7 things to do in December in southcentral Pa.
Get a jump on your holiday shopping with a selection of thousands of unique items Dec. 3 through 6 during Grandma's Holiday Craft Show in Red Lion. Head to York on Dec. 4 for Light Up Night, featuring a tree lighting ceremony, carol singalongs, food and more. "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" shows the true meaning of Christmas Dec. 4 through 20 at Dreamwrights, while Santa and his elves will visit train passengers every Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 12 through 27 at Steam Into History in New Freedom. The year goes out with a bang as the white rose drops at midnight Dec. 31, followed by a fireworks display in Continental Square in York.
Dec. 3
Grandma's Holiday Craft Show
More than 120 crafters and artisans will offer thousands of unique items from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 3 through 6 at the Red Lion Bed and Breakfast, 101 S. Franklin Street in Red Lion. The craft show is more than just shopping. It's an experience. It's a tradition. It's part of the community. The selection includes ornaments, pottery, soaps, baked goods, santas, snowmen and more. Admission is free. Going? Use hashtag #LUNyork when sharing on social media. For details, visit grandmasholidaycrafts.com.
Dec. 4
Light Up Night
Enjoy live entertainment, food, carol singalongs, lighting the tree and more from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 4 in multiple downtown York locations, including the Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center, Continental Square, Central Market, Christ Lutheran Church, and Martin Library. Light Up Night will also serve as a collection point for Toys for Tots and guests are asked to consider bringing a new unwrapped toy. For details, go to the York City Special Events Facebook page.
Dec. 10
Molly Ringwald Revisits the Club
Delight in a 30th anniversary screening of everyone’s favorite coming-of-age dramedy, The Breakfast Club, followed by an interactive discussion and Q&A with Molly Ringwald herself at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Pullo Center, 1031 Edgecomb Ave., Spring Garden Township. Detention has never been more fun, especially when one is getting the inside scoop from Molly Ringwald. Tickets are $10 and $45. For details, visit pullocenter.york.psu.edu.
Dec. 12
"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever"
Will the church or town survive when the orneriest kids in town, the Herdmans, unexpectedly show up at Sunday School and end up taking over the annual Christmas pageant? Laugh along and discover the true meaning of Christmas with select showtimes Dec. 4 through 20 at Dreamwrights Youth and Family Theatre, 100 Carlisle Ave. in York. Tickets are $10 and $14. Visit dreamwrights.org for details.
Dec. 19
Steam Into Christmas Past
Bring the kids to enjoy Steam Into Christmas Past every Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 12 through 27 at Steam Into History, 2 West Main St., New Freedom. While making the trip to Glen Rock (or is it the North Pole?) you’ll hear The Night Before Christmas. The train will make a stop in Glen Rock to pick up the man in the red suit! Heading back to New Freedom, Santa and his elves will visit with everyone and give out a gift to each child. Each ride is 1 hour. Visit steamintohistory.com for tickets and schedule.
Dec. 25
A Holiday Drive-Thru Spectacular
The spirit of the holidays will glow bright through Dec. 31 as visitors travel through Hershey Sweet Lights, between Route 39 and Sand Beach Road in Hershey. This winter wonderland features nearly 600 illuminated, animated displays that you can enjoy from the comfort of your car as you drive through two miles of wooded trails. For details and ticket information, visit hersheypark.com.
Dec. 31
New Year’s Revolution
With complimentary hats and noisemakers for youngsters, family-friendly entertainment, inflatables and more, ring in the new year beginning at 6 p.m. Dec. 31 with a Children's Countdown at Central Market, 34 W. Philadelphia St. in downtown York. Select vendors will be open with food and beverages for sale. At midnight, watch the white rose drop, followed by a fireworks display at Continental Square. Visit yorkcity.org for details.