Find an Elf and Listen to Some Music With These Fun (But Safe) Things to Do in PA: Dec. 18-20

There are things to do inside or outside. If you decide to venture out, make sure to wash your hands, wear a mask, and follow social distancing guidelines.

Weekends in Pennsylvania have no shortage of things to do, especially during the holiday season. While events might look different during the coronavirus pandemic, there are plenty of ways to have fun on your own, or with the family or friends in your quarantine bubble.

Here’s a roundup of activities to participate in the weekend of Dec. 18-20.

If you decide to venture out, make sure to wash your hands, wear a mask, and follow social distancing guidelines.

Philadelphia 

‘A Czech Christmas’

Tempesta di Mare, the Philadelphia Baroque Orchestra, presents “A Czech Christmas.” The orchestra performs works from the collection of a Catholic bishop in seventeenth-century Moravia, Prince Karel (Karl) II of Liechtenstein-Castelcorno, Bishop of Olomouc (1623-1695). The music was written for a vocal quartet, trumpets, recorders, and strings. One of the orchestra’s co-directors transcribed most of the works performed on the program from manuscripts at the library in the bishop’s residence in Kroměříž, Czech Republic.

The performance was recorded live on Dec. 6, but you can watch it from the safety and comfort of your own home through Dec. 26. Pay $10 and get a streaming link you can watch as often as you’d like.

‘Not Yet Rated: An Improvised Horror Comedy… at Christmas’

Performers from five different cities in three different time zones perform a unique horror comedy holiday show. Keep your eye out for Philadelphia-based performers Kelly Conrad, Marcely Jean-Pierre, and Brendan Manklang Kingston.

Watch at 8 p.m. Saturday or 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23. Ticket prices are pay-what-you-can.

Sisterly Love Citywide Food Fair

This weekend is your last chance to enjoy the Sisterly Love Citywide Food Fair, a traveling marketplace created by Philadelphia female food entrepreneurs. Each location features special pre-packaged and giftable food items from woman-owned businesses in the city.

The fair stops at Jet Wine Bar (1525 South St.) from 12 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, and Bridget Foy’s (200 South St.) on Sunday.

Southeastern PA

Family Mystery Walking Tours: Elf on the Stealth

Head over to Peddler’s Village in Lahaska to take part in a fun, holiday-themed mystery! The Elf on the Shelf is missing, and it’s nearly Christmas Day. Search through the North Pole with Mrs. Claus on a walking tour to help solve the mystery and save Christmas.

Tour times are 6 and 7 p.m. on Fridays, once every hour from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, and once every hour from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sundays through Jan. 10. There will be no tours on Christmas or New Year’s Day. Tickets are $25 per person and are non-refundable.

Ride the ‘‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ Train

Take a ride on the Colebrookdale Railroad’s “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” Train, listen to Christmas  music, and sip hot cocoa as the crew reads the classic Christmas poem.

The train leaves the station at 7 p.m. on Friday; and at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Fares range from $65 to $175 per adult (age 13 to 64), depending on which car they ride in; $62 to $150 per senior, depending on which car they ride in; $45 per child ages 2-12, and $15 per child under the age of 2. Learn more and get tickets online.

Northeastern PA

Virtual Holly Trail in Pottsville

Take a guided virtual tour through five beautifully decorated homes, and two nonprofit centers in Pottsville. The video is about two hours in length, and walks you through the holiday decorations of the Siro Family, the Kostura Family, the Sophy Family, the home of Todd Schaffer and Scott Kline, the Yuengling Mansion, the Pottsville Library, and another gorgeous Pottsville home.

The virtual tour will be available until 5 p.m. Jan. 3. Tickets are $15, and $1 from every ticket purchased will be donated to area community organizations that help those less fortunate.

South Central PA

‘It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Show’

Cumberland Valley’s Players on High presents “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Show.” Listen to the classic Christmas tale of George Bailey, Clarence the Angel, and the rest of Bedford Falls as a 1940s-style radio show. Performances include talent from all over the country to bring this classic story to life all over again—at a time when we all need a reminder that community is everything.

Listen to the show any time at Broadway On Demand.

Zip Lines and Christmas Lights

Refreshing Mountain in Lancaster offers three different ways to enjoy the beautiful Christmas lights strung all throughout their cabins: a drive-thru, a cabin stay, and by zip-lining through them.

There are 8 miles of Christmas light strands to enjoy. Visit Refreshing Mountain’s website for ticket information. 

North Central PA

Holiday Music from the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra

Watch the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra play a selection of holiday music while in the safety and comfort of your own living room any time you’d like. Stream the performance for free on YouTube.

Southwestern PA

Pittsburgh Ballet Theater Presents: ‘A Fireside Nutcracker’

Dancers from the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater perform the theater’s adaptation of the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” in a virtual production.

There is no cost to stream the performance, which will be available through Dec. 31. Register online, and you will receive a link to the video via email. 

Northwestern PA 

See Santa and Alpacas in Slippery Rock

Meet some alpacas at WestPark Alpacas in Slippery Rock, Butler County, and have your photo taken with Santa and the alpacas.

Santa will be at the farm from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and The Grinch will be there from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets cost $5 per person.