The holidays bring people together to celebrate the true spirit of the season and be surrounded by those who mean the most to us. During this special time of the year, the Erie region hosts many festive events, from dazzling light displays to heart-warming performances. This is a sprinkling of holiday events taking place in the region. Visit our full events calendar for complete listings.

Broadway in Erie presents: Elf The Musical
Dates: Tuesday-Wednesday, November 12 - 13
Location: Warner Theatre
Times: 7:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Admission: Starting at $44
The hilarious modern Christmas classic about Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. 

The 40^th Annual Festival of Trees
Dates: Friday through Sunday, November 29 – December 1
Location: Bayfront Convention Center
Times: Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $10 per person, children 12 and under $7
This year’s festival features a gallery of uniquely decorated trees and local entertainment. New this year is a petting zoo on Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and live reindeer on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Enjoy holiday displays and rooms from Santa’s castle.

Port Farms Country Christmas at the Farm
Dates: Wednesday through Sunday, November 29-December 22
Location: Port Farms
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: General admission is free. Some activities such as horse-drawn rides are a la carte.  
Enjoy horse-drawn sleigh, wagon, or carriage rides throughout Port Farms’ scenic tree plantation, or shop for holiday décor, handmade wreaths, and Christmas trees (pre-cut or self-cut). The events barn (Santa’s Workshop) is open Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 3 p.m. and features live music (1-4 p.m.), holiday food and drink specials, crafts, and cookie decorating.

The Magical Polar Experience
Date: Friday, November 29
Location: Warner Theatre
Time: 7 p.m.
Admission: Starting at $32 per person
An interactive holiday movie experience unlike any other! Upon arrival, guests are greeted by musicians, a conductor, and stowaways. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in pajamas. The event includes a full presentation of The Polar Express, live musical performances, dancers and ballerinas, the Northern Lights, a visit from Santa, and photo opportunities. Magical goodie bags are also available for $25 each.

A Magical Motown Christmas
Date: Saturday, November 30
Location: Warner Theatre
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Admission: Starting at $21.75
A journey through Motown’s best including The Temptations, The Jackson Five, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, with a special set dedicated to Christmas favorites!

Asbury Woods Winter Wonderland
Dates: December 1-30 (except December 24, 25 and 31)
Location: Asbury Woods Nature Center
Time: Daily from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 
Admission: Free. A suggested donation of $5 per person is appreciated.
Bundle up for a peaceful evening stroll along the boardwalk trail where holiday lights will twinkle in the woods and wetlands for approximately 1/3 of a mile. The Nature Center, a holiday-themed model train display, and an expanded gift shop will be open for guests featuring specially crafted holiday gifts made by local artisans.

A Nostalgic Night with Macauley Culkin and screening of Home Alone
Date: Sunday, December 1
Location: Warner Theatre
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Admission: Starting at $39

Watch the timeless classic, Home Alone, followed by an exclusive moderated interview and Q&A audience with the film’s star, Macaulay Culkin (Kevin McCallister). Relive the iconic scenes and heartwarming moments and then dive deep into the behind-the-scenes stories and insights with Macaulay Culkin to hear about his experiences on set, his favorite memories from filming, and his take on why this movie has become such a beloved holiday classic.

Downtown D’Lights
Date: Friday, December 6
Location: Perry Square, Downtown Erie
Time: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission: Free.
Join Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Erie Mayor Joe Schember as they light up Perry Square in an incredible display of lights and decorations, including an enormous holiday tree! This family-friendly event features holiday music, holiday vendor village shops, a live cut tree and wreath sale, hot chocolate, and sweet treats.

Victorian Holidays
Dates: Friday through Sunday, December 6 - 8
Location: Watson-Curtze Mansion
Times: Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday Noon to 5 p.m.
Admission: $6 per person, children 6 and under are free
Guests can enjoy self-guided tours of the historic Watson-Curtze Mansion, beautifully decorated inside and out for the holiday season. Choruses and live music will perform throughout the weekend, with a special visit from Santa on Sunday. Regular admission rates resume Tuesday, December 10, and decorations will remain up until January 6.

Presque Isle Lights
Dates: Friday through Sunday, December 6-29
Location: Presque Isle State Park
Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (weather dependent)
Admission: Free. A suggested $5 donation per vehicle is appreciated.
Presque Isle State Park’s natural beauty combined with a multitude of colorful lights and displays makes for a truly unique holiday drive-thru experience. Several areas will be decorated including the Presque Isle Lighthouse, Stull Interpretive Center, Ranger Station, and Waterworks Beach/Rotary Pavilion.  

The Erie Philharmonic presents “Come Home for the Holidays”
Date: Saturday, December 7
Location: Warner Theater
Times: Saturday at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Admission: Ticket prices vary.
The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and music—and the annual Philharmonic holiday concert delivers all three. With special guests, the Erie Philharmonic Chorus, and ballet dancers, the Warner Theatre will be filled with the festive sounds of the season.

The 34^th  Annual “Christmas Memories”
Dates: December 4 - 22
Location: Erie Station Dinner Theatre
Times: Wednesday Noon (Dec. 4 and 11), Saturday 5:30 p.m., and Sunday 2:30 p.m.
Admission: Adults $48, Seniors (65 and up) and Students $42, Children ages 6-11 $28
Ring in the holidays with this heartwarming musical where the true meaning of Christmas is always celebrated. Join the Holiday Harmony Singers, sing along to traditional holiday favorites, and share a bountiful meal served family style.

Jim Brickman “Comfort & Joy” Holiday Concert
Date: Tuesday, December 10
Location: Warner Theatre
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Admission: Starting at $48.50
With special guests Anne Cochran & Young Original. This year's tour promises to be a spectacular celebration of all things Christmas. Audiences can expect a captivating blend of Brickman's original holiday classics, along with beloved seasonal favorites. From enchanting instrumentals to heartwarming vocal performances, each show will be a unique and unforgettable experience.

Nutcracker at the Warner
Dates: Saturday and Sunday, December 21-22
Location: Warner Theatre
Times: Saturday 7 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m.
Admission: Starting at $35
The Lake Erie Ballet Company has created a reimagined and enchanting performance of The Nutcracker, through a community collaboration of multiple dance companies. The Nutcracker is a masterpiece that seamlessly blends art, music, and dance, creating an unforgettable holiday experience.