November’s calendar is filled with activities that allow you to enjoy the waning fall season, support your community and welcome the holidays. December events will be posted online later in November.

LCM and Facebook photos

Community Events/Benefits

Silent Samaritan Luncheon  

November 6 

Eden Resort & Suites 

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; this year marks the 31st anniversary of the event. 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 program, Voices of Hope and Strength, Every Woman’s Story, will include Dara Hager (therapist for youth), Michelle Rybner (director of Clare House) and Brandy Griffiths (resident therapist for Clare House). 11:30 a.m. 222 Eden Rd., Lancaster. Information: Samaritanlancaster.org  

Greek Bazaar

November 7 & 8  

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church  

Back for its 67th year, the Greek Bazaar offers Dine-in or Take-out options. Online ordering also is available. The famous dinner platter is comprised of chicken with tomato sauce, Pastitsio, Spanakopita, Greek salad and a roll. Al la carte is also offered. A pastry tent will be filled with all sorts of Greek specialties. A Gourmet Room will offer frozen food. Tours of the church will be available. Enjoy folk dancing and more. A portion of the proceeds benefits local charities. Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 64 Hershey Ave., Lancaster. Information: Annunciationorthodox.org 

Historic Rock Ford’s Annual Fall Dinner  

November 12  

Pepper Theo Café  

Historic Rock Ford is planning an evening filled with exceptional food, music, history and conversation. The culinary portion will see each course offer a modern interpretation of 18th century flavors, accompanied by stories that connect the evening to the people and history of Rock Ford. The guide for the event will be Joshua William Green, a local actor and vocalist who will bring his warmth, humor and musical talents to this special night! 5:30 p.m. 555 W. James St. (Lancaster Theological Seminary), Lancaster. Ticket Information: Historicrockford.org  

ExtraGive

November 20 

Lancaster County 

During this 24-hour fundraiser, thousands of community members will be making online donations to more than 400 local organizations that directly impact the quality of life in Lancaster County (and beyond). Launched in 2012 by the Lancaster County Community Foundation, the ExtraGive is considered to be Lancaster County’s biggest day of giving. Since 2012, 40,000 donors have raised over $120 million for more than 500 organizations. Donations per capita in Lancaster County are among the most generous in the nation, and the Foundation credits the dedication of participating organizations, members of the community, and sponsors that help stretch every dollar that is donated as the reason for its success. A festive countdown party is held at the Lancaster County Convention Center (8 p.m.-midnight/25 S. Queen St., Lancaster). Many participating organizations will be hosting their own fundraisers and celebrations throughout the day; details can be found on the website. Information: ExtraGive.org 

Small Business Saturday

November 28 

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 $24 billion in consumer spending in 2025. In Lancaster County, towns and small businesses 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 28.

Theatre

Holly Jolly Jukebox

November-January  

Magic & Wonder Theater  

Gather around the yuletide jukebox, as Magic & Wonder puts the “rock” around your Christmas tree! Get ready to tap your toes, clap your hands, and dance down the aisles to the greatest rock- and-roll renditions of all your favorite holiday tunes. This high-energy song-and-dance review is sure to put everyone in the holiday spirit. Show runs November 3-December 19. Enjoy a holiday-themed buffet lunch or dinner before the show. Days/times vary.  

Also taking the stage November through January 2, is Winter Wonderland, a one-of-a-kind Christmas show that fuses the fun and wonderment of the season with comedy, dynamic circus arts and grand illusions. Days/times vary. 3065 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise. Information: Magicandwondershow.com  

The Christmas Rush

Through December 31 

Bird-in-Hand Stage  

On the day before Christmas, the biggest department store in a small American town has announced a Last-Minute Madness Sale. Will the harried staff be able to handle the onslaught? Will the Santa in the lobby raise enough to save the town’s soup kitchen? And will the recently widowed Alice and her daughter find what they are so desperately seeking? This brand-new show from Blue Gate Musicals is big on laughs, full of heart and has a score that sounds like it stepped right off the Broadway stage. Lunch or dinner is available before the show. Days/times vary. 2760 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand. Information: Bird-in-hand.com  

Holly Jolly Holiday  

November 13-January 3   

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre 

Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season with this original holiday musical extravaganza sure to make you merry. The halls are decked with holly, so let the jolly festivities begin with lively dancing and singing to the yuletide tunes you know and love, along with a visit from Old St. Nick himself! The perfect feel-good, hometown Christmas revue the entire family will enjoy. Meal options include lunch and dinner buffets and Thursday night table service. Days/times vary. 510 Centerville Rd., Lancaster. Information: Dutchapple.com

Craft Shows/Open Houses

Art & Craft Market  

November 7 

Lampeter United Methodist Church 

With 30 quality vendors onsite, visitors will find handcrafted jewelry, rustic birdhouses, paper crafts, essential oils, seasonal wreaths, beeswax creations, original artwork, fall and Christmas décor and more. The Food Café and Bake Sale will be offering homemade treats and warm meals. A Silent Auction will feature items such as tickets to area theatres and more. Proceeds benefit the church’s Children’s and Missions Ministries, supporting programs that serve the congregation and wider community. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 101 Village Road, Lancaster. Information: LampeterUMC.com

Eastland Alpacas Open House  

November 7-8 & 14-15  

Zurin Farm, Mount Joy  

A perfect family-friendly event (WJTL’s Kids Cookie Break will be on-site the morning of Nov. 7), the annual open house provides the opportunity to see alpacas up close and even lead and feed them. An alpaca obstacle course will be operated by members of Lancaster 4-H. Wagon rides around the 30-acre farm will be available. Learn more about alpacas through talks that will be held. Products at the gift shop are guaranteed to provide “a warm hug from nature.” Food will be available for purchase. 2089 Risser Mill Rd., Mount Joy. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, 12-4 p.m. Information: eastlandalpacas.com 

Elizabethtown Heritage Craft Show  

November 13 & 14  

Elizabethtown  

The Winters Heritage House Museum invites you to experience history and handmade craftsmanship at the 36th Annual Heritage Craft Show, during which you can shop unique artisan goods while supporting local community causes. Food will be available Saturday. Admission is by a suggested donation of $3, a non-perishable food item, or a new, unwrapped toy benefiting the Community Cupboard of Elizabethtown. Fri., 4-8 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 47 E. High St., Elizabethtown. Information: Wintersheritagehouse.org  

Christmas Show

November 21 

Root’s Country Market 

Hundreds of makers and vendors will be offering unique holiday gifts including holiday décor, wreaths, hand-made toys, hand-knitted items, pottery, jewelry and more during this 22nd-annual show. Also enjoy food vendors, live music and a visit with Santa. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 705 Greystone Rd., Manheim. Information: Rootsmarket.com 

Pet Pantry Holiday Craft Fair 

November 21  

Farm & Home Center  

Back for its 12th year, the show features local craftsmen, raffle baskets, a 50/50 drawing, light fare and more to benefit Pet Pantry of Lancaster. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 1383 Acadia Rd., Lancaster. Information: Petpantrylc.org 

Food/Drink

Coffee with a Colonial  

November 1  

Historic Rock Ford  

Historian Sam Leamer brings the sights, sounds and flavors of 18th century America to life, allowing you to experience the warmth and bustle of a colonial coffeehouse or tavern, as you take a sip of history. Leamer, who was born and raised in Berk County, holds a history degree from Cairn University and is a life-long living historian/re-enactor. He’s also a coffee connoisseur with a decade of experience working with 21st century coffee. Through his combined interests, Leamer provides a deeper, richer and perhaps a more flavorful understanding of the Colonial Coffee Culture in North America and how it fueled a nation’s beginnings. 2, 3 & 4 p.m. 881 Rockford Rd., Lancaster. (Note: This is a ticketed event.) Information: Historicrockford.org  

Winter Cocktail Series  

November 12  

John Wright Restaurant  

“Bourbon, Bacon and Ice Cream” is the theme for this class that will delve into the art of making the perfect Old Fashioned. You’ll also enjoy pairing the classic drink with smoked meats and house-made ice cream. 6:30 p.m. 234 Front St., Wrightsville. Information: Jwrpa.com 

Amish Christmas Cookie Tour  

November 20-December 19  

Lancaster  

Guests will interact with three Amish families in their homes and learn about their heritage while sampling homemade cookies. This popular tour provides guests with an appreciation of another culture along with recipes and cookies to take home and enjoy. Tours begin at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. with activities at the Amish Farm & House before boarding a bus to travel to the three stops. 2395 Covered Bridge Dr., Lancaster. Information: Amishfarmandhouse.com  

Holiday Tasting Tour  

November 27

Kitchen Kettle Village

Spend Black Friday sipping, snacking and shopping your way through Kitchen Kettle Village. A passport will provide you with food and beverage samples, personalized service and more. The village will also be holding its tree lighting and will resound with live music. Reservations required. 3-7 p.m. 3529 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse. Information: Kitchenkettle.com   

Jingle & Sip  

November 28  

Ephrata  

Back for its second year, visitors can stroll through Downtown Ephrata and enjoy complimentary tastings of wines, craft beverages, seasonal drinks and specialty warm beverages, including coffee, tea, hot chocolate and unique libations. Many vendors will have their products available for purchase, making this the perfect opportunity to find unique gifts or stock up for your own holiday celebrations. This event combines the best of holiday shopping with a festive tasting experience, featuring participating businesses throughout downtown, live music and a visit by Santa. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Main Street, Ephrata. Information: MainspringofEphrata.org 

Holiday Events

Dutch Winter Wonderland  

November 14-January 3  

Dutch Wonderland  

This fun, family-friendly event features themed rides, entertainment, warm holiday drinks and The Royal Lights Show! Take in thousands of twinkling lights as the kingdom is fully decorated for a truly royal holiday! Days/Hours vary. 2249 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster. Information: Dutchwonderland.com 

Tree Lightings 

November 27  

Lancaster  

Mayor Arroyo 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. Other seasonal events will be held through New Year’s Eve. Information: Visitlancastercity.com 

Ephrata  

Walk down Main Street at Christmastime 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.19) 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 offered. 5:30-8 p.m. Main St., Ephrata. Information: Mainspringofephrata.org