Discover unique holiday gifts, apparel, toys, home décor and edible treats at the 2022 Pennsylvania Christmas & Gift Show hosted at the PA Farm Show Complex. Open from November 30 to December 4, this year’s show is home to hundreds of vendors and will feature a live entertainment stage packed with dance performances, local musicians, school bands and instrumental performances. After shopping, adults and kids alike will enjoy the 120-foot model train display and a walk through dozens of beautifully decorated Christmas trees in this year’s Christmas Tree Lane. Tickets are $9 and children 11 years and under get in for free. Be sure to search the interactive vendor list and view the performance schedules at https://www.pachristmasshow.com/show-features/stage-schedule.
Kid’s Only Holiday Shop at Fort Hunter
From December 3-18 at Fort Hunter’s Centennial Barn, kids 12 and under can enjoy an afternoon of shopping for their parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, all with the help of the Fort Hunter Elves. Gifts are all under $15 and parents are encouraged to share a small gift list with the elves. The Kid’s Only Holiday Shop is open Saturdays and Sundays from 12:30 to 4:30pm and at the end of their shopping trip, the elves will even help your youngsters wrap and tag their gifts.
For a full list of holiday events happening at Fort Hunter, be sure to visit their website!
The Elves & The Shoemaker
Save the date for the Popcorn Hat Players holiday children’s theatre from December 3 – 22. In this year’s production of The Elves & The Shoemaker, a trio of mischievous elves “help” a kind shoemaker try to save his shop. This comedic performance is fun for all ages and tickets are only $10.
A Christmas Carol
On Saturday, December 10th and Sunday, December 11th, bring the family to Harrisburg for the sixth annual Christmas at Italian Lake. This year’s celebration features a Christmas market full of unique gift ideas from local small businesses, horse-drawn sleigh rides for only $5, delicious food trucks, live musical performances and a tree lighting ceremony at 5pm on Saturday, all along the banks of beautiful Italian Lake in Uptown Harrisburg. Don’t miss photos with Santa and the Elves’ Workshop, where kids can enjoy Christmas crafts and a family-friendly holiday movie. The festivities begin at 11am on Saturday and noon on Sunday. All event proceeds benefit Bethesda Mission.
The Nutcracker Ballet
The Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet is delighted to present their annual production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts in downtown Harrisburg. This year’s performance will be held on December 11th and 12th with both performances scheduled for 2p.m. Orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony seats are available with tickets starting at only $25. Tickets for this annual tradition usually sell quickly, so be sure to reserve your seats early. (Link to YouTube: https://youtu.be/1XsycnnO924)
The Glenn Miller Orchestra
In the midst of all the hustle and bustle the holidays bring, the Whitaker Center has the perfect date night attraction for you and your special someone. On December 14th, The World-Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra will offer a special performance of timeless classics including “A String of Pearls,” “Tuxedo Junction” and “Moonlight Serenade.” Tickets start at $30 for this one-night-only performance and the show starts at 7p.m. Come early and grab dinner at one of Harrisburg’s delicious restaurants within walking distance, including the 1700 Degrees Steakhouse, Stock’s on Second, or Café Fresco.
