layouts running model trains from the 1920s to modern versions. There will also be several Marx toys displayed.
Country Christmas at Port Farms
When: Weekends, November 28 through December 21 Where: 2055 Stone Quarry Road, Waterford For more info: portfarms. com
Find the perfect Christmas tree or take a horse-drawn sleigh or carriage ride at Port Farms! There will also be children’ s activities, cocktails for guests 21 +, live music, and Santa Claus.
Downtown D’ Lights
When: December 5 Where: Perry Square, State Street, Erie For more info: eriedowntown. com / events
Downtown Erie comes alive with lights and much more for the holiday season!
Holidays in the Village
When: December 6 & 7, 13 & 14 Where: 4888 North Broadway, Geneva-onthe-Lake, OH For more info: visitgenevaonthelake. com / event / holidays-in-the-village
Enjoy this small-town Christmas tradition. Retail locations, restaurants, and bars will be decorated for the season and offering specials. Santa will be there, of course. The Cookie Walk will also return.
Presque Isle Lights
When: December 5 – 28( Friday through Sunday) Where: Presque Isle State Park, 1 Peninsula Drive, Erie For more info: discoverpi. com
Visitors can take a self-guided evening driving tour of seasonal lights along the 13-mile park loop.
Winter Wonderland at Asbury Woods
When: December 1 – 31( Thursday through Sunday, except Christmas Day) Where: 4105 Asbury Road, Erie For more info: asburywoods. org
The boardwalk adjacent to the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center at Asbury Woods will be lit up for the community to enjoy a peaceful evening stroll. Holiday lights will twinkle in the woods and wetlands. Stop inside the nature center to view the animal exhibits and browse holiday items for sale in the gift shop, which features products from local artisans. This event is free; donations will be accepted but not required.
HOLIDAY FESTIVALS AND FUN
Barber Christmas Ball
When: December 13 Where: Bayfront Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Pier, Erie For more info: barberinstitute. org A holiday tradition for more than 60 years, the Barber Christmas Ball is a festive gala that benefits the mission of the Barber National Institute. The event features live music, delicious food, dancing, and spectacular decorations in a beautiful setting on Erie’ s bayfront. Ring in the holiday season with friends and family for a great cause.
Fezziwig’ s Christmas Dinner
When: December 13 & 14 Where: Baldwin-Reynolds House Museum, 639 Terrace Street, Meadville For more info: baldwinreynolds. org
The Baldwin-Reynolds House Museum at Mount Hope invites you to this annual Charles Dickens themed Christmas party! Scrooge and his old friends from the beloved Christmas classic come to life as attendees enjoy a glass of wine and a delightful meal in the atmosphere of a bygone era.
Santa Train Ride
When: November 29 & 30 and December 6 & 7 Where: Perry Street Station, 409 Perry Street, Titusville For more info: octrr. org
Sing along with local Christmas carolers, snap pictures of the kids with Santa, and enjoy some hot chocolate and cookies on the Santa Train Ride. Small gifts will be given to children 12 and under.
SEASONAL SHOWS
‘ Christmas Memories’ Holiday Family Musical
When: December 6 & 7, 13 & 14, 20 & 21 Where: Erie Station Dinner Theatre, 4940 Peach Street, Erie For more info: canterburyfeast. com
Start your holiday season off right with this heartwarming musical in which the true meaning of Christmas is always celebrated. Join the Holiday Harmony Singers in their 35th annual show, which is sure to get even“ Scrooges” in the holiday spirit.
Come Home for the Holidays, Presented by Erie Philharmonic
When: December 6 & 7 Where: Warner Theatre, 811 State Street, Erie For more info: eriephil. org
An annual holiday tradition, celebrate the joy of the season with the Philharmonic along with special guests, the Philharmonic Choruses, and ballet dancers.
Erie Contemporary Ballet Theatre Presents‘ The Nutcracker’
When: November 29 & 30 Where: Mercyhurst University Performing Arts Center, 501 East 38th Street, Erie For more info: eriecbt. org
Join Erie Contemporary Ballet Theatre dancers as they perform with a live orchestra to present the holiday classic. This family-friendly performance will feature iconic music, stunning costumes, spectacular backdrops, and exquisite dancing set in magnificent scenes.
‘ Frozen,’ the Musical
When: December 5 through January 4( Check the website for specific dates.) Where: Erie Playhouse, 13 West 10th Street, Erie For more info: erieplayhouse. org
“ Frozen,” the musical, is a jaw-dropping production that will melt the hearts of people of all ages with its extravagant beauty, iconic music, and hilarious fun.
Handel’ s Messiah
When: December 13 Where: First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 250 West 7th Street, Erie For more info: eriephil. org
Composed nearly 300 years ago, Handel’ s career-defining oratorio remains one of the most popular pieces in the classical canon and an unequaled tribute to the holidays that sets pulses racing each year. Experience the magic led by Thomas Brooks.
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