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THIS WEEK: Dec. 11 to 17, 2015
Festival of Trees, a display of Christmas trees decorated by area businesses. Luzerne County Community College, 1333 S. Prospect St., Nanticoke. Through Dec. 20 with hours 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Free. 570-740-0602.
Mifflinburg Christkindl Market, the 27th annual authentic German-style event with more than 100 festive outdoor huts offering unique gift items and German-style foods. Also: music and dance, Kinder World with children’s attractions, the five-foot Prune Man, St. Nicholas, the Christkindl Pub with Glow Wine and German beers, Lantern Parade and the 15-foot Christmas Pyramid. Downtown Mifflinburg. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 11; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 12. Free. 888-666-0877 or oldchristkindl.com.
Hawley Winterfest, the annual holiday weekend with ice sculptures, beer tour, concerts, Cookie Walk, Victorian Luncheon, demonstrations, Artisans Fair, Holiday House Tour, Safe Kids Fair, book signings, Santa and S’mores, towed tube rides, horse-drawn carriage rides, train excursions, Christmas Show at the Ritz Theater, Enchanted Christmas at Bingham Park, Living Nativity, Breakfast with Santa and more. Dec. 11 to 13 throughout downtown Hawley. Schedule at hawleywinterfest.com.
All Wrapped Up, free gift wrapping with all paper and bows provided. Heritage Hill Senior Communiaty, 800 Sixth St., Weatherly. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 11. Bring an unwrapped gift for Toys for Tots. 570-427-4500.
Christmas City Stroll, a guided walking tour through Bethlehem’s historic district led by docents dressed in period Moravian attire, with stops at several landmarks including the 1741 Gemeinhaus and the Bethlehem Waterworks. Visitor Center, 505 Main St., Bethlehem. 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays through Jan. 10. 800-360-8687 or historicbethlehem.org.
Christmas at Grey Towers, guided tours of all three floors of the 1886 historic mansion, decorated for the holidays. Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, 122 Old Owego Turnpike, Milford. 1 and 3 p.m. through Dec. 19. $8. 570-296-9630.
Take the Train! A screening of “The Lady Vanishes” (1938). Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 2 p.m. Dec. 11. Free with light refreshments. 570-823-0156.
Bethlehem by Night. Tour the Christmas City on a guided bus tour or a horse-drawn carriage ride. Visitor Center, 505 Main St., Bethlehem. With bus tours at 5, 6 and 7 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays through Dec. 27; carriage rides 3 to 9 p.m. Fridays through Sundays through Dec. 31. 800-360-8687 or historicbethlehem.org.
Holiday Lights Spectacular, a drive-through display of more than 100 lighted structures depicting scenes of the season along with festive music. Nay Aug Park, 1901 Mulberry St., Scranton. 5 to 9 p.m. nightly through Jan. 5. 570-348-4186.
Holiday Open House, an old-fashioned celebration with traditional Christmas decorations, wassail and sweet treats, stories, games and music. Catlin House, 232 Monroe Ave., Scranton. 7 p.m. Dec. 11. 570-344-3841.
Olde Time Christmas, with tours of the historic Asa Packer mansion, live nativity, train rides with Santa, historic district ghost walks, gingerbread-house contest, scavenger hunt, concerts by the Bach and Handel Chorale, a display of 500 creches, Santa’s Workshop, strolling carolers, musicians and more. Downtown Jim Thorpe. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 12 and 13. 570-325-8485.
Santa Claus Special, a train ride with Santa and special treats. Train Station, 1 Susquehanna St., Jim Thorpe. 10:30 a.m., 1 and 3:30 p.m. Dec. 12-13 and 19-20. $13. 610-562-2102.
Global Holiday Reading Day. Celebrate the holiday around the world as readers share traditions of Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Three Kings Day and more. Sultana’s, United Penn Plaza, 170 S. Wyoming Ave., Kingston. Dec. 12 with readings every hour on the hour beginning at 11 a.m. and culminating with a visit from Ebenezer Scrooge at 3 p.m. Proceeds from sales benefit in part the Hoyt Library. 570-288-4438.
Holiday Film Festival, screenings of “Frozen,” “The Muppets ‘A Christmas Carol’,” “A Christmas Carol” with George C. Scott and “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Waverly Community House, 1115 N. Abington Road. Noon to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 12. Free. 570-586-8191.
Model Railroad Open House, an HO-scale, 2000-square-foot layout modeling many northeast railroads from various eras. Hudson Model Railroad Club, 97 Martin St., Hudson. Noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 12, 19-20, 26-27; Jan. 2-3. Free but donations accepted.
Model Railroad Open House, with HO model railroading and miniature replicas of local landmarks including the Asa Packer Mansion, Eckley Miners Village, Bethlehem Steelworks, Hazleton’s Blue Comet Diner and more. Anthracite Model Railroad Society, 1056 Hanover Court, Hazle Township. Noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Jan. 3. 570-459-6395.
Hypnosis for Goals, Fun and Career, with Chris Halbohm of the Kingston-Keystone Hypnosis Institute and Weight Loss Center. Wyoming Free Library, 358 Wyoming Ave. 1:30 p.m. Dec. 12. 570-693-1364.
Old-Time Christmas, the 25th annual holiday tour showcasing Christmas customs of the past on the 19th-century farm. With a bonfire, costumed guides, a Victorian skit, a Christmas Putz, Living Nativity, a 1700s German Christmas tale, one-room schoolhouse and the Belschnikel along with refreshments. Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, 347 Quiet Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 3 to 7 p.m. Dec. 12 and 13 with tours every 15 minutes. $10, $5 children. 570-992-6161.
50/50 Bingo, with food and beverages. Noxen School and Community Center, School Street. 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 12. Pay per card. Proceeds benefit the Noxen-Monroe Sportsmen’s Club. 570-298-2052.
Western Dinner Dance, with line and couples dancing. Sponsored by the Anthracite Rose Western Dance Club at the Dupont Fire Hall, 308 Main St. 6 to 10:30 p.m. Dec. 12. $20. Reservations: 570-675-3343.
Christmas Party and Toy Collection, sponsored by the Tunkhannock Lions Club. Lake Winola Fire Company, Route 307. Dec. 12 with a social hour at 6 p.m. with appetizers (BYOB) followed by a chicken-and-biscuit dinner at 7 p.m. $10 plus an unwrapped toy donation. Reservations: 570-8361205.
Menorah Lighting in Public Square, with honored dignitaries, live music, latkes, doughnuts and hot drinks. Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 12. 570-824-4646.
Christmas Dinner Dance, the annual holiday event with music by Millennium. VFW, 403 Main St., Dupont. Dec. 12 with dinner buffet at 7:30 p.m. and dancing 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $30. SOLD OUT. 570-654-9104.
Santa in the Park, the annual holiday festivities with photo opportunites, tree-ornament decorating and more. Forty Fort Park. 2 p.m. Dec. 13. Donations of hats and gloves will be accepted and donated to Children’s Behavioral Health Services.
Downton Abbey Preview, with an English tea, savory delicacies and a presentation of Downton Abbey finery and favors along with a screening of the Season 6 premiere episode. WVIA Studios, 100 WVIA Way, Pittston. 3 p.m. Dec. 13. $30. Reservations: 570-602-1134.
Paint with Rotary, a fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Mountain Top with a holiday-themed painting project for adults and children. Refreshments served. Mountain Top Gift Gallery, 273 S. Main Road. 3 p.m. Dec. 13. $45 plus a toy donation. Reservations: 570-715-7752.
Wine Tasting, with Pierluigi Giachi, a 13th-generation winemaker from Tuscany, Italy. St. Anthony Center, 28 Memorial St., Exeter. 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 13. $15 advance; $20 at the door. 570-885-5316.
Christmas Program, the annual event with songs, recitations and a Nativity Play followed by a reception and a visit from Santa. Second Presbyterian Church, 143 Parsonage St., Pittston. 5 p.m. Dec. 13. 570-654-1411.
The Hanging of the Greens, a family program with each decoration representing a part of the Christmas story. Also: a concert by David Griffin and desserts. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 231 State St., Nanticoke. 5:30 p.m. Dec. 13. 570-735-8531.
Living Nativity, enacted by the eighth-grade students of Wyoming Area Catholic School complete with domesticated animals. 1690 Wyoming Ave., Exeter. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13. 570-654-7982.
Gingerbread House Display, holiday creations by the Pastry Arts Club. Joseph A. Paglianite Culinary Institute, Luzerne County Community College, 1333 S. Prospect St., Nanticoke. Through Dec. 16 with hours 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Free. 570-740-0732.
It’s a Wonderful Life, free showings of the holiday classic starring James Stewart and Donna Reed. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. 2, 7 and 8 p.m. Dec. 15. 570-996-1500.
The 12 Days of Christmas Bingo, 12 games with 12 unique prizes along with light refreshments. Heritage Hill Senior Community, 800 Sixth St., Weatherly. 2 p.m. Dec. 15. Free but reservations required. 570-427-4500.
Paint Your Own Ornament, with coffee and tea provided. West Pittston Library, 200 Exeter Ave. 2 p.m. Dec. 16. $5. Registration: 570-654-9847.
Paint Your Own Ornament, with a glass of wine provided. West Pittston Library, 200 Exeter Ave. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 17. $5. Registration: 570-654-9847.
FUTURE
Coloring Club, for adults 18 and older. With Christmas-themed coloring pages, instrumenal music and festive treats. Pittston Memorial Library, 47 Broad St. 1 p.m. Dec. 18. 570-654-9565.
Take the Train! A screening of “Avalanche Express” (1979) with Lee Marvin and Robert Shaw. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 2 p.m. Dec. 18. Free with light refreshments. 570-823-0156.
Christmas Around the World, a program about the origins of various Christmas traditions. Sweet Valley Church of Christ, 5439 Main Road. 7 p.m. Dec. 18. 570-477-2320.
Holiday Hoopla, with ornament making, holiday stories, hot chocolate and treats for both adults and children. West Pittston Library, 200 Exeter Ave. 1 p.m. Dec. 19. Registration: 570-654-9847.
It’s a Wonderful Life, free showings of the classic film starring James Stewart and Lionel Barrymore. Little Theatre, 537 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre. 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 19; 2 p.m. Dec. 20. Also: a Christmas party with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar 6 p.m. Dec. 19. 570-823-1875.
The Outrageous Sophie Tucker, a film about the bold and brassy entertainer, known as the “Last of the Red Hot Mamas.” Jewish Community Center, 60 S. River St., Wilkes-Barre. 2:30 p.m. Dec. 20. Reservations requested: 570-824-4646.
First Night Scranton, the 16th annual alcohol-free celebration of art and culture with live music, dance, interactive performances, juggling, horse-drawn carriage rides, bingo, magicians, face painting and more in various venues in downtown Scranton. Capped by a spectacular fireworks display to ring in the New Year. 3 p.m. to midnight, Dec. 31. $10, $5 seniors. 570-499-6360. Schedule at firstnightscranton.com.
New Year’s Eve Extravaganza, the annual party with a dinner buffet and dance music by Millennium. VFW Post 4909 Home Association, 401-403 Main St., Dupont. 7:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Dec. 31. $40. Reservations: 570-654-9104.
Bash in the Ballroom, a free New Year’s Eve party with music by Parrotbeach, a Jimmy Buffet tribute band. Also: tropical drink specials and a complimentary champagne toast. Mohegan Sun Pocono, 1280 Route 315, Plains Township. 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Dec. 31. 888-946-4672.
Under the Big Top! A screening of “Circus World” (1964) starring John Wayne and Rita Hayworth. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 2 p.m. Jan. 8. Free with refreshments. 570-823-0156.
Pennsylvania Farm Show, the largest indoor agricultural exposition in the country with nearly 6000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 300 commercial booths along with youth livestock shows, cooking demonstrations, horse and tractor pulls, rodeos, square dancing, Arena Carriage Racing, antique tractors, special guests, a food court and more. Farm Show Complex, North Cameron and Maclay streets, Harrisburg. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Jan. 9 to 15; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 16. Free but $15 parking. 717-787-5373 or farmshow.state.pa.us.
Mercy Street, a sneak preview of the premiere episode of PBS’ new six-part Civil War hospital drama. WVIA Public Media Studios, 100 WVIA Way, off Old Boston Road, Pittston. 3 p.m. Jan. 10. Free but reservations required. 570-602-1134.
Game Night, an over-21 evening of “Family Feud,” “Celebrity” and “Pictionary” with teams of four facing off in a night of charitable competition. Sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bridge at the Woodlands Inn & Resort, 1073 Route 315, Plains Township. 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 14. $35 or $140 per team. 570-824-8756, ex. 398 or bbbsnepa.org.
Under the Big Top! A screening of “Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant” (2009). Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 2 p.m. Jan. 15. Free with refreshments. 570-823-0156.
Yoga Workshops with internationally beloved yoga teacher Pradeep Teotia. Balance Yoga & Wellness, 900 Rutter Ave., Forty Fort. Workshops include “Yoga Everywhere” 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 15; “Awakening, Strengthening and Letting Go” 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 16; and “Empower Detox Flow 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 17. $35; $90 for all three. Reservations: 570-714-2777.
Malanka, the 12th annual event with Ukrainian and American foods, cash bar, complimentary champagne toast, door prizes and dancing to the music of Fata Morgana. St. Vladimir Parish Center, 728 N. Seventh Ave., Scranton. 6 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Jan. 16. $45. 570-822-5354.
Fee-Free Days at Steamtown. The National Park Service will celebrate its 100th birthday by waiving entrance fees on 16 days in 2016: Martin Luther Kings Jr. Day (Jan. 18), National Park Week (April 16 to 24), National Park Service Birthday Weekend (Aug. 25 to 28), National Public Lands Day (Sept. 24) and Veterans Day (Nov. 11). Steamtown National Historic Site, 300 Cliff St., Scranton. Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except from Jan. 2 to March 19 when hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 570-340-5200.
Under the Big Top! A screening of “Billy Rose’s Jumbo” (1962) starring Jimmy Durante and Doris Day. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 2 p.m. Jan. 22. Free with refreshments. 570-823-0156.
Wellness Through Mind-Body Integration. Waverly Community House, 1115 N. Abington Road. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28. Free. 570-586-8191.
Under the Big Top! A screening of “Something Wicked This Way Comes” (1983) starring Jason Robards and Jonathan Pryce. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 2 p.m. Jan. 29. Free with refreshments. 570-823-0156.
Party with a Purpose, a Mardi Gras-themed event to benefit students of the Wyoming Valley Children’s Association. With traditional Mardi Gras foods, wine and beer tasting, silent auction, raffle, entertainment and cash bar. Genetti’s Best Western Hotel, 77 E. Market St., Wilkes-Barre. Feb. 4. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Wilkes-Barre. $20 advance; $25 at the door. Tickets: 570-714-1246.
Winterfest, the annual celebration in downtown Jim Thorpe with a Mug Walk, Lehigh Gorge train rides, Kids Shows with Al Grout, ice- and wood-carving demonstrations, horse-drawn carriage rides and more. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 14 and 15. Schedule at jimthorpe.org.
Harlem Globetrotters, the basketball tricksters on their 90th-anniversary world tour sporting their incredible ball-handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, trick shots, comedy and fan interaction. Mohegan Sun Arena, 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Township. 2 and 7 p.m. March 5. 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.
WWE Wrestling: The Road to Wrestlemania, with favorites Roman Reigns, Demon Kane, WWE World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus, Dean Ambrose, Bray Wyatt, Dolph Ziggler, Intercontinental Champion Kevin Owens, the Dudley Boyz, the Divas and more. Mohegan Sun Arena, 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Township. 7 p.m. March 20. 800-745-3000.
Red Green: I’m Not Old, I’m Ripe, the humorist and TV “handyman” personality, who believes that “anything is possible if you use duct tape.” F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 7 p.m. April 4. $53. 570-826-1100.
Alton Brown Live: Eat Your Science, the television personality, author and Food Network star in a culinary variety show with comedy, music, puppets and “dangerous experiments” in the kitchen. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 7 p.m. April 21. $65.50, $55.50, $45.50. 570-826-1100.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, with extreme spectacles, fast-paced performances and exotic animals. Included: high-wire wizards, strongmen, BMX trick riders, trampoline daredevils, contortionists, a high-flying human cannonball and a bungee aerial skydiving display. Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Township. 7 p.m. April 28-29; 1 and 5 p.m. April 30; 1 p.m. May 1. 570-970-7600 or ticketmaster.com.