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Our favorite zookeeper is returning to AMT! Jungle Jack Hanna is considered one of the most notable animal experts in the U.S. His fascinating and humorous stories and video footage from around the world are enhanced by the antics of some of the fascinating animal friends he brings along with him. This entertaining and inspiring show is a must-see for animal lovers of all ages! Join the American Music Theatre in this wonderful event with all of his animal friends. To book your tickets for the show you can go onto the American Music Theatre website or call their box office a 717-397-7700.
To book your stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites you can go onto our website or call our toll free number at 888-STAY-FFI.
Lancaster Roots and Blues is a large music festival featuring 60 artists from around the globe playing blues and roots music ranging from blues, jazz, folk, to polka, rock and reggae. It is held in 5 venues on 9 stages, all within walking distance. The venues include, Chameleon Club, The Federal Taphouse, The Lancaster Convention Center, Tellus 360 and the Ware Center. This will be a great opportunity for everyone to experience some good music as well as absorb the artistic side of Downtown Lancaster with its many great individually owned shops. Get your tickets now by going onto the Lancaster Roots & Blues Festival website and see all of the venues that are going to be hosting this fun festival.
Click HERE to see all of the artists that are going to perform.
To book your stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites that is located about 4 miles from Downtown Lancaster you can visit our website or call our toll free number at 888-STAY-FFI.
American Music Theatre welcomes back the timeless favorites Scot Bruce and Mike Albert who perform as the younger and older Elvis, respectively. They are widely considered the premier Elvis impersonators of our time. Scot Bruce’s Elvis act is revered all over the world. Mike Albert has been featured on Oprah Winfrey and Inside Edition, and often appears with Elvis’ original group, the Jordanaires. Visit Lancaster County and enjoy the birthday celebration of the King of Rock & Roll at the wonderful American Music Theatre ! Elvis’ Birthday Bash will be on Saturday January 18th at 3 pm and 8 pm. To get more information about the shows as well as purchase tickets go onto the American Music Theatre website.
To book your stay at the fabulous Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott you can go onto our website or call our toll free number at 888-STAY-FFI.
TOYS come alive in Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet’s enchanting production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker! Be delighted by the dazzling costumes, charming sets and accomplished dancers as CPYB’s signature production unfolds before your eyes in this most beloved masterpiece. Set to the magical music of Tchaikovsky. Whether a holiday tradition or a first-time discovery, ‘The Nutcracker’ is an annual gift every family will want to be part of. The Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott is located about 30 minutes away from the Hershey Theatre and close to many other attractions in Lancaster. To book your stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites you can go onto our website or call our toll free number at 888-STAY-FFI.
The Nutcracker is going to be showing this weekend December 21st- December 22nd with different show times. To get more information about the show and to buy your tickets you can visit the Hershey Theatre website or call their box office at 717-534-3405.
Go back in time and witness the greatest birth in history. Be surrounded by the bustling village of Bethlehem as camels, horses, donkeys and villagers pass by. Be transported to the hillside where legions of angels descend upon the shepherds to proclaim, “The Savior is born!” Showing at the extraordinary Sight & Sound Theatre in Lancaster County, PA come early and enjoy their on-site Christmas festivities and seasonal treats. Visit Lancaster County and make traditions for the whole family to enjoy. To get more information about the Miracle of Christmas as well as to buy tickets go onto the Sight & Sound website. To book your stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites you can go onto our website or call our toll free number at 888-STAY-FFI.
Charles Dickens’ story like you’ve never seen it before! The music by Alan Menkin who wrote Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid makes this a classic for the entire family! Fabulous period sets and rich costumes brings to life the story of stingy old Ebeneezer Scrooge and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they help him discover the true spirit of the holidays. A Christmas Carol makes us all remember the special gifts of sharing and caring. Join the Dutch Apple Dinner Theater in the holiday classic now through December 23rd ! To get more information about the show and to buy tickets go onto the Dutch Apple Dinner Theater website. To book your stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott you can go onto our website or call our toll free number at 888-STAY-FFI.
In most parts of Pennsylvania we see lots of Pennsylvania Dutch foods. The Pennsylvania Dutch were originally German immigrants that came to Pennsylvania in the seventeenth and eighteenth century. Over time the German language transformed into a dialect known as Pennsylvania German (or “Deutsch” which was mispronounced as Dutch), and over time English became the language of choice.
There is a heavier concentration of Germanic (and even Polish) traditions and foods in Allentown, Hershey and Lancaster because this is still known as “Pennsylvania Dutch Country.” Although we typically think of PA Dutch primarily as the Amish, or Mennonite communities the fact of the matter is that PA Dutch is permanently ingrained within a lot of Pennsylvania’s population. According to Wikipedia “German-Americans remain the largest ancestry group in Pennsylvania”. A lot of the Pennsylvania Dutch culture has moved west towards other parts of Pennsylvania including Pittsburgh, but it’s also in Ohio, West Virginia and other parts of the country where the Amish communities have relocated to. Here in the Pocono’s there is still a heavy PA Dutch culture, it is not as saturated as in the Allentown or Lancaster area but it is definitely here. The Pocono Mountains have a lot of European presence, there is a unique mixture of German, Irish, Polish and Ukrainian influence. From what I have seen, generally speaking there is a heavy German-Polish feel to what we call PA Dutch. It’s not quite German, it’s not quite Polish, it’s not quite “All American.” It’s Pennsylvanian.
Traditional Pork & Sauerkraut meal.[/caption]
Yes, the Amish celebrate Christmas!
They observe Christmas as a sacred holiday with simplicity and tradition. While some are influenced by the traditions of their English friends, many do not get caught up in the modern-day commercialism as we experience it. Most don’t include Santa Claus, electric lights, flashy tinsel, fancy wrapping paper, or Christmas trees. Rather, they focus on the reason for the holiday– Jesus’ birth.
Because Christmas is so important in the Amish community, it is celebrated for two days. On December 25, they fast, meditate, and read Scripture; on December 26, or “Second Christmas,” they celebrate with family and friends with festive gatherings, great feasts, and gift-giving.
Because the Pennsylvania Amish have been greatly influenced by German Christmas traditions, they often decorate by lighting candles and hanging stars, angels, greenery, and holiday cards. Most families exchange gifts and usually pick names out of a hat so each person receives one gift each year. Gifts are not always of the old-fashioned handmade variety. Sometimes they give gifts such as Barbie dolls (dressed Amish), board games, and toy tractors. In addition, homemade cookies, candy, and stamped Christmas cards are very popular. Often Amish owned stores sell these homemade items.
At the Amish schoolhouse, a Christmas program is usually planned and is one of the most anticipated events of the year. The Amish community enjoys watching the children sing, read poems, and perform Christmas plays.
And, when it happens to snow, the children enjoy playing outside. They race down the hills on their sleds, ice skate, play ice hockey, and of course, have snowball fights and snowman building competitions.
While we, the English, enjoy our traditions at Christmas, the Amish, too, will be enjoying their holiday traditions, but always with Jesus at the center of their celebration.
