Escape to the Endless Mountains
Dec 13. Christmas in Dushore. Downtown Dushore, Dushore. dushore.com
Dec 13-14, 20-21. Santa Express. Behind Burger King, Williamsport. 570327-7700, visitlycomingcounty.com/
Dec 13. Foreigner. Journey Bank Community Art Center, Williamsport. 570326-2424, https://www.caclive.com/
Dec 20. Ugly Sweater Party. Grovedale Winery, Wyalusing. 570-746-1400, https://grovedalewinery.com
Dec 21. Winter Solstice Walk. Vosburg Neck State Park, Tunkhannock. 272-281-3266, https://pa.gov/vosburgneck-state-park
Dec 29-31. Holiday Camp. Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock. 570-836-1022, https://dietrichtheater.com
Dec 31. First Night Bradford. Historic Downtown Bradford, Bradford. https:// firstnightbradford.org/
JANUARY
Jan 1. First hike of the New Year. Black Moshannon State Park, Philipsburg. 814-342-5960, https://events. dcnr.pa.gov/black_moshannon_state_ park
Jan 9-11. Youth Winter Blast. 101 Roadeo Drive, Spring Creek. https://www.facebook.com/ events/1064961988570390
Jan 24. Marilla Winter Trek. West Washing Street, Bradford. https://tunavalleytrail.com/winter-trek/
Jan 24. Fun In the Snow at Black Mo. Black Moshannon State Park, Philipsburg. 814-342-5960, https://events. dcnr.pa.gov/black_moshannon_state_ park
Jan 29-Feb 8. Radiant Vermin. Alvina Krause Theatre, Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, Bloomsburg. 570-784-8181, https://www.bte.org/
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Jan 31. Winterfest. Marienville Civic Association, Marienville. 814758-7181, www.marienvilleareacivicassociation. com/marienville-2026-winterfest.html
FEBRUARY
Feb 1-28. Wellsboro Winter Weekends. Downtown Wellsboro, Wellsboro. 570-724-1926, wellsboropa.com/
Feb 7. Endless Mountains Winter Rifle Frolic. Black Walnut American Legion Post 510, Laceyville www.empo.us
Feb 7. Tusk: The Classic Fleetwood Mac Tribute. Journey Bank Community Art Center, Williamsport. 570-3262424, https://www.caclive.com/
Feb 11. Cirque Kalabanté Afrique en Cirque. Eisenhower Auditorium, University Park. https://cpa.psu.edu/ events/cirque-kalabant
Feb 13. PlayTasting: Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune. Alvina Krause Theatre, Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, Bloomsburg. www.bte.org
Feb 14. Winter Wine & Chocolate Walk. Downtown Dushore, Dushore. https://dushore.com
Feb 21. Bowdish Model Railroad & Miniatures Show. Jefferson County History Center, Brookville. https://Jchconline.org/events
Feb 26. Riverdance. Journey Bank Community Art Center, Williamsport. 570-326-2424, https://www.caclive. com/
Feb 27-Mar 1. Elk County Blizzard Fest. Ridgway, Ridgway. 814-5789200, https://www.facebook.com/ events/774134568545401
Feb 27. Elk County Blizzard Fest. Ridgeway, Ridgway. https://visitpago. com/events/elk-county-blizzard-fest/#
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ONGOING
Nov 14-16, 21-23, 28-30. Koziar’s Christmas Village. Koziar’s Christmas Village, Bernville. 610-488-1110, https:// koziarschristmasvillage.com
Nov 15-Dec 24. Christmas Trains At Strasburg Rail Road. Strasburg Rail Road, Strasburg. https://www.discoverlancaster.com/events/christmas-trainsat-strasburg-rail-road
Nov 20-Dec 30. Bright Nights. WellSpan Park, York. 717-801-4487, https:// yorkrevolution.com/
Nov 21-Dec 23. Illumination. Prima Theatre, Lancaster. primatheatre.org
Nov 22-Jan 8. Johnstown’s Animated Christmas Tree & Village. Peoples Natural Gas Park, Johnstown. 814-5365107, https://discoverjohnstown.org
Nov 28-Dec 30. Christmas Magic: A Festival of Lights. Rocky Ridge County Park, York. 717-840-7440, https://yorkcountypa.gov/1112/Christmas-Magic
Nov 28-29, Dec 5-6, Dec 12-13, Dec 19-20. Lights, Camera, Christmas Trolleys. Rockhill Trolley Museum, Rockhill Furnace. 814-447-9576, https:// rockhilltrolley.org/
Visit StoneGablesEstate.com for tickets & schedules NOVEMBER 22ND - JANUARY 3RD
Nov 28-30, Dec 5-7, Dec 12-14, Dec 19-21. Christmas in Coal Country. East Broad Top Railroad, Rockhill Furnace. 814-447-3295, eastbroadtop. com/events/christmas-coal-country/
Nov 29-Jan 11. 15th Annual Christmas Tree Tours. Warehime-Myers Mansion, Hanover. 717-632-3207, https://hanoverpahistory.org/
Nov 30. Gifts that Give Hope Lancaster Annual Gift Fair. Farm and Home Center, Lancaster. 717-201-9157, https://giftsthatgivehopelancaster.org/
Through Dec 21. Christmas in Perfect Harmony. The Barn at Paradise Station, Ronks. 717-687-5000, https://www. barnatparadisestation.com/events
DECEMBER
Dec 1-22. Santa Cabin. Downtown Hanover, Hanover. https://mainstreethanover.org/
Dec 1-19. Historic Woods-Brown Mansion Tours. The WoodsBrown Mansion, Huntington. https://www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=61577120380391
Dec 1-Jan 3. 8th Annual Christmas Lights Drive-Thru 2025. Brittany’s Hope, Elizabethtown. brittanyshope.org/events/ stone-gables-estate-drive-thru-lights/
Dec 2-30. Deck the Halls 2025 Christmas Show. American Music Theatre, Lancaster. https://amtshows.com
Dec 3-Jan 1. Shining Light Thro ugh the Darkness Christmas Light Display. Kish Park, Lewistown. https:// www.kishparkshininglight.org
Dec 3-23, 26-28. Holiday Lights At Gring’s Mill. Gring’s Mill Recreation Area, Wyomissing. countyofberks.com/parks
Dec 3-7. 2025 Pennsylvania Christmas + Gift Show. PA Farm Show Complex & Expo Center, Harrisburg. https:// www.pachristmasshow.com/
Dec 4-5. 2025 Festival Of Ice. Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau, Lewistown. https://jrvvisitors.com/festival-of-ice/
Dec 4-13. Lancaster County’s Christmas Tour. Shops throughout, Lancaster. 717-721-9409, www.bestkeptsecretstour.com
Dec 5-7. Holly Open House. Heartwood Nursery, Felton. heartwoodnursery.net
Dec 5-7. The Nutcracker. Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center, Johnstown. https://johnstownconcertballet.org
Dec 5-7. Dickens of a Christmas. Throughout, Ebensburg. 814-472-8780, https://ebensburgpa.com
Dec 5-21. Santa Express Train Rides. Northern Central Railway of York, New Freedom. 717-942-2370, https://www. northerncentralrailway.com
Dec 5-7. Holiday Wreath Building Workshop. Adams County Winery, Orrtanna. adamscountywinery.com
Dec 5. Cocoa Crawl 2025. Downtown Chambersburg, Chambersburg. explorefranklincountypa.com/event/cocoacrawl-2025-downtown-chambersburg/
Dec 5-6. Santa in the Cave. Lincoln Caverns & Whisper Rocks, Huntingdon. 814-643-0268, lincolncaverns.com
Dec 5-7. Reading Liederkranz Christkindlmarkt. Reading Liederkranz, Reading. 610-373-3982, https://readingliederkranz.com
Dec 5-6. GoggleWorks’ Handcrafted Holiday Market. GoggleWorks, Reading. https://goggleworks.org
Dec 5-7, 12-14. Terre Hill Christmas in the Park. Terre Hill Park, Terre Hill. 7174454581, terrehilldays.com
Dec 5. KU Presents! Lunasa. Schaeffer Auditorium, Kutztown. 610-683-4092, https://www.kutztownpresents.org/
Dec 6-21. Christmas City Express. Ma and Pa Railroad, Airville. 717-9279565, https://maandparailroad.com/
Dec 6-7. Flinchbaugh’s Christmas Market. Flinchbaugh’s Orchard & Farm Market, Hellam. flinchbaughsorchard.com
Dec 6. Pennsylvania Ballet Academy presents Nutcracker Sweets. The Pullo Center, York. 717-505-8900, https://pullocenter.york.psu.edu/
Dec 6. Miracle on 24th Street Makers Market. Camp Hill Borough, Camp Hill. www.visitcumberlandvalley.com/event/miracle-on-24th-street-makers-market/54596/
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Dec 6, Jan 3, Feb 7. Living The Experience. Bethel AME Church, Lancaster. https://www.discoverlancaster.com/ events/living-the-experience/
Dec 6. Christmas on the Farm. Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center, Kutztown. www.pagerman.org/
Dec 6. Chillin’ on Main. Downtown Boyertown, Boyertown. 610-369-3054, buildingabetterboyertown.org/
Dec 6. Christmas Bazaar. Middletown
First Church of God, Middletown. 717991-9239, middletowncog.org
Dec 6. Strasburg Heritage Society’s 14th annual Holiday Home Tour. Strasburg, Strasburg. https://strasburgheritagesociety.org/
Dec 7. A Homestead Holiday. Daniel Boone Homestead, Birdsboro. www.thedanielboonehomestead.org
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Embark on a journey through time, nature, and one of the most remarkable engineering feats of the early 19th century, the Pennsylvania Mainline Canal system. JuniataRiverCanalTour.com
toric District Christmas House Tour &-
Annual Christkindlmarkt. St. Paul’s United Church of Christ (Social Hall), Schaefferstown. historicschaefferstown.com
Dec 13. John Crist: Jokes for Humans Comedy Tour. 1st Summit Arena, Johnstown. 814-536-5156, https://1stsummitarena.com
Dec 13. The Nutcracker. Appell Center For The Performing Arts, York. 717846-1111, https://appellcenter.org/
Dec 13-21. Candy Cane Express!. Stewartstown Railroad Company, Stewartstown. stewartstownrailroadco.com
Dec 14, Feb 15. The Wizards of Winter. Eichelberger Performing Arts Center, Hanover. 717-637-7086, https:// theeich.org/
Dec 14. Celtic Christmas Show. High Fine Arts Center at Lancaster Mennonite School, Lancaster. www.palomaboosterclub.com/celtic-christmas-show-2025.html
Dec 17. Santa on Wood Painting. Needle in the Haystack, Big Cove Tannery. fultoncountypa.com/events/santa-onwood-painting-event/
Dec 18. Aaron Lewis & The Stateliners: American As It Gets Tour. 1st Summit Arena, Johnstown. 814-5365156, https://1stsummitarena.com
Dec 18. Line Dancing at the Huntingdon County Arts Center. Huntingdon County Arts Center, Huntingdon. https://huntingdoncountyarts.com
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START YOUR JOURNEY AT
Changes are underway as we transition to Open Road Tolling! Crews are hard at work upgrading our roadway to improve your experience. This progress requires construction to make it all happen. Expect to see toll booths being removed and new gantries installed. Slow down, stay aler t and keep our workers safe as we near the finish line.
SCAN HERE to learn more.
Dec 18. Winter Carnival. Lancaster REC, Lancaster. www.LancasterRec.org
Dec 19. Valencia Wonderland: A Holiday Music Experience. Valencia Ballroom, York. exploretock.com/valencia-ballroom
Dec 20. Ringing in the Holidays. Eichelberger Performing Arts Center, Hanover. 717-637-7086, theeich.org/
Dec 21. Christmas in the Air. Eichelberger Performing Arts Center, Hanover. 717-637-7086, www.theeich.org
Dec 31. Celebration Johnstown. Throughout, Johnstown. Find us on Facebook
JANUARY
Jan 3. Blacklight Adventures. Lincoln Caverns, Huntingdon. 814-643-0268, https://lincolncaverns.com/
Jan 9-Feb 7. Clue The Musical. Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, Lancaster. 717898-1900, https://dutchapple.com/
Jan 10-17. America- Celebrating 250 Years. Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center, Harrisburg. https://www.visithersheyharrisburg.org
Jan 10. 15th Polar Bear 5K Trail Run/ Hike. Lancaster County Central Park, Lancaster. lancastersierraclub.org/
Jan 24. The Trust Dance Festival. The Trust Performing Arts Center, Lancaster. https://lbc.vbotickets.com/event/the_ trust_dance_festival/170126
FEBRUARY
Feb 6-8. 58th Annual Home & Garden Show. York Expo Center, York. yorkbuilders.com/home-and-garden-show
Feb 14. Johnstown’s Got Talent. Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, Johnstown. https://www.johnstownsymphony.org/calendarofevents/johnstownsgot-talent
Feb 14. 2026 Winterfest. Downtown, Shippensburg. https://www.visitcumberlandvalley.com/event/2026-winterfest/54314/
Feb 14. Valentine’s with Romeo & Juliet. Santander Performing Arts Center, Reading. https://www.ticketmaster.com/reading-symphonyorchestra-valentines-with-romeoreading-pennsylvania-02-14-2026/ event/020062D2CA7990BF
Feb 26. Wizard Of Oz On Ice. H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center at Shippensburg University, Shippensburg. https://www.visitcumberlandvalley. com/event/wizard-of-oz-on-ice/54299/
The history of transportation in the United States runs straight through Pennsylvania. Long before modern tools and technology, engineers faced monumental challenges—none greater than the mountains that stood between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
To compete with New York’s successful Erie Canal, which connected the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes, Pennsylvania officials sought a way to link their two great cities.
In the 1820s, canals were the most efficient method for hauling freight, dramatically reducing transportation costs and consumer prices. A single canal barge could carry 30 tons of cargo, while a horse-drawn wagon managed only a fraction of a ton.
Engineers proposed the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal, designed to connect Philadelphia to Columbia (Lancaster County) by rail, then continue along the Susquehanna and Juniata Rivers to Hollidaysburg. From there, the Allegheny Portage Railroad would carry travelers and freight over the mountains to Johnstown, where canals again followed the Conemaugh, Kiskiminetas, and Allegheny Rivers to Pittsburgh. While the plan was ambitious, one stretch proved especially treacherous—the Lewistown Narrows, about ten miles south of Lewistown. Here, the Juniata River sliced through mountains that lined the river with sheer rock walls hundreds of feet high.
Construction through the Narrows was both dangerous and costly.
By 1826, engineers concluded the only option was to carve directly through solid rock. Facing immense hardship, workers—primarily Irish immigrants—completed the section between Perry County and Lewistown in 1830. Still, ice jams and flooding continued to plague the canal.
The cost, originally estimated at just under $600,000, the project ballooned to $2.5 million, straining the state treasury. Ongoing repairs and maintenance costs ultimately forced Pennsylvania to sell the Main Line to the Pennsylvania Railroad. Although the railroad initially invested in canal operations, it soon proved unprofitable, and the Juniata Division was shut down in the 1870s.
Despite its financial shortcomings, the Main Line Canal was pivotal in Pennsylvania’s transportation history. It spurred economic development across Central Pennsylvania, transforming once-undeveloped regions. Towns such as Lewistown, Hollidaysburg, and Huntingdon flourished along the route, and the Pennsylvania Railroad later used much of the canal’s path for its own main line.
Today, the legacy of the Juniata Division lives on as part of America’s 250th Anniversary Celebration. Beginning January 1, the Juniata River Canal Driving Tour will open to the public. Destination marketing organizations covering six counties—along with historical societies and nonprofits like the Allegheny Ridge Corporation— have joined forces to bring this heritage trail to life.
The 125-mile driving tour includes 13 stops, each offering a unique glimpse into the region’s canal era. Visitors can explore interpretive signage, hiking trails, historical landmarks, and art installations honoring the canal’s legacy. Some sites remain in ruins, so proper footwear is
recommended.
Beyond its historical appeal, the trail offers abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation— hiking, boating, fishing, and camping—along with museums, restaurants, and boutique shops in nearby towns.
Matt Price, founder of the Juniata River Paddlers and executive director of the Raystown Lake Region (Huntingdon County), spends many evenings with
Trail Map by Ryan Cherry
his fellow paddlers somewhere on the Juniata. “The scenery people will experience on this tour is remarkable,” he says. “It’s truly the stuff of world-famous paintings,” referencing Thomas Moran’s 1864 masterpiece, Juniata Evening.
historic displays, and Heritage Hikes led by the National Park Service bring the 19th century to life.
There are three stops in Huntingdon County, each highlighting the region’s canal history. To the west, Blair and Cambria Counties feature two canal sites each. At Canal Basin Park in Hollidaysburg, interactive exhibits,
In Cambria County, the towns of Gallitzin—home to the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site—and Portage, with its Portage Station Museum, tell the story of the settlers’ westward journey. The middle section of the trail features the Lewistown Narrows Canal Park in Mifflintown, where visitors can view Lock 13 and the Lockkeeper’s House. A half-mile walking trail follows the original towpath, offering a tangible link to the past.
The S.H. Rothermel Walking Trail at Victory Park in Lewistown runs 1.4 paved miles along the Juniata River, complete with scenic benches and photo-worthy views.
Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site
At nearby Waterside Campground, visitors can experience the canal by boat. The site is open to the public but operates on limited hours, so advanced planning is recommended. Instrumental in launching the driving trail, Jenny Barron Landis, executive director of the Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau remarked, “The fact that we have any of this left is a miracle,” she says. “The railroad was built right on top of it.” Depending on your route, the tour begins—or ends—in Duncannon, Perry County, at the confluence of the Susquehanna and Juniata Rivers. Once considered the “gateway to the West,” Duncannon is home to the
Clarks Ferry Tavern, built in 1789. The tavern served as a stagecoach stop, inn, post office, and Civil War recruiting office until the late 1840s. Today, restoration plans aim to transform it into a Welcome and Interpretive Center for modern travelers.
The area also attracts hikers, thanks to its access point to the Appalachian Trail and stunning views from Hawk Rock.
Canal Ruins at Lewistown Narrows Park
Mules on the Towpath pulling a Canal boat, Hollidaysburg
While history links towns along the scenic Juniata River Canal Driving Trail, families will also find countless opportunities to reconnect with nature and explore local attractions— from amusement parks to Raystown Lake. For those who prefer a car-free adventure, Amtrak has stops in some of the trail towns, making it easy to park and ride.
Paint-
Photos courtesy of the Juniata River Canal Driving Tour
Title Page Painting : The Lewistown Narrows in 1840, by Harrison Frerich (1955). Depicts the Canal Park in Mifflintown
For more information on the Juniata River Canal Driving Trail visit juniatarivercanaltour.com
Links to information on things to do and places to stay can be found by linking the QR code to the right.
Left:
ing, depicting Clarks Ferry Tavern in 1810 by Scotty Brown Below: 1888 photo of the original Clarks Ferry Bridge spanning the Susquehanna River
ONGOING
Through Dec 13 (Second Saturday of the Month). Historic Nazareth Walking Tour. Whitefield House, Nazareth. www.moravianhistory.org/walking-tour
Through Dec 27. Ghosts and Graveyards Tour. Jim Thorpe Trolley Company, Jim Thorpe. https://jimthorpetrolley. com/ghosts-and-graveyards-tour/
Through Jan 9. The Doan Gang: Outlaws of the Revolution. Mercer Museum, Doylestown. https://www.mercermuseum.org/future-exhibits/
Nov 29-Dec 24. Festival of Trees at Christmas Village in Philadelphia. City Hall and LOVE Park, Philadelphia. https://www.philachristmas.com/
Nov 29-Dec 21. Santa on the Trolley Rides. Electric City Trolley Museum, Scranton. https://www.ectma.org/
Nov 30. Christkind Ceremony and Pyramid Lighting at Christmas Village in Philadelphia. City Hall and LOVE Park, Philadelphia. www.philachristmas.com
DECEMBER
Dec 4, 11, 18. Thirsty Thursdays Spirits Tastings. City Hall and LOVE Park, Philadelphia. www.philachristmas.com
Dec 4. Wreath Decorating Workshop III & IV. Floral and Hardy of Skippack, Skippack. https://shop.floralandhardyofskippack.com/events
Dec 4-5. Ryan Pelton - An Elvis Christmas Lunch Show. Penn’s Peak, Jim Thorpe. https://www.pennspeak. com/events/2024-12-04-ryan-peltonelvis-christmas-show
Dec 5. Brandywine Battlefield Tours. Brandywine Battlefield Park, Chadds Ford. www.brandywinebattlefield.org
Dec 5-6. La Fiesta Di Natale Holiday Market. Middle Tomato Festival Lot, Pittston. https://www.facebook.com/ events/834993248702921
Dec 5-7. Lackawanna Winter Market. Lackawanna County Courthouse, Scranton. https://www.facebook.com/ Lackawannamarkets
Dec 5-7. The Addams Family. St. John’s UCC, Emmaus. 484-809-9228, https://www.staroftheday.org/
Dec 6-7. Family Weekend at Christmas Village in Philadelphia. City Hall and LOVE Park, Philadelphia. https:// www.philachristmas.com/
Dec 6. America’s Oldest Christmas Tree Lighting. Perkasie Recreation, Perkasie. https://perkasiepa.myrec. com/info/activities/program_details. aspx?ProgramID=30151
Dec 6. Historic Sugartown Holiday Craft Market. Historic Sugartown, Malvern. 610-640-2667, https://historicsugartown.org
Dec 6. Where Do The Animals Go When It Snows?. Delaware Highlands Conservancy, Beach Lake. https://delawarehighlands.org/events/animalssnow/
Dec 6. Jessica Lynn’s A Very Merry Classic Christmas. Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg. https://shermantheater. com/event/jessica-lynns-a-very-merryclassic-christmas/sherman-theater/
Dec 6. Freeland Marketplace. Freeland Marketplace, Freeland. https:// bestfarmersmarkets.org/place/freeland-marketplace-freeland-pa.html
Dec 6, Jan 3, Feb 7. First Friday Scranton. Downtown Scranton, Scranton. https://firstfridayscranton.com
Dec 7. Keystone College Performance Music Winter Holiday Concert. Keystone College, Theatre in Brooks, La Plume. 570-945-8599, https://keystone.edu/music
Dec 12. Girls Night Out. Pike County Chamber of Commerce, Milford. https://www.milfordpa.us/event-details/girls-night-out-2
Dec 12-14. Starkids’ VHS Christmas Carol. Between the Lines Studio Theatre, Allentown. 484-809-9228, https:// www.staroftheday.org/
Dec 13-14. German American Weekend at Christmas Village in Philadelphia. City Hall and LOVE Park, Philadelphia. https://www.philachristmas.com/
Dec 13. Winter Ecology Hike. Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry. https://www.peec.org/ event/winter-ecology-hike-2/
Dec 13. Nurture and Nourish: Caroling and Cow Birthday Bash. Indraloka Animal Sanctuary, Dalton. https://indraloka.org/event/
Dec 16. Reindeer Games. F.M Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, WilkesBarre. https://kirbycenter.org/show/ reindeer-games/
Eastern events continue on pg 34
By Wendy Royal
There’s nothing quite like strolling through a picturesque town on a crisp winter day, light snow falling, and shops decked out in their Christmas finery.
It might sound like I’m envisioning a scene from a Hallmark movie, but in the small town of Narberth, it’s a Dickensian experience—complete with Ebenezer Scrooge.
That vision came to life in 2006 when a local business owner wanted visitors to experience the magic of the holidays in Narberth. The town hired local musicians to play on the street corner on Saturdays in December—a small start that eventually grew into the beloved Narberth Dickens Festival.
Thousands now attend the annual event, which will be held this year on
Sunday, December 7 from noon to 4 p.m. Each December, the Montgomery County town transforms into 1840s London, complete with Scrooge, Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit, and other characters from Charles Dickens’ classic novel. Rick Nichols, a former food columnist for the Philadelphia
Inquirer, portrayed Scrooge for many years before passing the role to Pat Daily, a past president of the Narberth Business Association and a key figure
behind the festival’s success.
The 2025 festival promises a variety of entertainment, including the Men of Harmony, a Dickens-style caroling
troupe, the Kingsessing Morris Men, stilt walkers, a Punch and Judy puppet show, and much more. Vendors will sell period-appropriate goods and street food, adding to the immersive experience.
Younger attendees are always a focus of the festival, with performances, crafts, and activities—like the Dickens-themed Scavenger Hunt—designed to ensure there’s something for every age. Local restaurants also embrace the Dickens spirit, offering seasonal specialties such as fish ‘n’ chips and shepherd’s pie.
Each year newsboys (and girls) deliver the hot-off-the-presses, London Fish Wrapper to attendees at the event. The paper has all the information you need to know about the festival. Readers will also enjoy funny stories based on real
for the currency exchange booths, to exhange cash for shillings and shillings for cash.
Thanks to the Narberth Business Association, the festival has become a beloved tradition. So, leave your bahhumbugs at home and step into a holiday experience straight out of 1840s London—right in southeastern Pennsylvania.
For more information visit narberthonline.com/dickens-festival • photos courtesy of Narberth Business Association events from the 1840s.
Not only does the festival have its own newspaper, the Dickens Festival has its own currency. Gold and bronze Narberth Shillings are worth $5 on festival day. Many vendors and town merchants will accept them as cash that day. Look
Dec 19. Ugly Sweater Contest at Christmas Village in Philadelphia. City Hall and LOVE Park, Philadelphia. https://www.philachristmas.com/
Dec 19. Museum Time for Minis. Pottsgrove Manor, Pottstown. https:// www.montgomerycountypa.gov/930/ Pottsgrove-Manor
Dec 20. Self-Care Saturday: Winter Solstice Meditation Walk. Indraloka Animal Sanctuary, Dalton. 570-7632908, https://indraloka.org
Dec 20. An American Celtic Christmas. The Keswick Theatre, Glenside. https://www.keswicktheatre.com/ events/detail/1137028
Dec 21. Book Swap. Abide Coffeehouse, Wilkes Barre. Find us on Facebook
JANUARY
Jan 1. Mummers Day Parade. Independence Visitor Center Corporation, Philadelphia. https://www.phlvisitorcenter.com/Mummers
Jan 3. Brandywine Battlefield Tours. Brandywine Battlefield Park, Chadds Ford. https://www.brandywinebattlefield.org
Jan 14-18. MJ The Illusion. Bristol Riverside Theatre, Bristol. https://brtstage. org/shows/mj-the-illusion/
Jan 15-18. Philadelphia Area Gaming Expo. Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks. https://tabletop.events/ conventions/philadelphia-area-gaming-expo-page-3
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Jan 17. Poconos Punk Rock Flea Market. Sherman Theatre, Stroudsburg. https://shermantheater.com/event/ poconos-punk-rock-flea-market-3/sherman-theater/
Jan 24. Pocono Winter BeerFest 2026. Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg. shermantheater.com/upcoming/
Jan 24. Winter Wine Under the Waves. Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den, Scranton. https://electriccityaquarium.com/event/winter-wine-under-the-waves-2026/
Jan 31. Tobyhanna Ice Harvest. Coolbaugh Township Historical Association, Toybhanna. https://www.facebook. com/millpondiceharvest/
FEBRUARY
Feb 3-22. The Net Will Appear. Bristol Riverside Theatre, Bristol. https:// brtstage.org/shows/the-net-will-appear/
Feb 14-15. Annual Jim Thorpe WinterFest. Route 209, Jim Thorpe. https://www.poconomountains.com/ jim-thorpe/christmas-winter/
Feb 25. The Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour. Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre. https:// www.moheganarenapa.com/event/theharlem-globetrotters-100-year-tour/ tm_vv1aezkgkgkdpoeb6/
Feb 27-Mar 1. Zolocon 2026. Expo Center, King Of Prussia. https://zolocon.com
ONGOING
Through Dec 20. Christmas & Holiday Light Themed Weekends. The Property at Nova Destinations, Pulaski. https://events.nova.wine/event/christmas--holiday-light-themed-weekends
Nov 22-Dec 20. First Commonwealth Bank “It’s A Wonderful Life“ Festival. Saturdays. Downtown Indiana, Indiana. 724-388-9540, https://www.visitindianacountypa.org/iawl/
Nov 28-Dec 21. Country Christmas at Port Farms. Port Farms, Waterford. 814-796-4500, https://portfarms.com/ events/country-christmas/
Nov 28-Dec 28. Hardy’s Holiday Village. Nemacolin, Farmington. https:// www.golaurelhighlands.com/event/ hardy-holiday-village/48478/
Nov 28-30. Family Fun Weekend at Mytrysak Family Tree Farm. Mytrysak Family Tree Farm, Indiana. 724-4630570, https://mytrysakfamilytrees.com/
Nov 29-30, Dec 5-7, 12-14, 17-22, 26-30. Enchanted Lights: A Magical Holiday Stroll. Three Rivers Paintball, Freedom. 724-775-6232, enchantedlightspittsburgh.com/
Just 30 minutes northwest Just 30 minutes northwest of Pittsburgh, PA! of Pittsburgh, PA!
Nov 29-Dec 7. Santa Trains. Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad, Titusville. octrr.org
Nov 30. Holiday Open House & Marketplace. Thistlethwaite Vineyards, Jefferson. https://www.facebook.com/ thistlethwaite.vineyards
DECEMBER
Bundle up, pack the car, & escape to Beaver County, PA for a winter getaway. Stay, dine, and experience unique attractions, transformed spaces, and picture-perfect outdoor adventures.
Dec 1. Scherenschnitte Christmas. Indiana Free Library, Indiana. 724-4658841, https://indianafreelibrary.org
Dec 1-Jan 4. "It’s a Wonderful Life‚" Jimmy Stewart Museum, Indiana. 724349-6112, https://jimmy.org/
Dec 3-7. Country Christmas at Port Farms. Port Farms, Waterford. https://www.visiterie.com/events/ event/12/03/2025/country-christmas-atport-farms
Dec 4. Access For All | Free Admission At The Erie Art Museum. Erie Art Museum, Erie. www.erieartmuseum.org
Dec 4-6. 2025 Holiday Mart. The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg. golaurelhighlands. com/event/2025-holiday-mart/47529/
Dec 4. Miracle On Main Street. Main Street, Zelienople. Fnd us on facebook
Dec 5. Downtown d’lights. Perry Square - Downtown Erie, Erie. 814-4553743, https://www.eriedowntown.com/
Dec 5. Homer City Lite-Up Night. Downtown Homer City, Homer City. 724-388-1327, www.homercity.com/
Dec 5. Comedian Rodney Norman. The Indiana Theater, Indiana. https:// theindianatheater.org
