Save your money for presents. Here is a list of cheap holiday events around Erie

David Bruce, Erie Times-News
·5 min read

Christmas can be the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also be the most expensive.

Gifts, holiday dinners and special events can cost lots of money, especially during times of inflation. The price of everything, from stocking stuffers to a boneless ham, is much higher than in previous years.

But families can still have fun this December without spending their last dollars on entertainment. Here is a list of area events that won't empty your wallet or purse. To qualify, the event must cost $100 or less for a family of four.

Did we miss an event? Contact David Bruce at dbruce@timesnews.com and we'll add it to the online version of this story.

Michelle and John Dalton of Erie, center, have their picture taken with the Christmas tree at Perry Square, Dec. 3, 2021, during the Downtown D'Lights celebration, which included the lighting of the Perry Square decorations and a visit from Santa Claus.
Michelle and John Dalton of Erie, center, have their picture taken with the Christmas tree at Perry Square, Dec. 3, 2021, during the Downtown D'Lights celebration, which included the lighting of the Perry Square decorations and a visit from Santa Claus.

  • Barrow-Civic Theatre, 1223 Liberty St., Franklin, is hosting its Christmas Tree Extravaganza through Dec. 22. Trees remain for viewing and voting through Dec. 22. Open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Closed Thanksgiving Day. Free. Vote on favorite tree. For more information, call Gary, 814-437-3440, or visit bit.ly/franklintrees, Barrowtheatre.org

  • Holiday attractions at Port Farms, 2055 Stone Quarry Road, Waterford Township, Nov. 25-Dec. 23. Free admission though some events cost money. Includes crafts, sleigh and carriage rides, Santa's workshop (on weekends) and live music.

  • Presque Isle Lights, Presque Isle State Park, Dec. 1-4, 8-11, 15-18, 22-23 and 29-30, 6-9 p.m. The self-guided evening driving tour of seasonal lights at Presque Isle State Park is free but donations are welcome at the park's second parking lot.

  • Lighted boardwalk at Asbury Woods, 4105 Asbury Road, each December evening from 5:30-8:30, except for Dec. 24-25. Free. The Andrew J. Conner Nature Center will have holiday items for sale in its expanded gift shop with items from local artisans.

  • Victorian Holidays at the Hagen History Center, 356 W. 6th St. Free admission from Dec. 1-4. Featuring a pop-up dollhouse exhibit, the Story of Us and the Curtze Legacy exhibits, as well as the Griswold cookware exhibit and more new exhibits. For hours of admission, as well as dates admission fees for the duration of the exhibit, call 814-454-1813 or go to eriehistory.org.

  • Elf: The Musical, Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 15-18, Erie Playhouse, 13 W. 10th St. Tickets: $25 adults, $15 children or students. Call (814) 454-2852, Ext. 0, for tickets or more information.

  • Downtown D'Lights, Dec. 2, 5-8 p.m. Perry Square. Free. Includes a 30-foot artificial Christmas tree and thousands of colorful lights around Perry Square.

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  • Festival of Trees, Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lakeside Commons, 220 W. Plum St., Edinboro. Free. Includes decorated trees, live music, visit from Santa at noon.

  • St. Nicholas Party, Dec. 3 from 1-3 p.m., St. Paul's Lutheran Church gym, 3108 Sterrettania Road. Free. Includes games, puppet show, children’s chat, and crafts.

  • Christmas at the Barn, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 14755 Route 226, Albion. Free. Includes pictures with Santa, tack swap, local crafters and vendors.

  • Linesville tractor parade, Dec. 3, 6 p.m. Linesville.

  • Christmas in Spartansburg Parade, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m., starting at the Spartansburg Christian & Missionary Alliance Church, 129 N. Spring St. Free entry.

  • Grinchmas, Dec. 3-4, Greene Township Municipal Building, 9333 Tate Road, Greene Township. Dec. 3 from noon-4 p.m., photos available with Santa or the Grinch. Cost: $5 per photo. Call 814-825-3347 to schedule. Dec. 4 from 1-3 p.m., games, light food, crafts and candid photos.

  • The D’Angelo Department of Music at Mercyhurst University presents "A Mercyhurst Christmas Gala," featuring the Concert Choir, Civic Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble. Two shows: Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. in Christ the King Chapel. Free. For event info: bit.ly/2022_MU_Christmas_Carols. Dec. 4 at 4:30 p.m. at the D'Angelo Performing Arts Center. For event info: bit.ly/2022_MU_Christmas_Gala. To purchase tickets: bit.ly/2022_MU_Christmas for ticket info.

  • The Woman's Club of Erie's Holiday Tea at the Mansion, Dec. 4 from 2-4 p.m., 259 W. Sixth St. Includes a holiday fashion show by Chico's, tea sandwiches and sweets. Cost: $20 per person. Menu includes tea sandwiches and sweets. Reservations required. Call 814-450-3199 for more information. Free tours of the mansion held Dec. 2-4.

Holiday light displays line the trails, on Dec. 4, 2020, at the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center at Asbury Woods in Millcreek Township for the Winter Wonderland event.
Holiday light displays line the trails, on Dec. 4, 2020, at the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center at Asbury Woods in Millcreek Township for the Winter Wonderland event.

  • Light Up Night, Dec. 9, 6-8 p.m., Harborcreek Municipal Building, 5601 Buffalo Road. Includes photos with Santa, live reindeer, horse-drawn trolley rides and refreshments.

  • Breakfast with Santa, Dec. 10 from 9 a.m. to noon, St. John's Evangelical Church, 2216 Peach St. Includes children's crafts, cookie decorating, child and adult auction tables, Christmas crafts and Santa. Cost: $7, available at the door. Children under 3 are free.

  • Visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, Dec. 10 from 1-3 p.m., the Little Church on the Hill, 10410 High St., Albion. Photos with children from 1-2 p.m., photo with pets from 2-3 p.m. Printed photos: $5 each.

  • Handel's Messiah: Dec. 10, 3 p.m., First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 250 W. Seventh St. Performed by the Erie Philharmonic, Erie Philharmonic Chorus and four nationally recognized soloists. Tickets: $21 for adults, $10 for students.

  • Irving Berlin's White Christmas, Dec. 16-18, Northwestern High School Performing Arts Center, 200 Harthan Way, Albion. Tickets: $5 adults, $4 students, free for children two and younger.

  • Cookies with Santa, Dec. 17, noon-2 p.m. Erie Free Store, 2816 Elmwood Ave. To register, visit https://forms.gle/Ny5pmsJeRWJSiEjE7

Erie neighborhoods with great holiday light displays

Check our map, below for plenty of Erie-area neighborhoods worth a night-time cruise around the holidays. If we missed a neighborhood, contact reporter Jennie Geisler at jgeisler@timesnews.com or 814-870-1885. We'll add your suggestion to the map.

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Contact David Bruce at dbruce@timesnews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ETNBruce.

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This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Cheap holiday events for the family can be found in Erie, PA area