Thanksgiving to Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year and that’s true on stages, in theaters and at other venues around the Erie area.
Whether you like holiday lights, songs or dancing, or even circus acts, you can finding something to entertain you this holiday season.
We searched online calendars, websites, Facebook and more. If you know of a holiday-related performance or entertaining seasonal event that didn’t already make our list, send all the details in an email to [email protected].
In the meantime, mark some of these on your calendar:
Festival of Trees: Nov. 24 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Nov. 25 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Nov. 26 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Bayfront Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Pier. AHN Saint Vincent’s community tradition will return with uniquely decorated trees, local entertainment, live reindeer, holiday displays, rooms from Santa’s castle and a teddy bear clinic. $10 for adults, $7 for ages 2-12, plus fees for online purchases; tickets also available at the door. Learn more at http://www.supportahn.org/festival. For tickets, www.erieevents.com/events/event/11/24/2023/ahn-saint-vincent-festival-of-trees.
“The Nutcracker”: Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 26 at 2 p.m., Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center, Mercyhurst University, 501 E. 38th St. Erie Contemporary Ballet Theatre dancers will perform the holiday classic with a live orchestra. $35 and $30 for adults; $30 and $25 for ages 60 and older and for non-Mercyhurst students, $25 and $20 for ages 12 and younger, $50 for box seats, plus fees. 814-824-3000, https://miac.universitytickets.com
“Star for Santa’s Tree”: Nov. 25 and Dec. 9 and 16 at 10 a.m., Yahn Planetarium, Penn State Behrend, 4701 College Drive, Harborcreek Township. Follow Santa as he learns about stars in the winter sky and chooses one of them for a very special job. Recommended for ages 6 and older. $5 for adults, $3 for ages 3-12, free for Penn State employees, Penn State students and children younger than 2. 814-898-7268, https://behrend.psu.edu/school-of-science/programs-events/yahn-planetarium
Christmas at the Station: Nov. 25 and 26 and Dec. 2 and 3 from noon to 4 p.m., Lake Shore Railway Historical Society, 31 Wall St., North East. This event features speeder and caboose rides, telegrams to Santa and lunch served in the dining car until 2:30 p.m. 814-725-1911, https://lakeshorerailway.com
Preservation Hall Jazz Band’s “Creole Christmas”: Nov. 28 at 7:30 p.m., Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center, Mercyhurst University, 501 E. 38th St. See a MIAC Live performance by Preservation Hall Jazz Band, which was formed to preserve New Orleans’ priceless musical heritage and give its veteran musicians a place to play. $45, $35, $30 for adults; $40, $30, $25 for seniors; $35, $25, $20 for youth and non-Mercyhurst students, plus fees. 814-824-3000, https://miac.mercyhurst.edu/events/preservation-hall-jazz-band-creole-christmas
“Cirque Dreams Holidaze”: Nov. 29 at 7:30 p.m., Warner Theatre, 811 State St. This family friendly show will feature a cast of performers accompanied by an ensemble of aerial circus acts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, fun-loving skippers, breath-catching acrobatics and more, along with a music score containing new twists on seasonal favorites. $74, $64, $54 and $44 plus fees. 814-452-4857, www.erieevents.com/events
Victorian Holidays: Nov. 30 and Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Dec. 3 from noon to 5 p.m., Watson-Curtze Mansion at Hagen History Center, 356 W. Sixth St. The mansion will be decorated for the holidays. $2 includes admission to other center buildings. 814-454-1813, www.eriehistory.org/events
Downtown D’Lights: Dec. 1 from 5 to 8 p.m., Perry Square. See Perry Square lit up with holidays lights, skate at the skating rink, visit with Santa and more. Free to attend. www.eriedowntown.com/events/calendar/list/12/01/2023
“It’s a Wonderful Life”: Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9, 14-16 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 10 and 17 at 2 p.m., Erie Playhouse, 13 W. 10th St. Based on the beloved 1946 film of the same name, this musical faithfully follows George Bailey’s life to discover whether it has mattered. $20.40 for all seats Dec. 1 and 2; $17.49 to $27.40 plus fees for remaining shows. 814-454-2852, www.erieplayhouse.org/events/its-a-wonderful-life-the-musical
Presque Isle Lights: Fridays through Sundays throughout December, starting at 6 p.m., Presque Isle State Park. Visitors must be through the park’s front gates by 9 p.m. to drive around the peninsula on a self-guided evening driving tour of seasonal light displays at various locations throughout the park. The lights are free to see but the Presque Isle Partnership, which puts on the event, will accept donations. 814-838-5138, www.discoverpi.com/events/presque-isle-lights
Winter Wonderland: Dec. 1 to 31 except Dec. 24 and 25, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Asbury Woods, 4105 Asbury Road. The one-third mile boardwalk will be lit up with holiday lights in the woods and wetlands for the community to enjoy a peaceful evening stroll. The Andrew J. Conner Nature Center also will be open. Free; donations accepted. 814-835-5356, www.asburywoods.org/events/winter-wonderland
“Come Home for the Holidays”: Dec. 2 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 3 at 3 p.m., Warner Theatre, 811 State St. The Erie Philharmonic’s holiday pops concert will feature special guest vocalist Melinda Doolittle, the Erie Philharmonic Chorus, Junior Chorus, Youth Chorale, ballet dancers, Santa and more. $66, $55, $44, $29 and $17. 814-455-1375, www.eriephil.org
Linesville Tractor Parade: Dec. 2 at 6 p.m., Linesville. Parade of tractors with decorative lights, some pulling floats. Free to attend. 814-439-2292, www.thelinesvilletractorparade.com
“Christmas Memories”: Dec. 2, 9 and 16 at 5:30 p.m., Dec. 3, 10 and 17 at 2:30 p.m. and Dec. 8 and 15 at 6:30 p.m., Station Dinner Theatre, 4940 Peach St. The Holiday Harmony Singers present a family musical in which the true meaning of Christmas is celebrated. The feast includes tender beef, holiday ham, homemade holiday wedding soup and au gratin potatoes. $48 for adults, $42 for ages 65 and older, students and military, $28 for ages 6-11, plus fees. 814-864-2022, www.canterburyfeast.com/coming-soon
“A Mercyhurst Christmas Gala”: Dec. 3 at 3 p.m. for “Lessons and Carols” and 4 p.m. for “Holiday Concert Celebration,” Christ the King Chapel, Mercyhurst University, 501 E. 38th St. The school’s concert choir will present “Lessons and Carols” while the wind ensemble and civic orchestra will perform the concert. Free for “Lessons and Carols”; $8.50 for adults, $5 for Mercyhurst students and ages 12 and younger, plus fee, for the concert.
“Mannheim Steamroller Christmas”: Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m., Warner Theatre, 811 State St. This holiday tradition brings together the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller, Christmas classics and dazzling multimedia effects. $77, $67, $57 and $47 plus fees. 814-452-4857, www.erieevents.com/events
“‘Tis the Season”: Dec. 8 at 7 p.m., Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center, Mercyhurst University, 501 E. 38th St. The university’s jazz ensemble will play seasonal tunes while the school’s dancers will perform “The Nutcracker Suite.” $15 for adults, $10 for ages 60 and older, $7.50 for non-Mercyhurst students, $5 for ages 12 and younger, plus fees. 814-824-3000, https://miac.universitytickets.com
Light Up Night: Dec. 8 from 6 to 8 p.m., west of the Harborcreek Township Municipal Building, 5601 Buffalo Road. This event will include Santa, live reindeer, horse-drawn trolley rides, Christmas carols and cookies, hot chocolate and cider, a s’mores station, Christmas crafts and visits by Christmas movie characters. Free. 814-899-3171, https://bit.ly/HarborcreekLightUpNight
Holiday meal:On Thanksgiving Day, many Erie restaurants would love to serve you. Here’s a list
Handel’s “Messiah”: Dec. 9 at 3 p.m., First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 250 W. Seventh St. The event will feature the Erie Philharmonic Chorus, Erie Philharmonic Orchestra and various soloists. $21 for adults, $14 for students, plus fees. 814-455-1375, www.eriephil.org/calendar/messiah
“Follow the Star”: Dec. 9 at 4 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 216 N. Franklin St., Titusville; Dec. 10 at 4 p.m. and Dec. 11-13 at 7 p.m., St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 8880 Main St., McKean; and Dec. 17 at 4 p.m., St. Patrick Catholic Church, 130 E. Fourth St. $20 at the door. Tennessee Backporch’s Christmas concert will feature original music and creative cover renditions of favorite Christmas songs. Contact the individual churches or visit www.facebook.com/tennesseebackporch.
Barber Christmas Ball: Dec. 9 at 8 p.m., Bayfront Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Pier. This festive gala benefits the mission of the Barber National Institute and features live music, food and decorations. $95. www.barberinstitute.org/events/christmas-ball
Tuba Christmas Erie: Dec. 9 at 1 p.m., Reed Union Building’s McGarvey Commons at Penn State Behrend, 4701 College Drive, Harborcreek Township. Tuba, sousaphone, baritone, and euphonium players of all ages, some in festive clothing and with instrument decorations, will participate. Free. 814-898-6289, https://bit.ly/tubaerie
“The Irish Tenors: A Family Christmas”: Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m., Warner Theatre, 811 State St. Celtic music kings Ronan Tynan, Anthony Kearns and Declan Kelly will perform with a full orchestra. $61.50, $47 and $36.75 plus fees. 814-452-4857, www.erieevents.com/events
Junior Philharmonic Holiday Concert: Dec. 10 at 3 p.m., Strong Vincent Middle School, 1330 W. Eighth St. Erie Junior Phil ensembles will perform a holiday concert followed by a cookie reception. Free; donations accepted. 814-455-1375, www.eriephil.org/calendar/jr-phil-holiday
“Getting in the Christmas Spirit”: Dec. 10 at 2:30 p.m., St. Andrew Catholic Church, 1116 W. Seventh St. A public concert with holiday classics, this event features The V Band. Donations benefit Julia Hospice & Palliative Care. 814-456-6256, https://saintandrewerie.com/Free-Holiday-Concert-2023.html
“A Motown Christmas”: Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m., Warner Theatre, 811 State St. This family-oriented show combines Motown’s greatest hits with favorite holiday classics performed by former members of The Temptations, The Miracles and The Contours. $54, $49 and $44 plus fees. 814-452-4857, www.erieevents.com/events
“Joys of the Holidays”: Dec. 14 and 15 at 7 p.m., All An Act Theatre, 652 W. 17th St. Footlights Theatre Performing Arts Center will present a variety show extravaganza. $15. 814-566-0807, https://bit.ly/joysoftheholidays
“Candlelight: Holiday Special featuring ‘The Nutcracker’ and More”: Dec. 15 at 6 and 8:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 205 W. Seventh St. Last of three Candlelight Concerts, a multi-sensory musical experience presented by Fever. The tentative program includes holiday medleys as well as “O Holy Night,” “Ma’oz Tzur,” “The Snow is Dancing,” parts of “The Seasons,” “The Skaters’ Waltz,” “Greensleeves (What Child is This),” and portions of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.” $28, $35 and $43 plus fees. https://feverup.com/en/erie/candlelight
“Nutcracker: Reimagined”: Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 17 at 2 p.m., Warner Theatre, 811 State St. The Lake Erie Ballet Co.’s production of the classic holiday ballet features added dialogue and Erie references. $50.50, $40.25 and $30 plus fees. 814-452-4857, www.erieevents.com/events
From 2022:Lake Erie Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker: Reimagined’ features new scenes, themes, and more dialogue
Natural Ornaments: Dec. 16 from 1 to 3 p.m., Tom Ridge Environmental Center, 301 Peninsula Drive. Take the kids to a semi-guided program to create holiday ornaments and decorations using natural items found on Presque Isle State Park. $3. 814-833-7424, https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/
“It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Alaska … A Christmas Show”: Dec. 23 at 3 p.m., Erie Playhouse, 13 W. 10th St. Performance by Justin Andrew Honard, an American drag queen and recording artist from Erie, who performs under the stage name Alaska 5000 and was winner of the second season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars.” Must be age 18 or older. The 8 p.m. show is sold out. $35.95 to $261.55 plus fees. 814-454-2852, www.erieplayhouse.org/events/alaska-a-christmas-show
Find more holiday-related and general entertainment events at GoErie.com/calendar.
Dana Massing can be reached at [email protected].
