Holiday happenings include theater, history, concerts and more
Here are some events taking place this weekend throughout the region:
• The Phoenix Theatre, Chester Springs, continues its all virtual season with “Fire and Light: A Phoenix Holiday,” a one-night only fundraising event today at 7 p.m. This familyfriendly event has a suggested donation of $20, and 20% of all proceeds will be donated to The Young Center, a champion for the rights and best interests of unaccompanied immigrant children, making sure that wherever they land, they are safe. Patrons can access the event from The Phoenix Theatre’s website www.thephoenixtheatrepa.com. This concert features classic songs like “By the Light of the Silv’ry Moon,” “Brighten the Corner Where You Are” and “Meet me Tonight in Dreamland” — everything from Irving Berlin to Scriabin. Also included will be some fun holiday carols like “Up on the House Top,” “Jingle Bells” and “Deck the Halls” for an audience virtual singalong. This live concert includes singers, several types of musicians, spoken word poetry, different languages, an ASL piece and dance.
• People’s Light Theatre Company, Malvern, presents a virtual version of “A Christmas Carol in Concert” through Jan. 3. An ensemble of local artists join forces for this musicfilled celebration of Charles Dickens’ beloved classic. Hosted by renowned actor Ian Merrill Peakes, this filmed concert features performances of newly arranged 19th-century English carols, original music and excerpts from Dickens’ novella. Streaming access costs $25 and once tickets are purchased the show can be enjoyed any number of times while it is streaming. The show runs 80 minutes and is appropriate for all ages. To purchase a pass, visit peopleslight.org.
• Forge Theatre, Phoenixville, will present livestreaming performances of the romantic comedy “
The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon”
through Broadway On Demand on Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. This will be the second production in Forge’s first-ever virtual season. The play is set in Hopewood Falls, Vermont, where singles in adorable sweaters converge to look for love. Can disguises help royalty and/or movie stars find the down-toearth connections they crave? Will evil city slickers destroy charming inns and/ or Christmas tree farms? Isn’t it a little creepy for a meet-cute to depend on one person being in a coma? Tickets are $19.95 and info is available at www.forgetheatre.org or by calling the box office at 610-935-1920.
• The John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove, 1202 Paulings Road, Audubon, is hosting a Holiday Open House on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event includes free admission to the new museum and kid-friendly Fledgling Field all day, as well as tours of the historic home. Crafts for kids will be available, and gift shop items will be discounted. The center is a wildlife sanctuary devoted to the world of birds, with hands-on exhibits and history about famous naturalist John James Audubon. For more information, see johnjames.audubon.org.
• Northern Star Farm, 112 E. Third Ave., Trappe, is hosting a Winter Fest on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Dec. 20. Activities include meet-and-greets with live reindeer and Dominick the Donkey, photos on Santa’s Sleigh, horse-drawn wagon ride with sleigh bells, pony rides, Christmas Craft Village, Candy Cane Pedal Cart Speedway, Little Farmer Playland and a Gingerbread House Contest. Christmas tree sales benefit Boy Scout Troop 7155. Admission and parking are free, and all events are ticket-based with purchase available on site. For more information, see www.northernstarfarm. net/winter-fest.
• Glencairn Museum, Bryn Athyn, presents a Christmas Sing online concert on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. The concert video will feature the Glencairn Horns, trumpet, piano, violin and vocal soloists, readings from the Christmas story, and other performances featuring seasonal music. Visuals will include historic photographs of the Raymond and Mildred Pitcairn family celebrating Christmas when Glencairn was a home, and nativities from the museum’s international collection. A public link posted on Glencairn’s social media channels and website will be available to access the concert starting at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.
• A Holiday Spiritual and Holistic Bazaar will be held Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the banquet hall at the Leesport Farmers Market, 312 Gernants Church Road, Leesport, Berks County. It will include dozens of vendors in essential oil products, soaps and bath products, crystals, books, tarot decks, reflexology and much more. A raffle auction will benefit The Wellness Center for Pets & Their People Inc. Admission is free. Money and pet food donations will be accepted and given to the Wellness Center. Masks will be required unless you have a medical reason. For more information, see www. facebook.com/holidayspiritualbazaar.
• Humane Pennsylvania presents Paws & Claus, a drive-through donation drive with photos with Santa, on Saturday from noon to 3p.m. at FirstEnergy Stadium, 1900 Centre Ave., Reading. Anyone who brings a bag of dry dog or cat food (or both!) will receive a free family photo (can include four legged family members) with Santa in front of his tiny house. Each donor will also receive a coupon to redeem in the Fightins team store that day.
• The Kimmel Center Cultural Campus presents “Hip Hop Nutcracker” on Saturday at 7p.m. The holiday classic comes to life in a virtual production featuring contemporary dance set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless music. Directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber, this multicamera production includes all-star break dancers, a DJ, a violinist and an appearance by one of the founding fathers of rap music, MC Kurtis Blow, who opens the show with a short set. Proceeds for this event will benefit the Kimmel Cultural Campus’ “Road to Reopening” fundraising campaign. Tickets start at $25at kimmelcenter.org.