Central PA 

Weekend Bucket List: December 23rd & 24th

Are you looking for something to go to this weekend? Here are some events we suggest you can check out!

Annual Christmas Light Drive - Thru
When: Friday Dec 23rd | 5 - 9 PM 
Where: The Star Barn at Stone Gables Estate

Celebrate the traditions and true meaning of Christmas with your loved ones from the comfort of your vehicle. Stone Gables Estate invites you to experience a spectacular 3-mile Christmas Light Drive-Thru which features over 800,000+ brilliant LED lights.

Light Up Little Buffalo
When: Friday Dec 23rd | 6-9 PM

Where: Little Buffalo State Park

Little Buffalo's lighted trail is brought to you by Little Buffalo State Park in conjunction with The Friends of Little Buffalo. Meet Santa, sample some home made cookies, and enjoy the thousands of lights and displays located along this quarter mile trail in the park's East Picnic Area.

This is a free program but donations are graciously accepted. Proceeds this year will be going towards restoring our historic train car, which is in dire need of repairs and was once a fun addition to the holiday trail. All donations stay here at Little Buffalo to provide future programs, festivals, and recreational activities here at the park.

Please note - we will NOT be having our hot dog and marshmallow stand this year. Instead, Cumberland Gap BBQ will be selling hot food for the event.

Please bring a flashlight as the parking areas are dark. Hot chocolate and cookies will be for sale by the local 4H all 7 nights.

Dec. 23rd - Greenwood Swing Choir "Out of the Blue" - 7:30pm

Well behaved pets are welcome, but please keep in mind that this area can get crowded, and all pets must be restrained at all times. Your pet will likely not enjoy this as much as you will. If you have any questions or require special accommodations, email littlebuffsp@pa.gov or call the park office at 717-567-9255.

Santa Express

When: Friday Dec 23rd | 10 AM - 2 PM

Where: The Star Barn at Stone Gables Estate

Enjoy a magical and narrated train excursion and Christmas experience through the center of Stone Gables Estate on the Harrisburg, Lincoln & Lancaster Railroad. Featured is a replica of an 1868 steam locomotive, pulling replicas of an 1848 Pioneer Coach and a mid-1860’s Combine & Day Coach.

Sing along with favorite Christmas tunes that will be broadcast throughout the passenger coaches.

Watch the eyes of children light up when Santa makes a surprise visit and hands each child a treat.

Enjoy a stop at Santa's Toy Shop in the Engine House, beautifully decorated for Christmas.

Ride Schedule (all dates):

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

Duration:

Allow 20 - 25 minutes for your total experience.

Tickets (online only):

Adults: $15

Children (ages 3 – 17): $10

Children, ages 2 and under, are free (seating for lap children/toddlers is one per parent) 

Downtown Carlisle Holiday Rides

When: Dates & Times Listed Below

Where: S Hanover St, Carlisle, PA 17013

Benchfield Farms Holiday Rides

Private Carriage - $50.00 per Family. Reservations and Prepayment Required.

Rides are approximately 15 minutes long depending upon traffic. We load and unload at Church Ave and S Hanover St right beside the Old Courthouse.

Thursday, Dec 22nd - 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Friday, Dec 23rd - 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Saturday, Dec 24th - 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Prepayment is Refundable only with 24-hour notice or if we cancel due to weather.

To reserve your date/time please contact Traci at:

Call or Text - 717-448-8464, Message us on Facebook or

Email Benchfieldfarms@Comcast.net

Spruce Ridge Reindeer at Christmas Village

When: Friday Dec 23rd | 4-9 PM

Where: Knoebels Three Ponds Golf Course

You know Dasher and Dancer, Prancer and Vixen? Comet and Cupid, Donner and Blitzen? They will be at Knoebels Christmas Village for a special visit right before they fly back to the North Pole for Christmas Eve!

Visit Christmas Village and learn about the reindeer from Spruce Ridge Reindeer Farm, where Santa's reindeer train and grow! Have your photo taken with the reindeer ($10 donation) and enjoy the magic of Christmas!

Elf Skate & Santa Social with Hershey Figure Skating Club

When: Friday Dec 23rd | 5:30-7:30 PM

Where: Giant Center

Santa and his elves will take a quick break from their Christmas toy making to visit and ice skate with us!

After the fun of skating with the elves, tell Santa your last minute wish list over some warm chocolate chip cookies & hot cocoa! Bring your camera for a special picture with Father Christmas himself!

5:30-6:30pm - Learn to skate & games with the Elves

6:30-7:30pm - Meet & Greet with Santa!

$25 includes ice skating, skate lesson, skate rental, goodies, your own pictures with Santa, cookies, hot cocoa, a special Christmas craft, and free parking!