You survived Thanksgiving — and now it’s time to enjoy the rest of your holiday in Hershey-Harrisburg. From shopping and art exhibits to family friendly and historic exhibits, you’re sure to find something for everyone this holiday.
Art/Entertainment
Artisan Marketplace of Perry County, Nov 25-Jan 15: The Perry County Council of the Arts – PCCA Gallery presents a holiday display of locally made fine art and crafted items are available at every price range. New and creative gift ideas for everyone on any holiday list! Shop now through Jan. 15! 
Only Owls Exhibit, Ned Smith Center for Nature & Art: “Only Owls” brings together artworks in pencil, charcoal, ink, watercolor, and woodcut drawn from the Woodson Art Museum’s collection. Each artwork provides insight into the fascinating world of owls and demonstrates a variety of stylistic approaches by thirty artists.
Fashion of the Civil War Era, Fort Hunter Mansion & Park: View six Civil War era women’s dresses, dating from 1858-1865 from the Fort Hunter collection. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see high quality, period clothing. Runs through Dec. 23, closed Monday.
Select Medical IMAX, Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts: Take the whole family out for an educational adventure with an IMAX film. Showing through the end of the year include Australia: Land Beyond Time, Dolphins and Whales 3D, Santa vs. the Snowman 3D or The Polar Express: An IMAX 3D Experience
Chocolate Lab Classes at The Hershey Story Museum: Through Jan. 1, grab a partner and sign-up for one of The Chocolate Lab’s daily 45-minute classes where you’ll not only learn about the origin of chocolate, but you’ll also create your own chocolate masterpiece.
Randy McCurdy & Jo Ann Neal Exhibit, Gallery@Second: Enjoy creations from local artists in this exhibit, running through Dec. 7. Pennsylvania artist Randy McCurdy is a romantic, realist salon painter and is best known for his calming pastoral landscape paintings inspired by the beauty and serenity of the central Pennsylvania wetland and forest region. And after early retirement due to the onset of debilitating rheumatoid arthritis, Harrisburg-based artist Jo Ann Neal cites art as her saving therapeutic remedy for her affliction.
See Mr. Beep, The Talking Car, Antique Automobile Club of America Museum: Through Jan. 5, visit Mr. Beep, the talking car that was used to bring traffic safety lessons to school children and during public occasions. Often Mr. Beep was used in conjunction with police school safety programs in Canada.
Contemporary Impressionism, Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts: In conjunction with the Art Association of Harrisburg, this exhibit running through Jan. 9 features artists’ interpretations of the theme of “Impressionism” in a uniquely-individual style. Some images are reminiscent of the Impressionist works of the late 19th century, but many are 21st-century explorations of the theme.
Construction/Destruction Exhibit, Susquehanna Art Museum, DOSHI Gallery at The State Museum of Pennsylvania: Catch this before it’s gone! Running through Dec.1, this juried exhibition highlights fiber sculptures, paintings, photographs, works on paper, drawings, collages, and an artists’ book.
Losing the Dark, Planetarium at The State Museum of PA: Take a look at the current constellations, planets and moon phase with this live presentation on how to get around the sky. Planetarium show visual effects and educational content may not be appropriate for ages 4 and under.
We Are Aliens! Planetarium at The State Museum of PA: What does it take to support life? Are we alone in the universe? Explore the extreme environments here on Earth that support life. Discover how astronomers are searching for exo-planets and study their environments. Join the quest!
The Holiday Spirit
When SANTA Met SALLY, Allenberry Resort Inn & Playhouse: A modern-day love story tells the tale of how Santa and Mrs. Claus came to be. Expect romance, humor, adventure, and, of course, all the beloved holiday songs. Runs through Dec. 22.
THE 2013 CHRISTMAS SHOW: The First Noel, American Music Theatre: AMT’s annual holiday show is guaranteed to leave you in the Christmas Spirit. Runs through Dec. 30.
Cars & Christmas Celebration at the AACA Museum: All Aboard as trains, trains and more trains will abound throughout all levels of the museum. The classic Roads to Rails model train display will again feature multiple trains, including Thomas the Tank Engine – a family favorite. Sammy the Snow Plow will be back for the holidays this year. Runs through Jan. 15.
Holiday ‘Trains and Trees’ is Back! Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts: Through Jan. 1, experience a delightful display of model trains and themed trees with the return of the season’s popular Holiday Trains and Trees exhibition.
Welcome to Koziar’s Christmas Village: Opening Thanksgiving Day and running through New Year’s Day, Koziar’s Christmas Village has grown to a mammoth and extraordinary seasonal attraction drawing visitors from great distances. Come visit our spectacular hand crafted outdoor train displays with multiple track lines, stations and villages.
The History Buff
“1863″ Exhibit, The National Civil War Museum: The third in a series of commemorative exhibits for the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War showcases “1863.” Exhibit content includes a timeline of key events and battles that occurred each month, as well as graphics and a variety of artifacts and documents.
“In the Service of Our Nation: Conscription during the Civil War”, The National Civil War Museum: This exhibit examines the events and reasoning that led the Union and Confederate governments to pass conscription acts during the Civil War, exemptions attached to them, and the reaction of the people.
Friends of the Bethel Trail: Through Dec. 31, the Friends of Bethel Trail has eight interpretive panels that serve as a self-guided heritage trail. Its pathway follows the landmark sites of the Bethel AME congregation and community across Harrisburg’s urban development. The route begins at Harrisburg’s Amtrak station, travels through Aberdeen St., along Commonwealth Ave., and ends at the ridge at 6th and Herr.
Treasures of the Civil War Exhibit, Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitors Center: In celebration of the sesquicentennial anniversary of The Battle of Gettysburg, view this exhibit on Legendary Leaders Who Shaped a War and a Nation. President Abraham Lincoln didn’t like to plant trees or gardens. Gen. Ulysses Grant didn’t care for music. Gen. George Armstrong Custer wore candles in his hair while he slept. This exhibit offers 94 historic items from seven different outstanding Civil War collections throughout the United States.
“A Great Civil War: 1863, Battles that Defined a Nation,” U.S. Army Heritage & Education Center: From Vicksburg, Chickamauga and Chattanooga in the west, to Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg, and Gettysburg in the east, the new exhibit showcases the artifacts, diaries, letters and photographs of soldiers who served during the decisive events and battles of 1863.
“Kregie Life,” Prisoner of War Exhibit, U.S. Army Heritage & Education Center: Trapped in a German POW camp during World War II, Carl Holmstrom spent two years capturing prison life in his art. His drawings and watercolors depict the suffering and humor of confinement in Stalag Luft III.
Commemorating the Civil War in Pennsylvania, The State Museum of Pennsylvania: To coincide with the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, The State Museum of PA has opened a refurbished gallery featuring a new design that will evoke the original setting in which its centerpiece, Peter Rothermel’s epic painting, “Battle of Gettysburg – Pickett’s Charge” was displayed. Finished in 1870 and regarded as the largest Civil War battle scene ever painted on a single canvas, the painting has been on nearly continuous exhibition at the Museum since the present building opened in 1965.
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