Saying Goodbye to 2022

Clockwise from upper left corner: Ephrata Cloister, Pennsylvania Military Museum, Pennsbury Manor, and Eckley Miners' Village

This will be the last new Trailheads post for 2022, so I want to wish everyone a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season. I hope that 2023 brings only good things for you and the people you care about. As always, I have been inspired this year by my colleagues on the PA Trails of History, who continue to bring Pennsylvania history alive, from the tried-and-true to innovative new programs. Whether working directly with the public or behind the scenes, PHMC's staff and volunteers make me proud to be part of such a great team.

The listings below cover the next two weeks, so please be sure to check ahead to make sure the schedules haven't changed, especially if weather is a factor. Please note that most Trails of History sites will close at 1 pm today (12/23) (UPDATE: due to weather some are closed entirely today) and next Friday (12/30) and be closed Dec. 24-25 and Dec. 31-Jan. 1. There are a few exceptions, so check with specific sites before heading out. Also, winter schedules are now in effect at some sites, meaning reduced hours or closures.

And if you're looking for a non-holiday movie, The Pale Blue Eye (R-rated), which was filmed in part at Old Economy Village (as well as other historic sites and state parks in western PA), opens today for a limited run in theaters before heading to Netflix streaming on January 6. Check out the trailer on IMDb to see if it's right for you (content note: it's a murder mystery set in the 19th century and includes suspected suicide).

Up Next

Today, December 23

• Art of the State Stroller Tour (in-person); 10:30-11 am; The State Museum of PA
• Fine arts curator Amy Hammond will lead a 30-minute tour of Art of the State 2022 for children in strollers or front carriers and their grown-ups. At the same time, museum staff will provide activities for older kids in Village Square, adjacent to the exhibit gallery. Included in regular admission (Stroller Tour info).

Tuesday, December 27

• Sensory Hours (in-person); 9-11 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• Light, sound, and crowd levels will be lower, and there will be quiet spaces in some of the galleries. Several historic trains will be open for viewing, with staff on hand to answer questions. Last entry is at 10:30 am. Admission is $7 and advance tickets are required (Sensory Hours info and tickets).

• Lantern Tours (in-person); today thru Friday, Dec. 30, 6-8 pm; Ephrata Cloister
• This theatrical style program is led by the Student Historians, local high school students who take on the roles of people from history as the story unfolds in selected historic buildings. This year visitors will join Mrs. Fahnestock as she plans the wedding of an Ephrata Sister and a young man working for the Brothers. This light-hearted look at the past will provide enjoyment for the entire family. Advance tickets are required, and some timeslots are already sold out: $12 for adults, $9 for ages 6-17 (Lantern Tours info and tickets). PLEASE NOTE that Ephrata Cloister will not be open for tours Dec. 27-30, the site will open only for the Lantern Tours evening programs.

Wednesday, December 28

• Mapping Mammal Hall (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Did you know that the dioramas in Mammal Hall are based on real locations in Pennsylvania? Locate each of these spots on the giant map of Pennsylvania and discover some interesting facts about our state mammals. Included in regular admission (Mapping Mammal Hall info).

Thursday, December 29

• Curiosity Kids (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• What different types of portraits do artists create? What can a portrait tell us? Explore the 2022 Art of the State exhibition and learn about portraits. Create a mixed medium self-portrait to take home. For grades K-2 and included in regular admission. Space is limited, so please sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (Curiosity Kids info).

Friday, December 30

• Noon Year's Celebration (in-person); 10 am-1 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Ring in 2023 a little early with hands-on activities, crafts, and the dropping of the Firefly at noon. Included in regular admission (member and military discounts apply). There will be timed tickets for Curiosity Connection, and tickets for the Planetarium will be $3 (Noon Year's info).

Tuesday, January 3

• Simple Machines and the Railroad (virtual); 10-10:30 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• This interactive virtual program is geared to grades K-6 and will explore how simple machines make tasks easier alone and in combination. Admission is by donation (Simple Machines info and registration).

Thursday, January 5

• Drake Well Winter Academy (virtual); 6:30-7:30 pm; Drake Well Museum & Park
• Mitch Littler will present "In Your Blood," a talk focused on his first-hand experiences as an oilfield worker in northwest PA. The program is free, but you must register to receive the link (email Drake Well Museum to register).

Friday, January 6

• StoryTime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Read Supertruck by Stephen Savage and uncover how this truck saves the town from the big snow storm. For ages 2 to pre-K and included in regular admission. This program will also be offered on Saturday, Jan. 21, at 10:30 am. Sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (StoryTime info).

Sunday, January 8

• Twelfth Night (in-person); 4-7 pm; Joseph Priestley House
• Enjoy a traditional English celebration with music, refreshments, and lantern light. Dr. Priestley will conduct chemistry demos in the Pond Building at 4:30 and 5:30. Admission is free (Twelfth Night info and updates).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Homeschool Program (in-person); Wednesday, Jan. 11, 10-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Curators Dr. Curt Miner and Bob Hill will talk about the early 20th-century transition from "Horse Power to Gas Power" and how it's similar and different from current changes in transportation energy. Experiment with power sources by making a wind-powered car. Registration and pre-payment are required (Homeschool Program registration).

• Workin' on the Railroad (virtual); Tuesday, Jan. 17, 10-10:30 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• This interactive virtual program is geared to grades K-6 and explores a variety of railroad jobs through artifacts, photographs, and activities. Admission is by donation (Workin' on the Railroad info and tickets).

• Revolutionary Speaker Series (in-person); Saturday, Jan. 21, Noon-2 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• Jennifer Janofsky, director and public historian at Red Bank Battlefield, and Wade Catts, principal archaeologist with South River Heritage Consulting, will present a program on recent excavations at Fort Mercer and Red Bank Battlefield Park. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online (Rev Speaker Series tickets).

• Tour of the GP30 (virtual); Tuesday, Jan. 31, 10-10:30 am; Railroad Museum of PA
• This interactive virtual program is geared to grades K-6 and will provide a behind-the-scenes view of spaces inside the locomotive. Admission is by donation (GP30 Tour info and tickets).

Naughty or Nice?

Photo via Old Economy Village Facebook page

There are still several chances to see Belsnickel (or Belsnickle) on the Trails of History this weekend. For those unfamiliar, Belsnickel is a Pennsylvania German character often described as a gruffer, grittier Santa Claus. Belsnickel keeps St. Nicholas's list of who's naughty and who's nice, but he's not a jolly old soul. However your December is stacking up, I hope you're on the nice list and that you're finding time to enjoy your own holiday traditions with family and friends.

For those looking ahead to next weekend, all Trails of History sites will be closed on Sunday, December 25 (except Washington Crossing Historic Park, which hosts the annual reenactment of George Washington's Christmas 1776 crossing of the Delaware River). Most TOH sites will also be closed on Saturday, December 24, and Monday, December 26. There may also be other schedule changes. As always, please check ahead to be sure the site you want to visit will be open when you plan to be there.

Looking even further ahead, if you know a current undergraduate or graduate student who is exploring the public history field, please share the link for PHMC's 2023 Keystone Summer Internship program. Keystone interns are paid $15.88 per hour for 225 to 300 hours over the course of the 10-week internship period. Internships are available in Harrisburg at The State Museum of PA and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) as well as at 9 Trails of History sites around the state. For more info, visit phmc.info/2023PHMCInternships. Application deadline is January 16. (Image text: Keystone Interns will engage in meaningful work preserving Pennsylvania's rich history while receiving preprofessional training and the opportunity to network with historic preservation and museum professionals.)

Up Next

Today, December 16

• Candlelight Tours (in-person); Friday and Saturday, 3-6 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Candlelight tours of the Manor House will be offered at 3, 4, and 5 pm. Regular admission charged. Reservations are encouraged but not required (Candlelight Tour info).

• Late Nite with the Belsnickle! (in-person); 7-9 pm; Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• Holiday-themed crafts, PA Dutch traditions, a visit with Belsnickle, and an adult beverage. Must be at least 21 to attend. Event is rain or shine; dress for the weather, including shoes appropriate for walking the site. Tickets are $40 (Late Nite info and tickets).

Saturday, December 17

• StoryTime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Read Orion and the Dark and create a day/night wheel to explore more about the dark. For ages 2 to pre-K and included in regular admission. Please sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk (StoryTime info).

• Meet Belsnickel (in-person); Noon-2 pm; Old Economy Village
• Belsnickel is a PA Dutch tradition, sort a grumpy version of Santa Claus. Children will go on a scavenger hunt, make a craft, have a snack, and find out if they're on Belsnickel's naughty or nice list. Come and go as you please during the two-hour program. Admission is free, but registration is required (OEV Belsnickel registration).

• Putz'n and Brutz'n with the Belsnickle! (in-person); 1-3 pm; Landis Valley Vilage & Farm Museum
• This family-friendly event includes a walking tour, making a punched tin ornament, light refreshments, a visit with the Belsnickle, and more. The program will be held rain or shine, so please dress for the weather with appropriate shoes. Tickets are $30 for people age 8 and up, $20 for ages 3-7. Space is limited, and reservations are required (LVM Family Belsnickle event).

Wednesday, December 21

• Explore! (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Learn about dendrochronology, the study of tree rings and what they reveal about the age of a tree and the history of the area around it. Included in regular admission (Explore! info).

Thursday, December 22

• Curiosity Kids (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Discover and play with the toys, games and puzzles from the 1970s and '80s and create your own retro holiday ornament. For grades K-2 and included in regular admission. Space is limited, so please sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (Curiosity Kids info).

Friday, December 23

• Art of the State Stroller Tour (in-person); 10:30-11 am; The State Museum of PA
• Fine arts curator Amy Hammond will lead a 30-minute tour of Art of the State 2022 for children in strollers or front carriers and their grown-ups. At the same time, museum staff will provide activities for older kids in Village Square, adjacent to the exhibit gallery. Included in regular admission (Stroller Tour info).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Lantern Tours (in-person); Tuesday, Dec. 27, thru Friday, Dec. 30, 6-8 pm; Ephrata Cloister
• This theatrical style program is led by the Student Historians, local high school students who take on the roles of people from history as the story unfolds in selected historic buildings. This year visitors will join Mrs. Fahnestock as she plans the wedding of an Ephrata Sister and a young man working for the Brothers. This light-hearted look at the past will provide enjoyment for the entire family. Advance tickets are required: $12 for adults, $9 for ages 6-17 (Lantern Tours info and tickets).

• Winter Day Camp (in-person); Wednesday, Dec. 28, and Thursday, Dec. 29, 9 am-Noon; Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• Campers age 5 to 11 will explore Christmas and winter themes through old and new children's books and related activities. Sign up for both days or just one. Registration closes Tuesday, Dec. 20 (Winter Day Camp info & registration).

• Revolutionary Speaker Series (in-person); Saturday, Jan. 21, Noon-2 pm; Brandywine Battlefield Park
• Jennifer Janofsky, director and public historian at Red Bank Battlefield, and Wade Catts, principal archaeologist with South River Heritage Consulting, will present a program on recent excavations at Fort Mercer and Red Bank Battlefield Park. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online (Rev Speaker Series tickets).

Merry and Bright!

Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum's annual bonfire takes place tonight

Up Next

Today, December 9

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Dr. Houping Liu, forest entomologist with the PA Dept. of Conservation & Natural Resources, will talk about the Eastern hemlock tree and hemlock woolly adelgid management. The program is free, but you must register to receive the link (Learn at Lunchtime info and registration).

• Candlelight Tours (in-person); Friday and Saturday, 3-6 pm; Pennsbury Manor
• Candlelight tours of the Manor House will be offered at 3, 4, and 5 pm. Regular admission charged. Reservations are encouraged but not required. Also offered Friday and Saturday, Dec. 16 and 17 (Candlelight Tour info).

• Holiday Bonfire (in-person); 6-8 pm; Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• This annual event features a festive bonfire, music, refreshments, and good cheer. The event is free; please bring a non-perishable food item for the Lancaster County Food Hub (Holiday Bonfire info).

Saturday, December 10

• Adult and Children's Holiday Workshops (in-person); 10 am-Noon; Pennsbury Manor
• Separate workshops for adults and children (age 5-12) will run simultaneously. Adults will learn to make several types of ornaments (materials included in $35 workshop fee). Children will decorate gingerbread cookies, create a gnome ornament, and enjoy storytime with Father Christmas (pay what you wish - $10 donation suggested). Call 215/946-0400 to reserve for either or both (Pennsbury workshop info).

• Home for the Holidays (in-person); 10 am-4 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Enjoy the museum's exhibits and historic trains along with festive decorations, Yuletide music, Santa, and costumed interpreters. Shop for gifts in the Whistle Stop Shop and sample cookies and hot chocolate in the lobby (while supplies last). Artist-in-residence Nadine Charlsen will be at the museum Saturday and Sunday. Included in regular admission (Home for the Holidays info).

• Holidays at Hope Lodge & Colonial Tavern (in-person); 11 am-4 pm; Hope Lodge
• Enjoy a self-guided tour of the mansion with holiday decorations and music by members of the Ambler Symphony Orchestra (noon-2 pm). Tickets are $8 for ages 12 and up, free for members and children younger than 12. Purchase tickets at the door or online via Eventbrite. For an additional charge, visitors age 21+ can also taste seasonal craft beers from Round Guys Brewing Co. (Holidays at Hope Lodge tickets).

• Santa in the Shay (in-person); Noon-3 pm; PA Lumber Museum
• Santa will be in the cab of the historic Shay locomotive to listen to holiday requests and pose for pictures. In the museum program room, make your photo into an ornament, enjoy cookies and cocoa, and shop the holiday bazaar. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for youth; members get in free (Santa in the Shay info).

• A Homestead Holiday (in-person); Noon-4 pm; Daniel Boone Homestead
• Learn how the families who lived at the Homestead celebrated Christmas in the 18th and early 19th centuries. Young visitors can enjoy a visit and photo with Santa. The Homestead Carolers will be singing throughout the historic area (Homestead Holiday info).

Monday, December 12

• SOLD OUT Christmas at the Cloister (in-person); Monday and Tuesday, 6:30-8 pm; Ephrata Cloister
• Spend a few moments in quiet reflection with seasonal readings and music in the historic Saal. Two programs each night, one starting at 6:30 and the other at 8:00. Seating is limited. As of Wednesday, there were tickets still available for 8 pm performances both nights; no tickets sold at the door (Christmas at the Cloister tickets).

Wednesday, December 14

• Homeschool Program (in-person); 10-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• This month's program is about Wetlands in PA and will use two of the museum's exhibits as learning stations. Cost is $10 per person ($3 for members); at least one paying adult must accompany each family group (Homeschool program info and registration).

• Ornament Workshop (virtual); 6:30-8 pm
• This virtual workshop will teach you how to make two different ornaments using festive paper and fabric. $10 fee includes materials; you can pick them up at the Visitor Center (Virtual Ornament Workshop info).

Thursday, December 15

• Curiosity Kids (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join us as we discover the holiday traditions that were celebrated during the 1970s and 1980s. Play with toys and games of the era and create your own retro holiday ornament. For grades K-2 and included in regular admission. Space is limited, so please sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (Curiosity Kids info).

Friday, December 16

• Late Nite with the Belsnickle! (in-person); 7-9 pm; Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• Holiday-themed crafts, PA Dutch traditions, a visit with Belsnickle, and an adult beverage. Must be at least 21 to attend. Event is rain or shine; dress for the weather, including shoes appropriate for walking the site. Tickets are $40 (Late Nite info and tickets).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Meet Belsnickel (in-person); Saturday, Dec. 17, Noon-2 pm; Old Economy Village
• Belsnickel is a PA Dutch tradition, sort a grumpy version of Santa Claus. Children will go on a scavenger hunt, make a craft, have a snack, and find out if they're on Belsnickel's naughty or nice list. Come and go as you please during the two-hour program. Admission is free, but registration is required (OEV Belsnickel registration).

• Putz'n and Brutz'n with the Belsnickle! (in-person); Saturday, Dec. 17, 1-3 pm; Landis Valley Vilage & Farm Museum
• This family-friendly event includes a walking tour, making a punched tin ornament, light refreshments, a visit with the Belsnickle, and more. The program will be held rain or shine, so please dress for the weather with appropriate shoes. Tickets are $30 for people age 8 and up, $20 for ages 3-7. Space is limited, and reservations are required (LVM Family Belsnickle event).

• Lantern Tours (in-person); Tuesday, Dec. 27, thru Friday, Dec. 30, 6-8 pm; Ephrata Cloister
• This theatrical style program is led by the Student Historians, local high school students who take on the roles of people from history as the story unfolds in selected historic buildings. This year visitors will join Mrs. Fahnestock as she plans the wedding of an Ephrata Sister and a young man working for the Brothers. This light-hearted look at the past will provide enjoyment for the entire family. Advance tickets are required: $12 for adults, $9 for ages 6-17 (Lantern Tours info and tickets).

• Winter Day Camp (in-person); Wednesday, Dec. 28, and Thursday, Dec. 29, 9 am-Noon; Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• Campers age 5 to 11 will explore Christmas and winter themes through old and new children's books and related activities. Sign up for both days or just one. Registration closes Tuesday, Dec. 20 (Winter Day Camp info & registration).

Holiday Traditions on the Trails of History

You can enjoy this train layout (courtesy of Brian's Model Trains) and other festive activities at Cornwall Iron Furnace this Saturday (photo via CIF Facebook page)

We're moving into the heart of holiday programming now, my friends. Some programs require advance tickets, so please be sure to read the listings carefully if you're planning to attend. Operating schedules at some sites are changing for the winter as of this week, so it's always a good idea to check ahead before visiting. I hope you'll find something on the Trails of History to help you celebrate the season in meaningful ways for you.

Up Next

Today, December 2

• StoryTime (in-person); 10:30-11:30 am; The State Museum of PA
• Read Orion and the Dark by Emma Yarlett and create a day/night wheel to explore more about the dark. For ages 2 to Pre-K and included in regular admission. Please sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk (StoryTime info).

Saturday, December 3

• Christmas Open House (in-person); 9 am-4 pm; Cornwall Iron Furnace
• Enjoy guided tours of the Furnace, shop for unique gifts, look at holiday decorations, and partake of seasonal light refreshments. You may even have your photo taken with Santa in a historic setting. Included in regular admission (Cornwall Open House info).

• Christmas at Eckley (in-person); Saturday and Sunday, 10 am-4 pm; Eckley Miners' Village
• Holiday activities, music, food and craft vendors, and basket raffle will run from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $7 or $6 if you bring an unexpired, non-perishable food item to donate (Eckley Christmas info).

• Home for the Holidays (in-person); 10 am-4 pm; Railroad Museum of PA
• Enjoy the museum's exhibits and historic trains along with festive decorations, Yuletide music, Santa, and costumed interpreters. Shop for gifts in the Whistle Stop Shop and sample cookies and hot chocolate in the lobby (while supplies last). Artist-in-residence Nadine Charlsen will be at the museum Saturday and Sunday. Included in regular admission (Home for the Holidays info).

• Holiday Mansion Tours (in-person); 11 am-8 pm; Hope Lodge
• Guided tours will be offered at 11:30, 1, 2:30, 4, and 7 (by candlelight). After your tour, enjoy cookies and hot chocolate and browse the museum store. Tickets: $8 for adults; $5 for ages 6-17 and 65+; free for members and children age 5 and younger (Hope Lodge tour tickets).

• Christmas at the Village (in-person); Saturday, 2-9 pm, Sunday, 2-7 pm; Old Economy Village
• Walk along a candlelit cobblestone street and visit the historic buildings with interpreters eager to show off wares from the 19th century. Find unique handmade items for sale by vendors and enjoy music by local choirs. Children’s crafts and activities along with Belsnickel will be found in the Granary. Event runs 2-9 pm on Saturday, 2-7 pm on Sunday. The Visitor Center will be closed, so admission fees will be collected at the Village entrance. Food will be available for purchase, and there will be other activities in the surrounding historic district (Christmas at the Village info).

Sunday, December 4

• Christmas Open House (in-person); Noon-4 pm; Conrad Weiser Homestead
• Enjoy self-guided tours of the site on the last open day of 2022. Books will be 10% off in the museum store, the perfect place to shop for the history lovers in your life (Weiser Open House info).

• Artists Conversations Gallery Tour (in-person); 2-3 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Fine arts curator Amy Hammond will be joined by selected artists for a tour of the 2022 "Art of the State" exhibition. Included in regular admission (Art of the State Gallery Tour).

• Ethnic Traditions (in-person); 5:30-8:30 pm; Somerset Historical Center*
• Learn about the diverse cultural backgrounds of Somerset County residents. This year's event features food and other traditions of India, Sweden, and Chile. Dinner is $25 per person ($135 for a table of 6). *Event takes place at Friedens Lutheran Church (Ethnic Traditions dinner tickets and info).

Wednesday, December 7

• Explore! (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Explore the history and science of candle making. Create two different types of candles to enjoy as the nights get longer. For grades 3-5 and included in regular admission. Space is limited, so please sign up at the Ground Floor Info Desk when you arrive (Explore! info).

• Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Tribute (in-person); 12:45-1:30 pm; PA Military Museum
• The tribute ceremony is held beneath the guns of the battleship USS PENNSYLVANIA, which was a witness to the Imperial Japanese Navy's attack on the US Pacific Fleet at Hawai'i. Guided tours and light refreshments available in the museum theater following the ceremony (Pearl Harbor Tribute info). While you're at the museum, be sure to see the USS Pennsylvania Ships Orders from Dec. 7, 1941, currently on temporary display.

Thursday, December 8

• Family Gallery Tour: Paleontology (in-person); 11:30 am-12:30 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Join Museum Educators to get hands-on with fossils of the plants and animals that roamed Earth during the Carboniferous Period to the present including dinosaurs and mastodons. Included in regular admission (Paleontology tour info).

Friday, December 9

• Learn at Lunchtime (virtual); 12:15-12:45 pm; The State Museum of PA
• Dr. Houping Liu, forest entomologist with the PA Dept. of Conservation & Natural Resources, will talk about the Eastern hemlock tree and hemlock woolly adelgid management. The program is free, but you must register to receive the link (Learn at Lunchtime info and registration).

• Candlelight Tours (in-person); Friday and Saturday, 3-6 pm; Pennsbury
• Candlelight tours of the Manor House will be offered at 3, 4, and 5 pm. Regular admission charged. Reservations are encouraged but not required. Also offered Friday and Saturday, Dec. 16 and 17 (Candlelight Tour info).

• Holiday Bonfire (in-person); 6-8 pm; Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• This annual event features a festive bonfire, music, refreshments, and good cheer. The event is free; please bring a non-perishable food item for the Lancaster County Food Hub (Holiday Bonfire info).

Advance Tickets or Registrations

• Adult and Children's Holiday Workshops (in-person); Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 am-Noon; Pennsbury Manor
• Separate workshops for adults and children (age 5-12) will run simultaneously. Adults will learn to make several types of ornaments (materials included in $35 workshop fee). Children will decorate gingerbread cookies, create a gnome ornament, and enjoy storytime with Father Christmas (pay what you wish - $10 donation suggested). Call 215/946-0400 to reserve for either or both (Pennsbury workshop info).

• Holidays at Hope Lodge & Colonial Tavern (in-person); Saturday, Dec. 10, 11 am-4 pm; Hope Lodge
• Enjoy a self-guided tour of the mansion with holiday decorations and music by members of the Ambler Symphony Orchestra (noon-2 pm). Tickets are $8 for ages 12 and up, free for members and children younger than 12. Purchase tickets at the door or online via Eventbrite. For an additional charge, visitors age 21+ can also taste seasonal craft beers from Round Guys Brewing Co. (Holidays at Hope Lodge tickets).

• Christmas at the Cloister (in-person); Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 12 and 13, 6:30-8 pm; Ephrata Cloister
• Spend a few moments in quiet reflection with seasonal readings and music in the historic Saal. Two programs each night, one starting at 6:30 and the other at 8:00. Seating is limited (tickets are selling out) and advance tickets are required (Christmas at the Cloister tickets). UPDATE 12/5/22: tickets are sold out for all but the 8 pm performance on 12/12. UPDATE: 12/6/22 - additional tickets have been added for 8 pm Dec. 12 and both performances on Dec. 13.

• Ornament Workshop (virtual); Wednesday, Dec. 14, 6:30-8 pm
• This virtual workshop will teach you how to make two different ornaments using festive paper and fabric. $10 fee includes materials; you can pick them up at the Visitor Center or they can be mailed to you for an additional $2 fee. Registration deadline is Dec. 5 if you need materials mailed (Virtual Ornament Workshop info).

• Late Nite with the Belsnickle! (in-person); Friday, Dec. 16, 7-9 pm; Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
• Holiday-themed crafts, PA Dutch traditions, a visit with Belsnickle, and an adult beverage. Must be at least 21 to attend. Event is rain or shine; dress for the weather, including shoes appropriate for walking the site. Tickets are $40 (Late Nite info and tickets).

• Meet Belsnickel (in-person); Saturday, Dec. 17, Noon-2 pm; Old Economy Village
• Belsnickel is a PA Dutch tradition, sort a grumpy version of Santa Claus. Children will go on a scavenger hunt, make a craft, have a snack, and find out if they're on Belsnickel's naughty or nice list. Come and go as you please during the two-hour program. Admission is free, but registration is required (OEV Belsnickel registration).

• Putz'n and Brutz'n with the Belsnickle! (in-person); Saturday, Dec. 17, 1-3 pm; Landis Valley Vilage & Farm Museum
• This family-friendly event includes a walking tour, making a punched tin ornament, light refreshments, a visit with the Belsnickle, and more. The program will be held rain or shine, so please dress for the weather with appropriate shoes. Tickets are $30 for people age 8 and up, $20 for ages 3-7. Space is limited, and reservations are required (LVM Family Belsnickle event).

• Lantern Tours (in-person); Tuesday, Dec. 27, thru Friday, Dec. 30, 6-8 pm; Ephrata Cloister
• This theatrical style program is led by the Student Historians, local high school students who take on the roles of people from history as the story unfolds in selected historic buildings. This year visitors will join Mrs. Fahnestock as she plans the wedding of an Ephrata Sister and a young man working for the Brothers. This light-hearted look at the past will provide enjoyment for the entire family. Advance tickets are required: $12 for adults, $9 for ages 6-17 (Lantern Tours info and tickets).