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Get ready for the holidays at November #FFYork


Get a jump on your holiday shopping in downtown York on First Friday.

From 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, participating shops and restaurants will offer special deals and discounts to celebrate downtown York’s Holiday Open House.

While you’re shopping downtown, don’t forget to check out some of the fun holiday activities planned at participating locations.

Here are a few of the highlights you won’t want to miss.

Warm up with a free cup of coffee

Need a cup of coffee to get you to 9 p.m.? Make i-ron-ic, 256 W. Philadelphia St., your first stop. The art gallery and thrift shop will open its new Espresso Coffee Bar serving cappuccinos and lattes and will offer a free hot beverage to its first 50 customers. i-ron-ic will also show works from more than 30 local artists.

Create holiday art

Learn to make a seasonal canvas with the help of New Freedom Art at Richard R. Reilly’s office, 54 N. Duke St. Then, while your canvas dries, pass the time by munching on snacks, playing games or posing in a photo booth.

Meet Pennsylvania’s First Lady

Pennsylvania’s First Lady Frances Donnelly Wolf will exhibit her recent works and meet with visitors at the Pennsylvania Arts Experience, 37 W. Philadelphia St., from 6-8 p.m.

Get a work out

Stop by the WellSpan Health booth on Beaver Street to meet with WellFit instructors from WellSpan Rehabilitation and learn home workouts that will help keep you active this holiday season. WellSpan Health will also host a contest for a free month of WellFit, a medically supported and guided exercise program for individuals in good health or with unique medical needs.

Stuff the Truck

The York Rescue Mission is hoping to raise 225,000 pounds of food this fall, but it needs your help. Bring a few non-perishable food items downtown to fill the York Rescue Mission's tractor trailer, and you’ll receive a coupon for 10 percent off at select First Friday vendors. And, if you can guess the total weight of the food raised during the Stuff the Truck event, you could win a $100 gift certificate to the York Economy Store.

Walk A Mile In Her Shoes

As you’re walking downtown, watch out for men in heels. Those who think they have what it takes to "walk a mile in her shoes" are invited to join YWCA York in its annual walk around downtown York to raise awareness of domestic violence. Interested participants — both men and women of all ages are welcome — should come to LSC Design, 320 N. George St., wearing a pair of pumps, wedges or even fashionable flats for registration between 4 and 5 p.m. The walk starts at 5:30 p.m.  After the walk, enjoy live entertainment, food and drinks at the Kick Off Your Heels After Party from 6-9 p.m.  For more information and to register, visit ywcayork.org/walkamile.

Have a beer

The following locations will offer beer samples from The Beer Ace:

Hive Artspace (126 E. King St.)

DiDi and Smiling John’s Barber Shop (119 S. Duke St.)

Redeux (113 S. Duke St.)

56 Urban Provisions (56 S. Duke St.)

Baron Von Schwein (35 W. Market St.)

The Parliament (116 E. King St.)

The following locations will offer beer samples from Brewery Products:

DiCarlo’s Pizza (24 N. George St.)

Healthy World Café (24 S. George St.)

Nuts About Granola (46 W. Philadelphia St.)

White Rose Bar & Grill (48 N. Beaver St.)

BrewVino (251 N. George St.)

Holy Hound Taproom (57 W. Market St.)

Historic York Inn (30 S. Beaver St.)

If you go

What: First Friday (Holiday Open House)

When: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6

Where: Participating locations in downtown York

Parking: Street parking and the Market Street, Philadelphia Street and King Street garages are free after 5 p.m.

Street closures: North Beaver Street from Market to Philadelphia streets and King Street from Duke to Howard streets will be closed from 4:30-9 p.m.

More information: Visit downtownyorkpa.com for a complete list of First Friday events.