We List You a Busy Christmas

Milles Studio

It's the most wonderful time of the year, as they say. As the holiday season comes into full swing, virtually every day in December holds something in store if you're feeling festive. So start popping out those advent calendars and feasting on a few of these select event-morsels behind each door, fit for your holiday date night or family outing alike. Stay tuned to our Events Calendar for a full listing through the New Year and beyond.

It's a Holly Jolly Stage Show

The play's the thing, as weekends in December will find theater-goers with quite a few options, including some productions wholly original to the Erie area. Tis the season for local ticket-holders.

A Medieval Christmas Banquet: An Angel's Work Is Never Done, Dec. 5, 6 — 7 p.m. & Dec. 7 — 1 p.m. // Reprising their performance of Rev. Shawn Clerkin's original dinner theater production, Gannon's theatre company will return to the "Court of Cheltham Hall." // Schuster Theatre, 620 Sassafras St. // gannon.edu.

A Dickens of a Carol, Dec. 5, 6, 7 — 7:30 p.m. & Dec. 7, 8 — 2 p.m. // A new take on the Dickensian tale has Dickens and his friend Thomas Mitton growing tired of the well-known story, and proceeding to read it aloud. // Taylor Little Theatre at Mercyhurst Univ., 501 E. 38th St. // miac.mercyhurst.edu.

The Christmas Train, Dec. 6, 7 — 7:30 p.m. & Dec. 8 — 2 p.m. // This original musical written by Maribeth McCarthy follows ten strangers stuck on a train during the holidays. // Gardner Theatre, 910 Market St., Meadville, PA // artsmeadville.org

This Wonderful Life, Dec. 6, 7 — 8 p.m., Dec. 8 — 2:30 p.m. // Ken Falkenhagen embodies George Bailey, old man Potter, and the rest of Bedford Falls in this hilarious and moving retelling of this classic film in the form of an original one-man-show. // North East Arts Council, 25 Vine St., North East, PA // facebook.com/events

Christmas Memories, Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 5:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m. from Dec. 7 through Dec. 21 // In an all new production, the Station Dinner Theatre sees a family coming together for the holidays, with a song selection half comprised of original compositions. // Station Dinner Theatre, 4940 Peach St. // canterburyfeast.com

Every Christmas Story Ever Told, Dec. 13, 14, 20, 21 — 8 to 10 p.m. & Dec. 15 — 2 to 4 p.m. // Actors Jeff Rodland (who directs the show as well), Lara Schaaf, and Jason Fried tackle countless seasonal subjects, pieces of media, irreverently parodying and mashing up holiday material. // PACA, 1505 State St. (2nd Fl.) // paca1505.org

Yuletide Carols Being Sung By a Fire

Though there might not actually be an open fire on hand for all your chestnut-roasting needs, there are oodles of Christmas tunes to be heard, and more than a few sing-alongs to join in with, whether you're a classical caroler or a jingle-bell-rocker.

Tuba Christmas, Dec. 7 — 1 p.m. // A holiday brass show featuring over 100 musicians. // Reed Union Bldg. at Penn St. Behrend, 4701 College Dr. // behrend.psu.edu

Edenlight at Pressed Books & Coffee, Dec. 7 — 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. // Meadville's Dave and Sue Bicko perform acoustic holiday tracks and other selections at the local bookstore. // Pressed, 1535 W. 8th St. // pressedbooks.com

A Neil Diamond Christmas Show, Dec. 7 — 7 p.m. // Singer Gary Gomez and company pay tribute to Neil Diamond in this benefit for Shriner's Hospital for Children // Zem Zem Shrine Club, 2525 W. 38th St. // thediamondprojectband.com

Holiday Jazz & Ornament Party with Bruce Johnstone & Frank Singer, Dec. 7 — 1 to 4 p.m. // World-class baritone saxophonist Bruce Johnstone joins guitarist Frank Singer as Artlore sets out locally made ornaments for display and sale. // Artlore Studio 3406 W. Lake Rd. // facebook.com/events

Mercyhurst Christmas Gala, Dec. 8 — 5 p.m. // Mercyhurst's Concert Choir, Wind Ensemble, and Civic Orchestra deliver at triple act of season favorites complete with sing-alongs. // Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center, 501 E. 38th St. // miac.mercyhurst.edu

Philharmonic Chorus Holiday Soiree, Dec. 12 — 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. // Catch a cabaret-style performance from Messiah performers, with hors d'oeuvres and drinks at this gala event // Ambassador Conference & Banquet Center, 7794 Peach St. // eriephil.org

Messiah by the Erie Philharmonic Chorus, Dec. 12 — 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. // See featured soloists Elizabeth Baldwin, Joan Marie Peitscher, Wesley Lawrence, and Edward Pleasant in Handel's classic oratorio and it's iconic Hallelujah Chorus. // First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 250 W. 7th St. // eriephil.org

PLAYtime Holiday Sing-Along, Dec. 14 — 11 a.m. // This free sing-along event for the whole family will feature hot chocolate, donuts, plus a visit from Santa. // Erie Playhouse, 13 W. 10th St. // erieplayhouse.org

A Very (The) Standby Christmas, Dec. 19 — 7:30 to 11 p.m. // Erie's up-and-coming indie-rock trio host their second annual holiday show, with guests The Joke's On Us, The Vics, and Ghostpool. // PACA, 1505 State St. (2nd Fl.) // facebook.com/events

Stars and Promises, Dec. 19 — 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. // Guitarist and vocalist Peter Mayer (of Jimmy Buffett's Corral Reefer Band) celebrates the 20th anniversary of his"Stars and Promises" tour. // Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, 1553 E Grandview Blvd. // petermayer.com

A Not So Silent Night: Paper Matches Album Release Show, Dec. 20 — 7 to 11 p.m. // Celebrate the release of the Erie rocker's debut album, along with Wasted Info and Insult to Injury. // Erie Movie House, 3424 W. Lake Rd. // facebook.com/events

The Jeebies Present: A Very Tipsy Christmas, Dec. 21 — 7 to 10 p.m. // Teddy Rankin and company take to the Tipsy Bean for some holiday cheer, bringing in Bean owner Gisele Littrell for some help as well. // The Tipsy Bean, 2425 Peach St. // facebook.com/events

Festive Flicks a Flickering

White Christmas, Dec. 10 — 2:30 p.m. // The 1954 classic film features Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Rosemary Clooney performing the songs of Irving Berlin. // LECOM Center for Health & Aging, 3910 Schaper Ave. // lecomcha.org

Silent Night Deadly Night, Dec. 13 — 7 to 11 p.m. // Slaughter Film presents a screening of the 1984 slasher cult classic and first of the franchise. // Erie Movie House, 3424 W. Lake Rd. // facebook.com/events

Christmas Inheritance, Dec. 17 — 2:30 p.m. // Enjoy a screening of the 2017 Netflix film starring Eliza Taylor, Jake Lacy and Andie MacDowell. // LECOM Center for Health & Aging, 3910 Schaper Ave. // lecomcha.org

It's a Wonderful Life, Dec. 21 — 8 to 10 p.m. // Frank Capra's iconic 1946 classic starring Jimmy Stewart shows the importance of one man and how he affected the people in his life. // Erie Movie House, 3424 W. Lake Rd. // facebook.com/events

Tinsel-time Trivia

Want to put your holiday film knowledge to the test? Square off against other teams in a challenge of wits. 

Elf Trivia at The Cove, Dec. 10 — 6 p.m. // The Cove Restaurant, 2 State St. // facebook.com/events

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation Trivia at Beechwood Golf Club, Dec. 19 — 6 p.m. // Beechwood Golf Club, 6401 Gorski Rd., Fairview, PA // facebook.com/events

Christmas Movie Trivia at Luminary Distilling, Dec. 19 — 6:30 p.m. // Luminary Distilling, 8270 Peach St. // facebook.com/events

Holiday Hors d'oeuvres and Seasonal Spirits

From eggnog to fruit cakes, this time of year has its own distinct culinary charms. Get your drink on, or your eat on, whatever your pleasure happens to be. 

Santa Bar Crawl, Dec. 7 — 3 p.m. // Bourbon Barrel, 1213 State St. // bourbonbarrelerie.com

Cocoa and Crafts, Dec. 7 — 4 to 7 p.m. // Meiser Building, 21 W. 10th St. // eventbrite.com

Merry & Lit at Luminary, Dec. 20 — 6 to 9 p.m. // Luminary Distilling, 8270 Peach Street, Suite 300 // facebook.com/events

2nd Annual Ugly Sweater Party, Dec. 21 — 8 to 11 p.m. // Room 33, 1033 State St. // facebook.com/events

Jingle and Mingle with your holiday worst at Luminary Distilling, Dec. 22 — 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. // Luminary Distilling, 8270 Peach St. // facebook.com/events 

The Art of Christmas Crafts

Looking to create something of your own? Whether you want it to go on the tree or under it, there are tons of seasonal workshops with the aspiring crafter in mind. 

Painting At The Brew: Three Snowman Ornaments!, Dec. 4 — 6 to 8 p.m. // Brew Ha Ha at the Colony, 2612 W. 8th St. // facebook.com/events

Gifts in a Jar, Dec. 6 — 1 to 3 p.m. // Iroquois Branch Library, 4212 Iroquois Ave. // events.erielibrary.org

Woodgrain Snowman Plate, Dec. 6 — 6 to 8 p.m. // Claytopia, 924 W. Erie Plaza Dr. // claytopiaerie.com

Holiday Ornaments and Tree Workshop, Dec. 7 — 2 to 4 p.m. // Erie ClaySpace, 1505 State St. (3rd Fl.) // eventbrite.com

Christmas Cake Class, Dec. 8 — 1 p.m. // Arrowhead Wine Cellars, 12073 E. Main Rd., North East, PA // facebook.com

Second Sundays: Snow Globe Making, Dec. 8 — 2 to 4 p.m. // Erie Art Museum, 20 E. 5th St. // erieartmuseum.org

Dog Print Ornaments, Dec. 10 — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. // Claytopia, 924 W. Erie Plaza Dr. // claytopiaerie.com

Coffee and Clay: Mug Making Workshop at Erie ClaySpace, Dec. 11 — 6 to 8:30 p.m. // Erie ClaySpace, 1505 State St. // facebook.com/events

Christmas Canvas Craft Night with the Catnip Gardener, Dec. 11 — 6 to 8 p.m. // Attic Rehab, 1501 State St. // facebook.com/events

Holiday Kitty Polymer Clay Class, Dec. 12 — 6 to 8 p.m. // Claytopia, 924 W. Erie Plaza Dr. // claytopiaerie.com

Holiday Crafternoon: Origami Paper Folding Ornaments, Dec. 13 — 2 to 4 p.m. // Lincoln Community Center Library, 1255 Manchester Rd. // events.erielibrary.org

Paintology: Snowman in the Moonlight at Attic Rehab, Dec. 13 — 6 to 8 p.m. // Attic Rehab, 1501 State St. // facebook.com/events

DIY Holiday Greeting Cards, Dec. 14 — 3 to 4 p.m. // Iroquois Branch Library, 4212 Iroquois Ave. // events.erielibrary.org

Meet and (Seasons) Greetings

It's your chance to meet the big guy himself, Mr. Claus (and a few of his assigned helpers, though we won't tell which are which), or the Grinch himself will be on hand at these special events to hear your gifting requests and photo opportunities. 

Here Comes Santa, Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving at 3 p.m. on Dec. 7, 14, 21 // Splash Lagoon, 8091 Peach St. // splashlagoon.com

Snowflakes with Santa, Dec. 7 — 10 to 10:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. to noon // LEAF Education Center, 1501 W. 6th St. // leaferie.org

Photos with Grinch Benefiting HOPE, Dec. 7 — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. // Mud Puppies Self Serve Dog Wash, 3867 Peach St. // facebook.com/events

Photos with Santa: Because You Care, Dec. 7 — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. // Pet Supplies Plus, 1010 W. Erie Plaza Dr. // facebook.com/events

Sensory Friendly Time with Santa, Dec. 8 — 9:30 to 11 a.m. // Millcreek Mall Complex, 5800 Peach St. // barberinstitute.org

Brunch with Santa, Dec. 8 — 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. // Mound Grove Golf Course, 10760 Donation Rd., Waterford, PA // moundgrove.com

Brunch with Santa at the ExpERIEnce Children's Museum, Dec. 8, 15, 22 —10 a.m. to noon // expERIEnce Children's Museum, 420 French St. // facebook.com/events

Family Photos w the Grinch, Dec. 14 — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. //

Gosha Riley: Movement Mortgage, 2320 W. 8th St. // bit.ly/2Kcd6rJ

Nick Warren is now fully into the Christmas spirit. Ornaments can be sent to him at the Erie Reader, and he can be contacted at nick@eriereader.com