Spread the cheer

Christmas Cottage: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturdays through Dec. 23, Bushkill Outreach, Bushkill. Donations of Christmas and Hanukkah décor will be accepted at Bushkill Outreach from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday through Thursdays. Information: 570-588-0660.

"The Nutcracker": A holiday fairy tale about a young girl will be performed through Dec. 18 at Shawnee Playhouse, River Road, Shawnee-on-Delaware. Tickets: $19, adults; $16, seniors, AAA members; and $11, children 12 and under. Information: 570-421-5093 or theshawneeplayhouse.com.

Carolers and Santa: The Crossings Premium Outlets, 1000 Premium Outlets Drive, Tannersville, will become home to Victorian Carolers and a Strolling Santa. Every weekend, through Dec. 19, carolers will perform holiday favorites and classics while every Saturday, Santa will stroll the center handing out treats to children of all ages. Bring a camera for photo opportunities.  Information: 570-234-2629 or columbia.com.

"A Winnie The Pooh Christmas Tail": A musical celebration of seasonal sharing and caring will be performed through Dec. 19, at Shawnee Playhouse, River, Road, Shawnee-on-Delaware. Information: 570-421-5093 or theshawneeplayhouse.com.

"Once Upon A Christmas": A modern holiday adventure will be performed through Dec. 20, Shawnee Playhouse, River Road, Shawnee-on-Delaware. Tickets: $29, adults; $26, seniors; and $16, children 12 and under. Information: 570-421-5093 or theshawneeplayhouse.com.

The Belvin Christmas Show: A holiday light show featuring more than 33,000 lights set to the melody of classic Christmas songs, will be held at 464 Cherry Lane Road, East Stroudsburg through Jan. 2, 2016, from 4 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 4 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday (“The Grand Experience”). Donations to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters. Information: belvinchristmas.com. 

Holiday Luncheon: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 11, Stroud Mansion, 900 Main St., Stroudsburg. There are two seatings each day at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The holiday luncheon will be held on the second floor of the 1795 Stroud Mansion. Note the second floor is not handicap accessible. The historic building will be decorated for the holidays, and guests will enjoy the sounds of the season performed by local musicians. The Stroud Mansion museum exhibit rooms will be open to those attending the luncheon. Cost: $25 per person. Tickets must be purchased at the Stroud Mansion, 900 Main St., Stroudsburg. Seating is limited. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Information: 570-421-7703, mcha@ptd.net or monroehistorical.org.

Holiday Fine Craft and Art Show: 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 11, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 12 and 13, at Dutot Museum, 24 Main St., Delaware Water Gap. This weekend is the last chance to shop for a unique gift at the Dutot Museum's 33rd annual holiday craft show. Local artisans are selling their handmade art and crafts. The museum, which is housed in a quaint brick schoolhouse, circa 1850, is host to many exhibits and community event throughout the year. This year's expanded show includes heirloom fiber crafts, glass enamels, stone and wood creations, handmade pottery, custom jewelry, soaps, watercolor and photography originals, quilted table runners and more! Holiday music with free hors d'oeuvres and drinks are provided. Information: dutotmuseum.com.

Icon Exhibit: "The Mother of God and the Saints," 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 11, 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 12 and 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 13, Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 1501 Trinity Court, Stroudsburg. The public is invited to enjoy the icon exhibit, which celebrates the beauty and spirituality of the Holy Icon and Holy Relics common to the Eastern Orthodox Christian Church. Free. Information: holytrinitypoconos.org.

Breakfast with St. Nicholas: 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 12, East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church, 87 S. Courtland St., East Stroudsburg. Pictures with St. Nicholas, storytelling, kids crafts and breakfast. Free, donations will be accepted. We include a holiday bake sale and inexpensive Christmas decorations and gift shopping. Information: Linda Drake at 570-421-3280.

Christmas Cookie Sale: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 12, Mountainhome United Methodist Church, routes 390 and 191, Cresco. More than 40 different kinds of homemade cookies and candy. Cost is $10 per pound. Sample three cookies and coffee for $1. Information: Pat Malin at 570-595-2440.

Spiked Eggnog Paired and Holiday Cupcake Pairing: Noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 12, Mountain View Vineyard, Winery and Distillery, 5866 Neola Road, Stroudsburg. With notes of cinnamon and vanilla, a shot of Randy's Brandy creates the ultimate spiked eggnog. Enjoy a glass of this holiday classic paired with decadent handmade holiday spice cupcakes, featuring Randy's Brandy, by Sonia's Sweet Inspirations. Information: 570-619-0053.

Christmas Musical: “Waiting Here for You,” 7 p.m. Dec. 12, Middlecreek Christian Church, 343 Dorshimer Road, Kresgeville. All are welcome to join for a time of fellowship and light refreshment following the program. Information: 570-629-4066.

Craig Thatcher Band’s Rockin’ Christmas: Craig Thatcher Band and friends will perform at 8 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 West Broadway, Jim Thorpe. CTB has performed with many musical luminaries such as Buddy Guy, Johnny Lang, Ted Nugent, Bobby Rydell and Train at concert halls, theatres, festivals and clubs all over the world. All of these talented musicians will be performing your favorite Christmas standards as well as some contemporary Christmas songs. This holiday concert is part of Jim Thorpe’s 34th Olde Time Christmas Festival. Tickets are $26 and can be purchased by calling 570-325-0249 and at mcohjt.com.  Tickets are also available at SoundCheck Records in Jim Thorpe, 570-325-4009, and at the opera house day of show. Parking is available and free after 5 p.m. at the Carbon County lot behind the train station.

Breakfast with Santa: 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 12 and 19, Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, 100 Shawnee Inn Drive, East Stroudsburg. Children of all ages can experience the holiday tradition of having Breakfast with Santa. Santa Claus will be at the historic Inn to listen to wish lists, participate in holiday activities, stories and to feast on a holiday breakfast buffet. Information and reservations: 800-742-9633. Cost is $14.95 for adults, $8.95 for children 3 to 11 and free for children 2 and under.

"Farmer Santa" at Monroe Farmers Market: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 12 and 19, SoHo in the Burg, Sixth and Main streets, Stroudsburg. Featured will be hot cider, music and singing all market-day long. Bring the kids out to visit Santa in a beautiful artistic setting and share their Christmas lists, take your own pictures and get some free goodies. The Market is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with great holiday gifts and farm fresh produce. Stroll through the market to the sounds of carolers from Stroudsburg School District Choir members and the enchanting holiday music of Michael G. Williams. Accepting SNAP/EBT payments for eligible food items. To use your SNAP card, visit the market’s info booth during market hours. You’ll be given tokens which can be used to make your purchases with our vendors. Information: monroefarmersmarket.com.

Breakfast with Santa: 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 12, Celebration Hall, St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Smithfield, 139 Craigs Meadow Road, East Stroudsburg. Menu: pancakes, hashbrowns and sausage, juice/coffee. Cost: $6 for adults, $3 for kids aged 3 to 12 and free for children under 2. Information: 570-223-9422, stpaulscommunitychurch.com or stpaulscraigsmeadow@verizon.net.

Winterfest and Tree Lighting: 1 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 12, Historic Dansbury Depot, East Stroudsburg. Featuring ESASD Student Art Show, ESHS North Chorale, vendors, live music all day. Tree lighting at 5 p.m. Information: 570-424-7540.

Dinner with Santa: The Road to Excellence Childcare and Learning Center will host this event from 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 12, at The Reformed Church of Bushkill, 5969 Milford Road, East Stroudsburg. Admission is $10 per person and includes dinner, arts, and crafts. Photos with Santa will be available to purchase. Information and reservations: 570-223-9500.

Olde Time Christmas: Dec. 12 and 13. The warm glow of Christmas Past beckons all to the 34th Annual Olde Time Christmas Festival in Jim Thorpe. Tree lighting celebration at Josiah White Park (train station) at 5 p.m. Dec. 4 with music, caroling and dancing. Santa will arrive by fire truck at 6 p.m. to light the Jim Thorpe Christmas tree donated by Beisel’s Christmas Tree Hill in Lehighton. Also on Friday evening, the historic St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 21 Race Street, will host an open house, with tours, caroling, guitar music and refreshments, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Donation requested to benefit St. Mark’s. Also, Santa, strolling carolers, characters and musicians, train rides with Santa, gingerbread house display, children's story time, crèches from around the world and more, a German old-world themed tree display, fireside stories for children and adults. Information: jimthorpe.org.

Bethlehem Christmas Pageant: 1:45 p.m. Dec. 12 and 13, Bethlehem Rose Garden Band Shell, Eighth Street, West Bethlehem. Information: 610-865-0274.

The Bach Choir Concerts: Experience Peace at the Heart of Christmas with The Bach Choir for two very special concerts at 8 p.m. Dec. 12, at First Presbyterian Church of Allentown and at 4 p.m. Dec. 13, at First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem. Surround yourself with the beautiful music of Bach's awe-inspiring Christmas Oratorio. For the first time in 10 years, The Bach Choir, Bach Festival Orchestra and renowned soloists perform the Christmas Oratorio - Parts 1, 2, 3. Tickets: $37, adults; $9, students. Information: 610-866-4382, ext. 10 or 15, or BACH.org.

Holiday Train Display: The Black Diamond Society of Model Engineers will host its 49th annual Railroad Days event from 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 12 and 13; Jan. 2, 3, 9 and 10, 2016; and Feb. 6, 7, 13 and 14, 2016. Featured will be two floors of sleek passenger and powerful freight trains in continuous operation. Admission: $5 per person, and free for those 12 and under. Children under 40 inches tall bring a step stool to make it easier to see the displays. Tables of pre-owned trains, structures, accessories and books are for sale. Information: bdsme.org, 610-867-2591 or Ray.Viohl@gmail.com.

Pet Photos with Santa: 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 13, in the Events Court, Lehigh Valley Mall, 250 Lehigh Valley Mall, Whitehall. Pet lovers are invited to bring their furry friends for a memorable holiday photo at Santa’s holiday house in the Events Court. Customers may enter via entrance A. Information: lehighvalleymall.com. This event is open to dogs and cats only. All pets are welcome to visit Santa with photo packages available for purchase. Pets that are aggressive or disruptive will be required to leave the mall immediately. Pet owners are responsible for their pets and their actions.

The Festival of Lights: In the spirit of warmth and friendship volunteers from Congregation B’nai Harim will be celebrating Chanukah, The Festival of Lights, throughout the Poconos. Children of all ages are invited to “party." We will light the Menorah, listen to the story of Chanukah, eat traditional latkes, play dreidle, sing along and do a craft project. Congregation volunteers will be at The Friendly Community Center, Mountainhome at 2 p.m. Dec. 13. Free. Information: 570-646-0100 or bnaiharimpoconos.org.

Hanukkah Menorah Lighting and Celebration: 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 13, Temple Israel of the Poconos, 711 Wallace St., Stroudsburg. Everyone brings a Chanukah Menorah and candles and we light them together. Entertainment by Sasha. Enjoy Hanukkah songs and dancing. Refreshments served: latkes and jelly doughnuts. Free.

Christmas Concert: Water Gap Singers, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 13, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 168 New Jersey 94, Blairstown, New Jersey. Under the direction of Joseph Mello, the concert will feature Mozart's "Regina Coeli," Haydn's "Te Deum" and Daniel Pinkham's "Christmas Cantata." Also, shorter seasonal pieces. Accompaniment will be provided by orchestra, double brass ensemble and organ. Free. Freewill offering only. Reception to follow.

Old-Time Christmas: 3 to 7 p.m. Dec. 13, Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, 345 Quiet Valley Road, Stroudsburg. Experience a 19th-century Pennsylvania Christmas. Featured will be bonfire, lantern-lit visit to the 1800s led by guides in period clothing, enacted scene of Victorian family working on Christmas preparations, Christmas Putz, homemade nativity and village scene, living nativity, Christmas caroling in the one-room schoolhouse and more. The tour caps off in the Engel Education Building with complimentary refreshments. Information: farm@quietvalley.org, quietvalley.org or 570-992-6161.

Ornament Painting: 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 13, Tolino Vineyards, 280 Mount Pleasant Road, Bangor. Cost: $10 per child. Kids paint a Christmas ornament that is then gift wrapped to take home as a present for mom or dad. Santa arrives in a helicopter at 3 p.m. and will stay for pictures. Parents are encouraged to bring a small gift for their child to be handed out by Santa. Cookies and juice for the kids, and wine for sale for the adults. Information: 610-588-9463, inquire@tolinovineyards.com, or tolinovineyards.com.

Trinity Centennial Band Concert: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14, Stroudsburg High School, West Main Street, Stroudsburg. Karl McDannell, conductor, featuring singing by the Pocono Vocal Locals, Bob Riday, director. All concert proceeds donated to the Salvation Army Food Pantry. Free, however, attendees are asked to make a voluntary cash donations and/or bring the following items, all of which will be given to the Salvation Army Food Pantry: non-perishable food, holiday wrapping paper, scotch tape, ribbons, bows. Information: 570-234-4002.

Pocono Mountain West Show Choir: 6 to 7 p.m. Dec. 15, at the Clymer Library Building, 115 Firehouse Road, Pocono Pines. The students from Pocono Mountain West High School, under the direction of Mandy Gambal, will perform a variety of holiday songs. Seating is limited. Cost: $50 per person or $85 per couple. Information: 508-583-9768.

Art Show/Fundraiser: "The Places I've Been," 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 16, Historic Dansbury Depot, East Stroudsburg. Music by Mountain Winds, wine and appetizers, local collections on display. Tickets available at The Historic Dansbury Depot, Eastburg Community Alliance. Information: eastburgalliance.com or 570-424-7540.

Holiday Cabarets: Songs of the season, 7 p.m. Dec. 17, Shawnee Playhouse, River Road, Shawnee-on-Delaware. The winter cast will perform their favorite holiday hits. Open seating. Suggested donation is $8 at the door. Proceeds benefit Northeastern Pennsylvania Theatrical Alliance, scholarships for seniors entering college to study performing arts. Information: 570-421-5093 or theshawneeplayhouse.com.

Splintered Sunlight's Grateful Christmas Show: Butchy Sochorow and his Splintered Sunlight mates will perform a Grateful Dead Holiday Show 8 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W Broadway, Jim Thorpe. Tickets are $20 and available at mcohjt.com, by visiting SoundCheck Records in Jim Thorpe or by calling 570-325-4009 or 570-325-0249.

Christmas Magic Show: Mark Mysterrio and Anna Banana in conjunction with Mark Mysterrio's Million Dollar Producer's Relay For Life Team will present a Christmas show titled "Christmas Magic & Mayham" Magic Show at 6 p.m. Dec. 18,  at The American Cancer Society Building, 2158 W. Main St., Stroudsburg. The show will feature holiday magic, funny antics, audience participation and more. Tickets: $8 each. Proceeds will benefit the local American Cancer Society via the East Stroudsburg Relay for Life Team, Mark Mysterrio’s Million Dollar Producers. Tickets available at the ACS Building, call 1-872-216-2442 or  visit mrmysterrio.com/christmas-magic-mayham-magic-show/. You can also purchase an Angel ticket. An Angel ticket is for someone within the community that can’t come to the show because of the cost. Mark Mysterrio and Anna Banana have a list of people who need Angels to purchase tickets.

Holiday Band Concert: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 18, Bangor High School's M. Craig Paine Performing Arts Theater, 187 5 Points Richmond Road, Bangor. Enjoy the sounds of the season such as: "A Christmas Portrait" (includes "It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas," "The Christmas Song," and "We Need a Little Christmas") arranged by Jerry Nowak; "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming" arranged by Larry Kerchner; "A Celtic Christmas Celebration" arranged by Steve Reisteter; "O, Magnum Mysterium - Morten Lauridsen," arranged by H. Robert Reynolds; "A Christmas Festival" by Leroy Anderson; and ending with the ever popular Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride." Information: bahsbands.weebly.com.

Children's Christmas Party: 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 19, American Legion 927, 646 Fairgrounds Road, Gilbert. Free for children up to age 12. You must sign up at the Legion Hall before Dec 15. Santa will be there with gifts food, goodies, music basket raffles. One adult per child may attend; space is limited. There is a sign up book in the Legion Hall (no phone reservations).

Slide Presentation and Lecture: The Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum will present a special multi-media program and lecture featuring historical images of “Hess’s at the Holidays,” at 1 p.m. Dec. 19 at the museum, 432 W. Walnut St., Allentown. Christmas was a very special time to be entertained at Hess’s. The store was completely transformed, indoors and outdoors, with festive decorations. Santa often met visitors at the door. He kept up with the times, arriving at Hess’s each year by ever-more modern and sometimes fanciful means of transportation. He came by helicopter and by parachute; he even arrived by flying saucer. Once at Hess’s he settled into Santa’s workshop where he heard the holiday dreams of generations of Lehigh Valley children. Admission is free to members, $8 for adult non-members, and $3 for non-member children. Parking available in the rear of the Museum, on the street, and in nearby lots. Information: Joseph Garrera, 610-435-1074 or lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org.

Community Church Christmas: 4 or 7 p.m. Dec 20; 7 p.m. Dec. 21, 22 and 23; and 1, 4 and 7 p.m. Dec. 24 at Community Church, 1050 Memorial Blvd., Tobyhanna. Start with an indoor candlelight Christmas experience and then be transported to an outdoors Christmas Village. As you make your way through the village, you will encounter carolers and interactive story cabins where actors invite you in to the story of Christmas. Enjoy the authentic sights, smells, and sounds of Christmas with kiosks serving hot cocoa, coffee, cider, roasted chestnuts and freshly made pastries. Stop at the petting zoo. The final stop will be a “Giving Tree” where you will hang your own Christmas ornament. Community Donations of nonperishable food items accepted. Free, but tickets are required to secure your seat at one of the eight experiences. For the indoor portion of the experience, there will be childcare provided for your little ones up to age 2. Remember each member of your family will need a free ticket for admission. Tickets: mycommunity.church or stop by their Central Office, 1050 Memorial Blvd., Tobyhanna​.

Holiday Concert: Porter and Sayles will take the stage at 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 20 for a holiday concert at the Pocono Cinema & Cultural Center, South Courtland Street, East Stroudsburg. The concert will feature favorite holiday tunes with original arrangements and feature their brand new original, “This Time of Year,” to be released at the beginning of December. Porter & Sayles are a folk/pop group from Stroudsburg, consisting of singer/songwriters, Christian Porter and Regina Sayles. Combining eclectic instruments such as the mandolin with acoustic guitar and tight vocal harmonies, Porter and Sayles create a unique modern pop sound with traditional folk inspiration. Tickets are $15, and $10 for students (ID required) and are available at the Pocono Cinema box office. In addition to the concert, Porter & Sayles are teaming up with “Hungry for Music,” an organization that distributes quality instruments to underserved children. Instruments can be dropped off at Pocono Cinema during business hours through Dec. 20. Information: porterandsayles.com.

Snydersville Community Winter Solstice Celebration: Noon to 4 p.m. Dec 20. A community celebration of winter solstice, Christmas and just plain down home gratitude for our friends and customers in Snydersville. Following businesses will be open, lit up and offering various refreshments and treats: Snydersville Diner, Creekside Country Store, Snydersville Golf Range and Silvery Moon Guest House. Celebrate the reawakening of this beautiful and historic town with new businesses opening up and others continuing to serve the community. Enjoy a hot cocoa from the Snydersville Diner and walk the “yellow house” property and see the work done in the chapel or one room schoolhouse that many were taught in years ago and meet the new owner. Sample locally made chocolate and wine at historic Creekside Country Store and sit on the huge refurbished horse drawn sled for a photo. Visit the Snydersville Golf Range and pick up a last minute gift certificate at any of the locations for Christmas. Information: Stina Forsell, Creekside Country Store, 570-977-9400 or creeksidecountrystore@gmail.com.

"The Messiah": By George Freidrich Handel, 8 p.m. Dec. 22, Shawnee Playhouse, River Road, Shawnee-on-Delaware. Cost is an $8 donation. This is a sing-a-long concert. Information: 570-421-5093 or theshawneeplayhouse.com.

Kids Kabaret: 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 27, Shawnee Playhouse, River Road, Shawnee-on-Delaware. Talented and diverse cast of children, ages 5 to 16, entertain audiences with singing and dancing. Tickets: $11. Information: 570-421-5093 or theshawneeplayhouse.com.

Home for the Holidays Concert: 5 p.m. Dec. 26, at The Sherman Theater, Main Street, Stroudsburg. To benefit The Wehrkamp Family. The list of musical acts performing will be a long one, as bands and musicians will be coming from all over the world, as well as students of Gary Wehrkamp’s, and artists and bands from right here at home. The "Maybabies" (Wehrkamp’s most notable musical project here locally) will be the headlining act for the show and will be hosting several guest appearances throughout the night. Tickets are $20 and all proceeds go directly to the family. Tickets are on sale now online at shermantheater.com, or at the Sherman box office. Donations can be made online at madysangels.org.

StroudKids Holidays: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 28 to 31, Day Street Community Center, 15 Day St., East Stroudsburg. When school is closed for the holiday break, bring your children to the Day Street Community Center to participate games, making crafts, and activities with peers. Depending on the weather, kids will be indoors and outdoors, so dress appropriately. This program is for ages 6 to 12. Information: 570-426-1512.

— Compiled by Kathy Roland