Things to do in December in (and near) Franklin County: It's all about the holidays
Holiday events fill the calendar in Franklin County in December. Here is a selection of things to do.
Trail of Lights
Bundle up the family and take a winter stroll past more than 50 lighted displays at the Trail of Lights at Country Creek Produce south of Chambersburg. The trail is set up in a field, so boots are recommended.
Play areas, slides and jump pads will be open. There will also be photo opportunities available.
The concession stand will be open on weekends, as will the holiday greenhouse.
Where: Country Creek Produce, 3794 Etter Road, Chambersburg
When: Through Jan. 2, 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Guests are also welcome during the same times Dec. 20-23 and Dec. 26-30. More weekdays may be added depending on weather and demand; check Country Creek's Facebook page for updates.
Cost: $10 per person; free for ages 2 and under.
More info: countrycreekproducefarm.com or facebook.com/CountryCreekProduceFarm
Candle Night
Luminaries will line the sidewalks of downtown Chambersburg and carolers will sing as guests meander and visit local stores. Santa Claus will be there and ready for photos, too.
Where: In and around Memorial Square, Chambersburg
When: 5-8 p.m. Dec. 3
More info: discoverchambersburg.com/
In Waynesboro: Train rides, pictures with Santa and hot cocoa in store at Red Run Park Dec. 3
Land O' Christmas
Decorated trees and holiday collections will be on display, and kids can visit the big man at Santa's Workshop. There will also be raffles (drawing at 3 p.m. Dec. 12) to benefit the WALL (Waynesboro Area Lionness Lions) Club.
Where: The Counting House, 10 W. Main St., Waynesboro
When: Dec. 3-5 and Dec. 10-12; 4-8 p.m. Friday, noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday (Santa visit times: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 3, noon to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 4, 1-3 p.m. Dec. 5, 6-8 p.m. Dec. 10, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 11, 2-4 p.m. Dec. 12)
Cost: Free admission
More info: .facebook.com/waynesborolionesslions/
Heritage Christmas
Get into the holiday spirit with this popular tradition in downtown Greencastle. On the first two Friday evenings in December, Center Square will be home to community groups selling all kinds of treats, live music performances and other entertainment. Horse and wagon rides will be available (advanced tickets advised; more below). Santa will be at the Life Center on North Carlisle Street. Model trains will be on display at the High Line Train Station on East Baltimore Street. These are just a few of the things to do and see.
Where: Downtown Greencastle
When: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 3 and 10
Cost: It's free to visit, but you'll need money for food and some activities. Horse and wagon rides are $10/person (free for kids who ride on laps); buy tickets online at greencastlepachamber.org/community/christmas/.
More info: greencastlepachamber.org/community/christmas/
Carols, cookies, crafts and more: Greencastle-Antrim gets set for Heritage Christmas
'A Christmas Carol'
You've probably seen multiple movie and TV adaptions of "A Christmas Carol," but catching a live stage production of Charles Dickens' classic story is something you must do at least once. A tradition since 1987, Totem Pole Playhouse will produce the story of Ebenezer Scrooge's journey with three spirits toward learning the true meaning of Christmas. Shows will take place at the Majestic Theater in Gettysburg, just a short drive east of Franklin County.
Where: Majestic Theater, 25 Carlisle St., Gettysburg
When: 8 p.m. Dec. 9, 8 p.m. Dec. 10, 2 and 8 p.m. Dec. 11, 2 p.m. Dec. 12, 2 p.m. Dec. 16, 8 p.m. Dec. 17, 2 and 8 p.m. Dec. 18, 2 p.m. Dec. 19
Cost: Tickets range from $32 to $38. Buy online at gettysburgmajestic.showare.com or call the box office at 888-805-7081
More info: gettysburgmajestic.org
'It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play"
Actors on a 1940s radio show tell the story of the idealistic George Bailey as he considers ending his life on Christmas Eve. Produced by Chambersburg Community Theater.
Where: The Capitol Theatre's Wood Center, 159 S. Main St., Chambersburg
When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9-11 and 2 p.m. Dec. 12
Cost: Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors 65+ and military/frontline workers and $15 for minors. Buy online at cctonline.org.
More info: cctonline.org
Movies for kids and adults
Capitol Theatre will host showings of the popular holiday movies, "The Polar Express" and "White Christmas."
Kids and families coming to watch "The Polar Express" are invited to come early for a pajama party and hot cocoa bar. The ticket price includes one cup of cocoa, but additional cups and other items will be available for sale.
There will be two showings of "White Christmas," and between them, guests are invited to mingle and enjoy holiday treats and beverages.
Where: Capitol Theatre, 159 S. Main St., Chambersburg
When: "The Polar Express" will be shown Dec. 11; party at 11 a.m., film at noon. "White Christmas" will be shown at 3 and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 23
Cost: Tickets must be purchased in advance for "The Polar Express"/pajama party; $15 for adults and $10 for students 18 and under and those with a college ID. "White Christmas" tickets are $5.
More info: thecapitoltheatre.org
'The Nutcracker'
You can catch this holiday classic in Franklin County, thanks to the talents of the Chambersburg Ballet. A cast of 40 dancers, including four professional guest artists, will tell the story of Clara's journey to save her beloved Nutcracker from the evil Mouse King and their celebration in the Kingdom of the Sweets with the Sugarplum Fairy.
Masks are required.
Where: Capitol Theatre, 159 S. Main St., Chambersburg
When: 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 18, 3 p.m. Dec. 19
Cost: Tickets are $18 for adults, $12 for students age 6 through college (with ID) and $10 for ages 5 and under. Buy online at thecapitoltheatre.org.
More info: chambersburgballet.org or thecapitoltheatre.org
Amber South can be reached at asouth@publicopinionnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Chambersburg Public Opinion: Trail of Lights, A Christmas Carol: Things to do in Franklin County
