing off their talents. Gretchen Fox (Patty Cole) sings opera. Marilyn Mink (Jasmine Graham) delivers a rousing burlesque performance snippet that allows this play to keep its G-rating. George Rabbit (Creedon) and Melissa Rabbit (Carly Lafferty) tippet-tap dance. Yancy (Bobby Downey) does whatever he does intentionally just a little off-key and un-funny, like a throwback to Fozzie Bear. (And because we are drawing lines between this show and actual Muppets, this reviewer would be those old men critics in the balcony, Statler and Waldorf.) And because every story needs a ghost, Pa Otter (Anthony M.C. Leukus) performs a tender and encouraging “Alice Keep Dreaming.”

By far, the cutest and most charming variety act of the entire production: the children’s squirrely puppet show (Bryce Carter, Nicholas Caton, Beckett Copus, Ian Dandrea, Annie Logan, Xavier Logan, Annika Nguyen, ZJ Park, Selena Swigart and Lucas Terry).

Props to the prop master (Beckey Arney) for fashioning a guitar from a cigar box, and for decorating a Christmas tree where I could almost smell that clumpy paste holding together the paper chains. Also, the contra dancing (choreographer, Zsuzsanna Smith) is energetic and familiar. If you are asked to participate, fifth-grade gym class memory unlocks here.

“Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas” is a family show under the parking garage in Waterville, so be sure to send your kids to Open Stage’s watering hole for their very own holiday mocktails. For those old enough to sip out of the jug, there’s a nostalgic themed merchandise selection tucked into the corner, just behind the ticket counter. Just as pleasing as the trip to Open Stage’s inviting space is the nostalgic trip awaiting you, rewinding your memories decades back through time.

Open Stage’s new annual tradition, “Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas,” runs Nov. 22 through Dec. 23. For more information and ticket sales, visit https://www.openstagehbg.com/shows/emmetotter.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

November 21, 2025 | by TheBurg Staff

The holiday tree outside Harrisburg city hall

Looking for where to find the city’s parade and tree lighting ceremony this weekend? How about how to get a free ride home from the bars this Thanksgiving? Whatever it is, we’ve got you covered for news in Harrisburg ahead of the holidays. Find all that and more below:

All about serving the community, Harrisburg’s small businesses are gearing up for the holiday season, our magazine story reported

At a school board meeting Tuesday, Harrisburg board members discussed months-delayed state funds and weighed new contracts for security and roof repairs, our online story reported.

Dozens of new trees were planted around Midtown and South Harrisburg last week, our online story reported.

Food columnist Rosemary has a recipe for gnudi for you this month, as seen in our November magazine.

Harrisburg announced its annual tree lighting ceremony, which will take place tonight at the MLK Government Center, our online story reported. The city also announced Harrisburg’s annual holiday parade will take place downtown tomorrow.

Latino Connection Foundation broke ground on an affordable housing project for seniors this week, our online story reported. It’s gained support from once-skeptical neighbors.

Lil Gottlieb’s son reflected on his mother’s time running Lil’s Dress Shop in our magazine story. Lil would have turned 100 this year.

Open Stage debuted its new family-friendly show “Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas” that will run through the holidays, our magazine story reported

Our Adventure Together columnist has a few ideas for you for winter fun. Indian Echo Caverns is a good educational trip for the family, our magazine story reported

Sara Bozich has suggestions for what to do this weekend, including a Friendsgiving brunch, a downtown Aortic valve concert, and more.

Susquehanna Art Museum has spent the last decade on N. 3rd Street and is celebrating the milestone moment with an exhibit to show how far it’s come, our online story reported. The exhibit will open in December.

Theatre Harrisburg’s “Guys and Dolls” has been wowing attendees, our entertainment reviewer reported. The musical romantic comedy runs through Nov. 23.

Tri-County Regional Planning Commission announced the re-launch of its Sober Ride Home program ahead of Thanksgiving, our online story reported.

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Renovations, upgrades at several Harrisburg parks nearly done as grant deadline quickly approaches

November 21, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Construction in progress at Gorgas playground on the 2500 block of Jefferson Street

Harrisburg is on track to finish several major park upgrades in the coming weeks, but is up against the clock to complete renovations before grant funds expire.

In October 2022, the city was awarded a $13 million reimbursement grant by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for improvements at Reservoir, Wilson, 7^th & Radnor and Gorgas parks, with a deadline to spend the funds in the coming months.

Three of the parks, Wilson, off of Rumson Drive in Allison Hill, 7th & Radnor sports field in Uptown and Gorgas playground, adjacent to the sports field, seem to be on track for a December completion date. However, work to construct a “spray alley” at Reservoir Park in Allison Hill appears to have just started, as fencing was only recently installed around the construction site in the park.

According to the city’s contract with DCED for the grant money that’s funding all four park upgrades, all $13 million needs to be spent by Jan. 31, 2026 in order for Harrisburg to receive the full amount.

However, as of Nov. 14, Harrisburg had only submitted one invoice to DCED for $2,500, which is being processed, according to DCED.

The $13 million came from the state’s Community Development Block Grant-CARES Act (CDBG-CV) funding, money the state received from the federal government to address COVID.

Harrisburg Director of Communications Mischelle Moyer said that Wilson, 7^th & Radnor and Gorgas parks are currently under construction and slated to be completed by the end of the year. When visiting the construction site at 7th & Radnor park and Gorgas playground, construction workers told TheBurg that they would likely be done in early December.

New basketball courts and pavilion at 7th & Radnor sports park

Plans for 7th & Radnor included a complete overhaul. New basketball courts, a new pavilion, a dugout, a walking path and other features were already constructed. The contractors on site said that the park is about 80% complete, with mostly paving, concrete and electrical work yet to be done. Much of that is weather-dependent as winter months approach.

At Gorgas, new playground equipment has been installed. Paving work is still needed, as well as installing a rubber surface around the equipment and electrical work.

Contractors also estimated that Wilson was at about the same stage. Planned upgrades there include playground equipment, restrooms and pavilions as well, although none were visible on-site as of this week.

Parks and Recreation Director Sasha Ross previously told TheBurg that work at Reservoir Park would begin this past Monday and said that she was confident it would be completed by the grant deadline. When visiting the park on Thursday, fencing blocked off a large section, including grass and parking lot space and construction machinery was on site, although no construction work was visible at the time.

Plans for Reservoir Park include constructing a spray alley with water features, among other updates.

Fencing has gone up at Reservoir Park

According to DCED, the budget for each park is as follows:

7th and Radnor Park and Gorgas, $6,122,000
Reservoir Park – Spray Park Alley, $3,601,116
Wilson Playground, $3,001,116
Project administration, $281,499

According to the contract, the city must incur all of the funds by the end of the contract or unspent funds will be revoked. The contract states that the city has 30 days after the deadline to submit invoices. Moyer did not respond to questions about how much money has been spent so far.

DCED said that the city may reallocate funds among the approved CDBG-CV activities if requested and approved by DCED.

A DCED spokesperson confirmed that Harrisburg requested a 30-day extension from its previous Dec. 29, 2025 deadline. This is the third extension that Harrisburg has received for the grant, which originally would have expired at the end of 2023.

At a November 2024 City Council meeting, when discussing the grant money, city Solicitor Neil Grover stated that DCED had “insisted” that they could not change the Dec. 31, 2025 deadline to spend the money. However, they now have an additional 30 days.

DCED officials said that Harrisburg explained extension requests as due to “delays by COVID-related scarcity of design/engineering contractors and supply chain constraints,” as well as “the complexity of the parks project that extended the environmental review, design/engineering, and contracting for economies of scale aspects of the project.”

Construction in progress at Wilson Park

When initially awarded the money, the city had a fifth project that they were set to receive money for: improvements to Jackson Lick pool. However, the city in 2024 reallocated the $5 million that would’ve gone to the pool to the other four parks, saying that, because of legal issues with the pool, the project would not be able to be completed by the grant deadline. Harrisburg was facing legal negotiations around the pool’s ownership with the Harrisburg School District, which owns the property.

According to DCED, out of the grant awardees announced in October 2022, all have completed their projects except for Harrisburg and Tioga County – both of which are underway. Harrisburg received the largest grant award of all other projects awarded in the same funding round.

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Muralist paints Harrisburg storefront windows ahead of the holidays

November 21, 2025 | by Alexandra Jones

Muralist Katie Trainer works on a window at Bacco Pizzeria and Wine Bar.

Downtown is getting some fresh window paint ahead of the holidays.

Lebanon-based artist Katie Trainer has been painting businesses’ storefront windows all week along the 2nd Street corridor. Sometimes, she’s running between several at a time, touching up one while others take time to dry in the cold air.

“I call it marathon painting,” she said on Friday. “Let’s get them up as fast as we can, and get them cute and clean and pretty. It’s rapid fire.”

The City of Harrisburg and Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District collaborated to bring Trainer downtown ahead of the holiday season to paint windows in bulk, free of charge for the businesses, for the second year in a row.

Cafe Fresco’s window shows Harrisburg’s Capitol inside a snow globe.

The muralist hopes to do close to 20 storefronts this year and has been knocking on businesses’ doors as she moves along, painting a keyboard piano on Carley’s Ristorante & Piano Bar, a Capitol-themed snow globe on Cafe Fresco, and the words “Merry Christmas” nested in ball ornaments on the side of BurgerYum.

Sydney Musser, social media and marketing specialist at the Downtown Improvement District, applauded Trainer for her creativity.

“It definitely adds a lot of holiday cheer downtown,” Musser said.

As she works, the artist takes input from business employees, customers, and sometimes passersby about what to put on the windows. For example, she said, the Christmas elves and snowflakes on the side of Bacco Pizzeria & Wine Bar were a request from the restaurant’s employees.

Xavier Cruz, general manager at Bacco, was impressed with how the images turned out and how quickly Trainer worked.

“As soon as I told her the idea, she ran out and started,” he said.

Likewise, Trainer painted Anna Rose Bakery & Coffee Shop per employee input with cats and cupcakes. According to owner Zach Madar, the window paintings have already been a big hit.

“That black cat on the top there was just a guy walking by, and he was like, ‘Hey, are you doing more cats? Could you add my cat?’” Madar explained.

He said Trainer also took input from a neighbor.

“The little cupcake houses were the kid next door’s idea,” Madar added. “She asked him what he’d want to see on the windows.”

Cats and cupcake window paintings on Anna Rose Bakery and Coffee Shop.

Trainer said she loves taking inspiration from people around the city like this and that talking to people passing by about the art has been very rewarding for her.

“I had an incredibly inspirational moment two days ago with a woman who told me that she had given up hope in life, and that the paintings brought her back to her childhood, and gave her hope again to try to do better,” Trainer said. “I was so touched by it.”

To learn more about Katie Trainer, visit her website.

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