November: Savor the Bounty of the Season
It’s November and the calendar is filled with food-related events that allow you to enjoy the waning fall season, support your community and welcome the holidays.
International Food Tour
November
Downtown Lancaster
Through this walking tour you’ll meet Lancaster chefs who hail from around the globe and hear their stories of coming to the U.S. Sample the cuisine that has made Lancaster a foodie destination. (Allergies and dietary requests including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free can be accommodated.) Available Fri. & Sat. in November. Times vary. Hosted by Unique Lancaster Experiences, tours leave from the Welcome Center on Penn Square. Information: Experiencelancasterpa.com
Christmas Trains at Strasburg Railroad
November
Strasburg Railroad
The Strasburg Railroad ushers in the holiday season with an array of themed trains, including Santa’s Express Dining Car (you’ll travel aboard the Lee E. Brenner Dining Car and enjoy lunch fare and a visit from Santa; November dates are 16, 17, 23, 24, 29 and 30 with a variety of times). A Santa’s Paradise Express Brunch will be offered November 29 at 10:30 a.m. 301 Gap Rd., Strasburg. Information:Strasburgrailroad.com
Zest Cooking School
November
Zest!
In the words of Julia Child, everyone should learn how to cook and in the process, try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless, and above all, have fun. The professional instructors who lead the classes at Zest! aim to have you do all of the above whether you’re a novice or a seasoned cook. Most classes begin at 6 p.m. or as otherwise noted. 1180 Erbs Quarry Rd., Lititz. Information: Zestchef.com.
- November 5: French Macarons: Holiday Flavors with Chef Hannah
- November 6: Eclairs and Pastry Creams with Chef Stephanie
- November 9: Kids and Teen Brunch with Gwen Eberly (10 a.m.)
- November 13: Cozy Autumn Dinner with chef Joe Hall
- November 14: Date Night: Charcuterie Board Building with Chef Hannah
- November 15: Flaky Butter Crust: Pie Workshop with chef Helen Chudakova-Sanya (4 p.m.)
- November 16: Holiday Brunch with Cat Alwine (11 a.m.)
- November 19: Tacos and Arepas From Scratch with chef Helen Chudakova-Sanya
- November 21: Parent/Grandparent and Child: Comfort Food with Gwen Eberly (4:30 p.m.)
- November 22: Holiday Leftover Delights with Cat Alwine
- November 26: Kids and Teens: Cooking Fall Dinner with Gwen Eberly (4:30 p.m.)
- November 27: Farm to Table Thanksgiving Sides: Make and Take with chef Helen Chudakova-Sanya (5 p.m.)
- November 30: Parent and Child: Fresh Gingerbread House Workshop with chef Linda Leeking (10 a.m.)
Wine & Cheese Train
November 8, 9, 10
Strasburg Rail Road
Enjoy a tasting of select wine (from Waltz Vineyards), cheese and crackers as you travel in style down the tracks to Paradise and back. (Beer and select non-alcoholic beverages are also available for purchase upon request.) The excursion makes for a special date night, a fun girls’ night out or a unique outing with friends. Times vary. 301 Gap Rd., Ronks. Information: Strasburgrailroad.com
Amish Farmhouse Experience
November 1-23
Old Windmill Farm
Experience fall in an Amish kitchen, where you’ll make cider (using farm-fresh apples) and butter (using milk from the farm’s cows) and bake bread (dough is pre-made). You’ll also learn about Amish culture and enjoy a chat around the family table. Thur. & Fri., 1 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m. Information: Reservations required, visit Oldwindmillfarm.com.
The Christmas Candy Caper
November 1-December 28
Bird-in-Hand Stage
Two men attempt to steal Sadie Graber’s coveted candy recipe but end up kidnapping her instead. Their ransom demands are ignored, as the community passes them off as one of Sadie’s many pranks. The situation leads to serious and enlightening conversations between Sadie and the kidnappers. Lunch or dinner available before the show. Dates/times vary. 3063 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise. Information: Bird-in-hand.com
Walk-A-Bout Brewery Tour
November 9, 16, 23, 30
Lancaster City
Presented by Brewery Tours, LLC, this tour takes attendees to three breweries in the city, through which you’ll enjoy a guided tasting tour of 12 craft beers, meet the brew masters, experience behind-the-scenes access and hear local and historical anecdotes. Must be 21+. Advanced reservations needed. 12 p.m. Information: Ultimatecraftbeerexperience.com.
Land, Air and Sea Chef’s Table
November 7
Proof of Lancaster
Celebrate the bounty of the season with a curated selection of dishes and wine pairings from the land, air and sea. Dinner will consist of five courses created by Proof’s chef. Wine pairings will be chosen exclusively for this dining experience. Each course and pairing is thoughtfully crafted to evoke the essence of the season, with a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that reflect the changing landscape. This Chef’s Table, which is limited to 12 guests, is not just a meal, but a celebration of nature’s artistry, bringing together the best of land, air, and sea in a symphony of flavors. 6:30 p.m. 30 N. Queen St. Information: Prooflancaster.com
Silent Samaritan Luncheon
November 8
Inn at Leola Village
Empowering women is the goal of the Silent Samaritans. As part of the Samaritan Center, which offers counseling, business consulting and other services, the Silent Samaritans hosts a fundraising luncheon each year; proceeds are used to provide financial support to women who are seeking counseling through the Samaritan Center but find the cost is beyond their means. This year’s keynote speaker will be Marsha Curry-Nixon, the founder and executive director of Amiracle4sure, Inc., a ministry that is focused on renewing, refreshing and restoring life to individuals who have been impacted by negative experiences. 38 Deborah Dr., Leola. 11:30 a.m. Information: samaritanlancaster.org
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
November 8-January 5
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
Based on the beloved movie of the same name, the show sees military veterans turned song-and-dance men, Bob and Phil, meet a sister duo and follow them to a Vermont inn. To their surprise, they discover the inn is owned by their old Army general who has fallen on hard times. The foursome decide to put on a show in an effort to save the inn. The production features favorites songs such as Blue Skies, Sisters, Happy Holidays and White Christmas. Lunch and dinner buffets served with the exception of Thursday, when table service is provided. Times vary. 510 Centerville Rd., Lancaster. Information: Dutchapple.com
Taste of Bird-in-Hand
November 9
Artisan Village
The tasting event will showcase food products that are made in Bird-in-Hand and are inspired by traditional and family recipes. Meet local purveyors and find the perfect gifts for the foodies on your shopping list. 1-5 p.m. 2705 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand. Information: Bird-in-hand.com
Marquis de Lafayette in York
November 14
John Wright Restaurant
The event will include guest speaker, Joshua Neiderhiser, who will greet members of the American Friends of Lafayette and acquaint nonmembers with the organization whose goal is to foster and promote the bonds that exist between the United States and France due to Lafayette’s support of the American Revolution. A silent auction will be held and the multi-course dinner will feature dishes such as salt cod fricassee. 6 p.m. 234 N. Front St., Wrightsville. Information: Jwpa.com
Maker’s Mark Barrel Dinner
November 21
John Wright Restaurant
The 3-course dinner will feature drink pairings made with Maker’s Mark, as well as a neat pour to end the meal. Plus, all guests will leave with a gift bottle. 6:30 p.m. 234 N. Front St., Wrightsville. Information: jwpa.com
Holiday Flavors Tasting Tour
November 29
Kitchen Kettle Village
Kitchen Kettle Village ushers in the holiday season with a tree lighting, live music, holiday shopping and lots of sampling. The passport to your culinary adventure takes you to participating foodie locations and shops in the Village, where you’ll enjoy generous samples and personalized service, as well as bites of history about the Village. 4-7 p.m. 3529 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse. (The tour incurs a cost to participate.) Information: Kitchenkettle.com
Tree Lightings
November 29
Lancaster
Mayor Sorace will light the tree in Penn Square, signaling the start of the holiday season in Lancaster. Santa will also be on hand, as will live entertainment. Central Market will be open late that evening (5-8 p.m.) with select standholders offering warm beverages and yummy treats. Festivities start at 5 p.m. Penn Square, Lancaster. Information: Visitlancastercity.com
Ephrata
Walk down Main Street at Christmas time and you’ll feel as if you’ve landed on the set of a Hallmark movie (actually, drone shots of Ephrata have appeared in several of the network’s movies). Ephrata’s tree lighting is an extravaganza that also includes the arrival of Santa (who will be at Whistlestop Plaza on Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 21) and an appearance by the Belsnickel (according to German folklore, he visited homes ahead of Christmas to check on the behavior of children). Santa’s Big Book (an Ephrata tradition) will also be hand for kids to sign. Food trucks and entertainment will also be on hand. Main 5-8 p.m. Main St., Ephrata. Information: Mainspringofephrata.org
Small Business Saturday
November 30
Founded by American Express in 2010 and cosponsored by the Small Business Administration (SBA) since 2011, Small Business Saturday encourages consumers to patronize locally owned shops, businesses and restaurants on the all-important Saturday after Thanksgiving. The groundswell of support saw millions of such businesses across the country benefit from an estimated $17 billion in consumer spending in 2023. In Lancaster County, towns and small businesses (pictured is Gallery Grow in Downtown Lancaster) are preparing fun promotions and events to get feet in the street for Small Business Saturday. Be sure to “think small” and patronize your favorite locally owned shop, business or restaurant on Saturday, November 30.
