News

The holidays bring people together to celebrate the true spirit of the season and be surrounded by those who mean the most to us. During this special time of the year, the Erie region hosts many festive events, from dazzling light displays to heart-warming performances. This is a sprinkling of holiday events taking place in the Erie region. Visit our full events calendar for complete listings.

Broadway in Erie presents: Elf The Musical
Dates: Tuesday-Wednesday, November 12 – 13
Location: Warner Theatre
Times: 7:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Admission: Starting at $44
The hilarious modern Christmas classic about Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.

The 40^th Annual Festival of Trees
Dates: Friday through Sunday, November 29 – December 1
Location: Bayfront Convention Center
Times: Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $10 per person, children 12 and under $7
This year’s festival features a gallery of uniquely decorated trees and local entertainment. New this year is a petting zoo on Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and live reindeer on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Enjoy holiday displays and rooms from Santa’s castle.

Port Farms Country Christmas at the Farm
Dates: Wednesday through Sunday, November 29-December 22
Location: Port Farms
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: General admission is free. Some activities such as horse-drawn rides are a la carte.
Enjoy horse-drawn sleigh, wagon, or carriage rides throughout Port Farms’ scenic tree plantation, or shop for holiday décor, handmade wreaths, and Christmas trees (pre-cut or self-cut). The events barn (Santa’s Workshop) is open Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 3 p.m. and features live music (1-4 p.m.), holiday food and drink specials, crafts, and cookie decorating.

The Magical Polar Experience
Date: Friday, November 29
Location: Warner Theatre
Time: 7 p.m.
Admission: Starting at $32 per person
An interactive holiday movie experience unlike any other! Upon arrival, guests are greeted by musicians, a conductor, and stowaways. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in pajamas. The event includes a full presentation of The Polar Express, live musical performances, dancers and ballerinas, the Northern Lights, a visit from Santa, and photo opportunities. Magical goodie bags are also available for $25 each.

A Magical Motown Christmas
Date: Saturday, November 30
Location: Warner Theatre
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Admission: Starting at $21.75
A journey through Motown’s best including The Temptations, The Jackson Five, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, with a special set dedicated to Christmas favorites!

Asbury Woods Winter Wonderland
Dates: December 1-30 (except December 24, 25 and 31)
Location: Asbury Woods Nature Center
Time: Daily from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Admission: Free. A suggested donation of $5 per person is appreciated.
Bundle up for a peaceful evening stroll along the boardwalk trail where holiday lights will twinkle in the woods and wetlands for approximately 1/3 of a mile. The Nature Center, a holiday-themed model train display, and an expanded gift shop will be open for guests featuring specially crafted holiday gifts made by local artisans.

A Nostalgic Night with Macauley Culkin and screening of Home Alone
Date: Sunday, December 1
Location: Warner Theatre
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Admission: Starting at $39

Watch the timeless classic, Home Alone, followed by an exclusive moderated interview and Q&A audience with the film’s star, Macaulay Culkin (Kevin McCallister). Relive the iconic scenes and heartwarming moments and then dive deep into the behind-the-scenes stories and insights with Macaulay Culkin to hear about his experiences on set, his favorite memories from filming, and his take on why this movie has become such a beloved holiday classic.

Downtown D’Lights
Date: Friday, December 6
Location: Perry Square, Downtown Erie
Time: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission: Free.
Join Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Erie Mayor Joe Schember as they light up Perry Square in an incredible display of lights and decorations, including an enormous holiday tree! This family-friendly event features holiday music, holiday vendor village shops, a live cut tree and wreath sale, hot chocolate, and sweet treats.

Victorian Holidays
Dates: Friday through Sunday, December 6 – 8
Location: Watson-Curtze Mansion
Times: Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday Noon to 5 p.m.
Admission: $6 per person, children 6 and under are free
Guests can enjoy self-guided tours of the historic Watson-Curtze Mansion, beautifully decorated inside and out for the holiday season. Choruses and live music will perform throughout the weekend, with a special visit from Santa on Sunday. Regular admission rates resume Tuesday, December 10, and decorations will remain up until January 6.

Presque Isle Lights
Dates: Friday through Sunday, December 6-29
Location: Presque Isle State Park
Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (weather dependent)
Admission: Free. A suggested $5 donation per vehicle is appreciated.
Presque Isle State Park’s natural beauty combined with a multitude of colorful lights and displays makes for a truly unique holiday drive-thru experience. Several areas will be decorated including the Presque Isle Lighthouse, Stull Interpretive Center, Ranger Station, and Waterworks Beach/Rotary Pavilion.

The Erie Philharmonic presents “Come Home for the Holidays”
Date: Saturday, December 7
Location: Warner Theater
Times: Saturday at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Admission: Ticket prices vary.
The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and music—and the annual Philharmonic holiday concert delivers all three. With special guests, the Erie Philharmonic Chorus, and ballet dancers, the Warner Theatre will be filled with the festive sounds of the season.

The 34^th  Annual “Christmas Memories”
Dates: December 4 – 22
Location: Erie Station Dinner Theatre
Times: Wednesday Noon (Dec. 4 and 11), Saturday 5:30 p.m., and Sunday 2:30 p.m.
Admission: Adults $48, Seniors (65 and up) and Students $42, Children ages 6-11 $28
Ring in the holidays with this heartwarming musical where the true meaning of Christmas is always celebrated. Join the Holiday Harmony Singers, sing along to traditional holiday favorites, and share a bountiful meal served family style.

Jim Brickman “Comfort & Joy” Holiday Concert
Date: Tuesday, December 10
Location: Warner Theatre
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Admission: Starting at $48.50
With special guests Anne Cochran & Young Original. This year’s tour promises to be a spectacular celebration of all things Christmas. Audiences can expect a captivating blend of Brickman’s original holiday classics, along with beloved seasonal favorites. From enchanting instrumentals to heartwarming vocal performances, each show will be a unique and unforgettable experience.

Nutcracker at the Warner
Dates: Saturday and Sunday, December 21-22
Location: Warner Theatre
Times: Saturday 7 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m.
Admission: Starting at $35
The Lake Erie Ballet Company has created a reimagined and enchanting performance of The Nutcracker, through a community collaboration of multiple dance companies. The Nutcracker is a masterpiece that seamlessly blends art, music, and dance, creating an unforgettable holiday experience.

Construction is officially underway on Caroline County’s first brewery.  Located in the heart of Denton, this 8,000+ square foot facility will feature a tap room, event space, and a beer production area.

Owners and local residents, Matt and Sarah Dahl, are thrilled to introduce this new venture. “We’re hoping to create a place where people can bring their families and have a good time,” says Matt.  “We love living here and we look at this as making an investment in the future of our community.”

Located at the corner of 8th and Gay Streets, Eden Town Brewing will occupy the site of the former Nuttle Lumber warehouse. The property’s previous owner, J.D. Neal, expressed his enthusiasm for the project as a way to revitalize the area around the brewery.  “When Matt and Sarah approached me about buying the property, they told me what they had in mind for it, and I thought it would be a great thing for Denton.”

The brewery’s plans include a large outdoor space designed to host live music and special events. The owners intend to partner with a local restaurant or food truck to provide food on site.

“Our kids are excited to be starting a family business,” said Sarah.  “Our older son James is already looking forward to working there in the summers, and our younger son Luke likes to wear his Eden Town hat and give them out to his friends.  It’s been fun already, to have them involved in the process.”

For more information about Eden Town Brewing and to follow along with the progress, visit www.edentownbrewing.com or follow on social media @edentownbrewing.

As the leaves turn golden and the crisp fall air sweeps across the Eastern Shore, Caroline County, Maryland, transforms into a hub of seasonal celebrations. From harvest festivals to cultural events, this hidden gem is the perfect place to embrace the beauty of autumn. Here are eight fall festivals in Caroline County that you won’t want to miss!

 

JZ Farms Fall Fest and Pumpkin Patch

Date: September through November 11, 2024
Location: Federalsburg, MD
Enjoy over 20 activities for children of all ages. Including a 10 acre corn maze celebrating 75 years of Peanuts, a kids corn maze, u-pick pumpkin and sunflower patch, 2 jumping pillows, Barnyard slingshot, Corn bin basketball, farm animals, Farmersville (featuring 13 playhouses), a ropes course, tire playground and so much more!
Don’t Miss: The corn maze is open during the evening, bring your flashlights and try for yourself

Bartenfelder Farms

Date: October 11-26, 2024
Location: Preston, MD
Come out to the farm for another great and haunted time. Enjoy the haunted hayride and haunted corn maze, a thrilling experience for all ages. The fun doesn’t stop there as you can expect a variety of food trucks, and sweet treats each night
Don’t miss: Fun day at the farm on October 18^th will feature pumpkin painting and carving, Halloween crafts, pony rides, and u-pick pumpkins and gourds.

Redemption Farms Fall Fest & Farm Tour

Date: October 12, 2024
Location: Denton, MD
Join us for a fun-filled day at Redemption Farms! Explore the beauty of autumn with pick-your-own pumpkins and apples, perfect for seasonal decorating or tasty treats. Enjoy a self-guided farm tour to see how everything grows and discover even more activities for the whole family. Mark your calendars and bring your family and friends for an unforgettable experience in the heart of fall season.

Ridgely Fall Festival

Date: October 12, 2024
Location: Ridgely, MD
Gear up for a day of affordable family fun, promoting fire prevention/safety month and supporting the Ridgely Volunteer Fire Department. Featuring bounce houses, kid’s games, music, first responder demonstrations, fire engine display, and plenty of food and rink available for purchase.
Don’t Miss: Our special Queens contest to see who will be crowned as RVFD ambassador

Hallowdaze

Date: October 19, 2024
Location: Preston, MD
This festival is worth the drive as the town of Preston again has Hallowdaze! This day comes filled with Halloween inspired events and activities. Shop our local vendors market, enjoy arts and crafts, corn hole, bounce houses and plenty of treats. Wear your best costume to enter the contest and earn prizes.
Don’t Miss: A live performance by the KG Band; a classic rock band with little funk and country too!

Spooktacular Fall Fest

Date: October 25, 2024
Location: Denton, MD
Join us for spine-tingling evening of family fun at our Spooktacular Fall Fest! This free event features music, and mesmerizing special effects. Indulge in delicious Halloween treats and wear your best costume for a tent-or-treat contest.
Don’t Miss: The all-new haunted house and tour!

Trick Trunk or Treat at the Mill

Date: October 27, 2024
Location: Preston, MD
Join in on the family friendly fun at the historic Linchester Mill. Trick Trunk or Treat, this annual event is sure to be exciting for all. Grab sweet treats from decorated trunks, enter as an individual or family to compete in the costume contest. Food trucks and local vendors will also be on hand and music all evening by DJ Mark Stivers.
Don’t Miss: A haunted trail along the Harriet Tubman trail at the mill and tarot readings.

Fall Fest Downtown Denton Main Street

Date: October 30, 2024
Location: Denton, MD
Denton’s historic downtown comes alive during this vibrant fall celebration. Enjoy shopping with local vendors, live music, and food trucks offering delicious fall flavors. The event is a great opportunity to explore the local shops and boutiques while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Don’t Miss: The costume contest and pumpkin painting!

With an array of fall festivals that celebrate the rich agricultural history and vibrant community spirit, Caroline County offers something for everyone. Whether you’re into hands on farm experiences, live music, or exploring the great outdoors, there’s a fall event here that’s sure to make your autumn season unforgettable.

Pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to experience all that Caroline County has to offer this fall!

Feel free to personalize this itinerary with more local lodging options or dining experiences to make your visit even more memorable!

Erie’s Bayfront District is located along the southern shores of Presque Isle Bay. This vibrant area is home to an array of diverse attractions, waterfront restaurants, comfortable hotels, and stunning waterfront views.  It’s also compact and walkable, so you’ll only need to park once to explore with ease, just remember to wear comfortable shoes. There’s metered street parking along Lower State Street and two public parking garages; one at the Courtyard Erie Bayfront Hotel and one next to the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel. If you’ve never explored this part of Erie, here are a few ways to spend a well-rounded summer or fall day.

Morning: Start Your Day Right

Fuel up for the day at the Courtyard Erie Bayfront Hotel’s The Bistro. With a variety of menu items including avocado toast, eggs prepared to your liking, fresh fruit, Starbucks® coffee, and specialty beverages, The Bistro has healthy options to give you the perfect start to your day. Dining is available inside or outside on the hotel’s spacious outdoor patio with views of Presque Isle Bay.

Mid-Morning: Iconic Landmarks and History

At the foot of State Street stands one of Erie’s most recognizable landmarks, the Bicentennial Tower, built in 1995 to celebrate Erie’s 200th anniversary. Towering at 187 feet, it offers stunning photo ops with a picturesque waterfront backdrop. Visitors can take the elevator or climb 210 steps to the top observation deck for panoramic views of Presque Isle Bay, Lake Erie, and even the Canadian shoreline 27 miles away. From the top, you can also get a birds-eye view of the tower’s lower deck featuring “Flotsam,” a vibrant 12,000-square-foot mural. The Bicentennial Tower is open daily year-round. Accessing the upper deck costs a small admission fee, but it’s free on the first Tuesday of each month (excluding holidays and weather permitting).

The Erie Maritime Museum tells the fascinating story of Erie’s role during the War of 1812 and the Battle of Lake Erie through a diverse exhibit collection. Many of the museum’s exhibits refer to Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, a naval commander who played a significant role in the War of 1812 and is known for his victory in the Battle of Lake Erie and coining the phrase “Don’t Give Up The Ship”. Additional museum exhibits speak to Erie’s commercial fishing history and the recreational importance of Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie.

Guest contributor: Heather Cass

Fifty-seven percent of Pennsylvania is forested. In fact, the state’s name translates into “Penn’s Woods,” Penn referring to William Penn who established the first colony, and “Sylvania,” which means woods or forest in Latin.  For those who like to hike and spend time in nature, there are numerous places to do so in the Erie area. There is a trail suitable for nearly any age or ability and most are just a short drive from the city.

Here are five great hiking spots to explore in Erie County: