The Playhouse at McConnellstown invites audiences to unwrap something special with “An Orphan’s Light,” on stage Friday, Nov. 21 through Nov. 30. Courtesy photo

Friday, Nov. 21

Joy in the City Youth Theatre & Joshua House will present “Camp Halieus” 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov, 21, at the Mishler Theatre. For tickets and more information, visit mishlertheatre.org or call the box office, 814-944-9434.

This November, The Playhouse at McConnellstown invites audiences to unwrap something special with “An Orphan’s Light,” on stage Friday, Nov. 21 through Nov. 30. Set in December 1897 at the Juniper Home for Children in Juniper, Ohio, this touching play by Huntingdon County native Emmie White explores enduring themes of love, redemption, and the unbreakable spirit of community when facing uncertainty. “An Orphan’s Light” opens Nov. 21 and continues its run Nov. 22, 28, and 29 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees are Nov. 22, 23, 29, and 30 at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $18 for regular admission and can be purchased online at mcconnellstownplayhouse.ludus.com. Reservations can also be made by contacting the Playhouse Box Office at 814.627.0311. For more information, visit www.littletheater.com.

Bells Across PA Liberty Bell Commemoration will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, at the Centre Furnace Mansion and will feature the unveiling and commemoration of the Bells Across PA Liberty Bell, designed and painted by artist Jeffrey Mathison. For more information and to RSVP (required), visit https://form.jotform.com/253155474567162

The Mount Aloysius College Theatre Department will perform the heartwarming children’s musical “The Perfect Dog” at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 21 and 10:30 a.m. Nov. 22 in Alumni Hall, Cresson.

The Community Arts Center of Cambria County is thrilled to be bringing this year’s Log Art Theatre-Shortwave production of “The Lightbearer,” a sensational, hysterical, heart wrenching tale about the bond and loving friendship of five women. Performances will be held at 7 p.m. Nov. 21 and 22 with a matinee at 2 p.m. Nov. 23, at Community Arts Center’s Atelier, 1217 Menoher Blvd., Johnstown. For more information and to purchase tickets, call the Arts Center at 814-255-6515 or visit the Arts Center’s website, www.caccc.org.

The State Theatre will feature Tony Trischka’s Earl Jam at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, at The Friedman Auditorium, 130 West College Avenue, State College. Tickets start at $44 and can be purchased online at thestatetheatre.org.

Saturday, Nov. 22

“Brass Express – A Tribute to Chicago & Beyond” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 22, at the Mishler Theatre. For tickets & more information visit mishlertheatre.org or call the box office at 814-944-9434

ArtsAltoona will present the Third Annual Christkindl Market from 12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at Unter Uns Society, Altoona. Artisan vendors, authentic German food, a petting zoo, kids’ crafts, basket raffles and many other activities will be available. Tickets are $5 for adults and free for children 12 and under. Visit artsaltoona.org for more information.

Second Edition will perform from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Nov. 22 at The Heidelberg CC, 812 Frankstown Road, Altoona. $5.00 cover charge, food by Rob’s Catering/Grill will be available.

Sunday, Nov. 23

Experience the lively sounds of Simple Gifts at CAST, 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23. Two women, twelve instruments, and an afternoon of unforgettable music await. Simple Gifts, featuring Linda Littleton and Karen Hirshon, performs a wide variety of folk music from Irish jigs and American reels to Klezmer, Gypsy melodies, and Balkan dance tunes, blending international styles with American roots. Tickets are $15 and available online at www.ClearfieldArts.org, at the CAST office Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m., or at the door 30 minutes before the show.

On tap for November

“A Motown Christmas” will be presented at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24 at the Mishler Theatre. For tickets and more information, visit mishlertheatre.org or call the box office at 814-944-9434.

The Community Arts Center of Cambria County will hold its 55th Holly Bazaar, a multifaceted holiday celebration that runs now through Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. The Community Arts Center will be open seven days a week, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. during the Holly Bazaar.

The Holly Bazaar, located in the Goldhaber-Fend Fine Arts Center’s gallery and M. Josephine Paul Family Museum, features handcrafted items from over 80 local craftsmen and artisans. The Holly Bazaar will also feature the Community Arts Center’s annual Holiday Candy and Nut sale.

Other areas of the Holly Bazaar include the 24th Basket Bonanza, which runs from Nov. 8-Dec. 14. This gives visitors a chance to win over 120 baskets donated by the Community Arts Center’s members, friends and local businesses.

Additionally, CACCC presents the Festival of the Trees, featuring five trees designed and created by local artists. These one-of-a-kind trees are part of a silent auction between Nov. 8 and Dec. 14.

Additional events and activities will be taking place throughout the holidays. For a complete detailed listing of entertainment and workshops visit www.caccc.org.

“A Motown Christmas,” starring The Motortown All-Stars and featuring former members of The Miracles, The Contours, and the music and memories of

Motown’s Legendary Artists, is coming back to the Benzel Stage at the Historic Mishler Theatre.

The show will be held at 7 p.m. Nov. 24. Tickets range from $53 to $68 and can be purchased online at https://mishlertheatre.org/

A Motown Christmas is a powerful family-oriented show combining Motown’s greatest hits with everyone’s favorite holiday classics. This show features those famous Motown trademarks — dazzling choreography and unforgettable harmonies all performed in that memorable, soulful Motown style.

McGarvey’s Annual Black Friday Comedy Show will feature Jake and Amy Vevera, with special guests Adam Hold and Purnaa. The show starts at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, at McGarvey’s Bar and Grill, 623 N. Fourth Ave., Altoona. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. For more information and tickets, visit https://centralpaticket.com/events/stand-up-comedy-mcgarveys-with-jake-amy-vevera-11-28-2025

The Moore Brothers will perform from 7:30 – 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at The Heidelberg CC, 812 Frankstown Road, Altoona. $5.00 cover charge. Food by Rob’s Catering/Grill will be available.

Pittsburgh-based rock band Punchline will return to Blair County for the first time in 17 years, to perform on Saturday, Nov. 29, in Liberty Hall in the U.S. Hotel in Hollidaysburg. This show is in support of the release of their new album Somewhere To Land, which is available everywhere for listening and streaming, including on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and Bandcamp.

Tickets are available at Boro Coffee Co in historic downtown Hollidaysburg for $18. Tickets will be $20 at the door.

The show is open to all ages. Those 21 and older must have a photo ID to purchase alcohol.

Support bands for the show include Eternal Boy, Like A Movie, The Hope Fallacy and Walkney. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Punchline, known for their infectious melodies and heartfelt lyrics, recently welcomed the return of fan-favorite guitarist and vocalist Paul Menotiades, whose reunion was sparked by their popular podcast, “A Band Called Punchline.”

Following a landmark year celebrating 20 years of their classic album “Action” alongside memorable performances with The Spill Canvas, Hot Rod Circuit and Have Mercy, Punchline continues to build momentum. Their energetic live shows recently included tour dates with Wheatus and Hit The Lights, while a celebrated cover of The Cranberries’ “Linger” caught viral attention on TikTok.

Additionally, Punchline’s original track “Roller Coaster Smoke,” inspired by the iconic TV series “Lost,” was featured prominently in the documentary “Getting Lost.” Punchline recently performed at the Four Chord Music Festival in Washington, Pa., in September with bands like Blink 182, Alkaline Trio, Jawbreaker and

Jimmy Eat World.

The Newburg Fire Association will hold their first annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at 2808 Washington Ave., Altoona. Cookies and hot chocolate will be served, as well as fireside “toasting and roasting.”

Ligonier Valley Historical Society will host Compass Inn Museum by Candlelight: Celebrating the Yuletide from 4 to 8 p.m. Nov. 29 and 30 and Dec. 13 and 14. For tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/compass-inn-museum-by-candlelight-celebrating-the-yuletide-tickets-1670708436909

The Newburg Fire Association will be holding a Pop Up Santa Shop from 12 to 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, at 2805 Washington Ave., Altoona. Events include a bake sale, over 25 local vendors to shop from, Toys for Tots Collection drive, 50/50 raffles, door prizes, a basket raffle and more. Food will be available. Admission and parking are free.

Coming in December

Neil deGrasse Tyson, an engaging, articulate and passionate scientist and pop-culture communicator for the modern age, will return to the Eisenhower Auditorium stage at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2.

Reserved-seat tickets are $186.75 — Premium VIP package includes premium seat, post-show Q&A and an autographed poster. Other tickets are $100.75; $80.75; and $60.75. Ticket prices are inclusive of fees and taxes. Save $4 per ticket when ordering your ticket by phone or in person.

Tickets are available online, by phone at 814-863-0255, or in person, weekdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Eisenhower Auditorium. In “An Astrophysicist Goes to the Movies — Pt. 1,” deGrasse Tyson focuses his sights on Hollywood blockbusters such as “Star Wars,” “Frozen,” “Armageddon,” “Titanic” and “The Martian” for an enlightening review from a science-based perspective. The program covers concepts that our favorite movies got wrong, as well as some of the stuff they got right.

DeGrasse Tyson previously appeared at Penn State in 2011 to present the College of Engineering Arthur H. Waynick Memorial Lecture.

Downtown Bedford Inc. is hosting the Snowflake Social from 6 to 9 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 4, at Omni Bedford Springs Resort. This fundraiser will benefit DBI’s winter festivities. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/snowflake-social-tickets-1447596633499

Ring in the holiday season with the Stocking Stuffer Magical Holiday Market, a treasured tradition at the Centre Furnace Mansion. This event takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 5-6, and from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, noon – 4:00 p.m.

Experience the magic of the holidays while supporting local artists, businesses, and the preservation of history.

“The Nutcracker” will be presented by Pauline Rodgers School of Dance & Cambria Dance Academy Friday, Dec. 5 – Sunday, Dec. 7 at the Mishler Theatre. For tickets and more information, visit mishlertheatre.org or call the box office at 814-944-9434.

Blair County Historical Society presents Live Holiday Music Nights at the Baker Mansion, from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5 and Friday, Dec. 12 at the Baker Mansion History Museum, Altoona. Admission is $5.00 per guest and can be paid at the door of the Baker Mansion. Live holiday music, homemade desserts, and open-house tours will be available for guests each evening. For more information, visit www.blairhistory.org/events or the Baker Mansion’s social pages.

The Community Arts Center of Cambria County (CACCC) will present Merry Christmahanukwanzakah – A Holiday Coffee House from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at the Atelier room at CACCC, Johnstown. Christmahanukwanzakah is a blend, in word and concept, of three holidays: the Christian Christmas, the Jewish Hanukkah, and the African-American Kwanzaa. Christmahanukwanzakah is meant to be an inclusive celebration around December holidays for friends and family of diverse, interfaith backgrounds. CACCC wants to celebrate these groups uniting for the holiday season as they share the history of their faith and culture, along with song and musical entertainment. Admission as well as snacks and refreshments will be free to attendees. For more information, visit www.caccc.org

Join the Pennsylvania Military Museum, Boalsburg, for The Ghost Front: A World War II Experience, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7. By examining the Hurtgen Forest and the Battle of the Bulge, the public can learn of the endurance, leadership, and sacrifices of American soldiers in the winter of 1944. Foxhole displays will explore frontline life and the individual roles of soldiers. For more comprehensive breakdowns, visitors can join guided patrol tours at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.. Families can participate in the History Mystery Kid’s Program at 12 p.m. A demonstration will showcase weapons and tactics at 2 p.m. Santa Claus and his Willy’s Jeep will be available for Christmas photos and a holiday scavenger hunt! A Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony will occur at 12 p.m. Sunday, Dec 7. Museum merchandise will be available for purchase. Donations are also encouraged. Parking is $5 per car. Proceeds benefit the Pennsylvania Military Museum. For more information, call 814-466-6263.

The Hollidaysburg Community Chorus 2025 concert “Christmas Peace” will be presented at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School, featuring a talented quintet from the Altoona Brass Collective along with the always dynamic young voices of the Children’s Community Chorus. The performance will include holiday favorites, sacred music of the season and some new compositions. Presentations are at 7:00 pm on Saturday the 6th, and 2:00 PM on Sunday the 7th. Tickets are $8.00 for adults and free for 18 and under. Tickets are available at the door, or from The Music Emporium, Roaring Spring Dept. Store, all Thompson Pharmacies and any Chorus member.

The Festival of Lights returns to Town Hall in Ligonier Saturday, Dec. 6 through Tuesday, Dec. 9. For more information, visit https://www.compassinn.org/eventcalendar?view=calendar&month=11-2025

The Penn State School of Music will hold its annual “Mosaic” concert at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, in Eisenhower Auditorium, University Park. The highly anticipated event highlights the school’s student talent for a one-of-a-kind showcase featuring a variety of holiday and seasonal songs. Tickets are $37 for adults and $14 for students and are available to buy online. Avoid the $4 fee by purchasing over the phone at 814-863-0255 or in person, weekdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at Eisenhower Auditorium. Visit Mosaic online for more information: https://cpa.psu.edu/events/mosaic-2025

A holiday open house will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at Greenwood Furnace State Park.

Events include carriage rides, make and take crafts and ornaments, music, refreshments, face painting, and Santa Claus. More details/activities to be announced.

Greenwood Furnace State Park, Huntingdon, will hold a Holiday Open House from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday,

Dec. 7. Activities include make and take crafts and ornaments, toys of the past, music, refreshments, carriage rides and a visit from Santa. Admission is free. For more information, call 814-667-1800.

Juniata Presents, Juniata College’s signature cultural programming series, returns for the 2025-26 season with a lineup of bold and unforgettable performances close to home.

— The holiday season brings Sean Heely’s Celtic Christmas at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10. Audiences will be transported to the Scottish Highlands and Irish coast with Gaelic carols, lively Irish tunes, and familiar Christmas melodies performed on fiddle, highland pipes, harp, and more. U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion Seán Heely and a cast of acclaimed Celtic musicians celebrate tradition, virtuosity, and seasonal cheer in a performance for the whole family.

— Continuing the season, Aquila Theatre presents “The Hound of the Baskervilles” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. This classic Sherlock Holmes mystery unfolds on England’s fog-shrouded moors as Holmes and Dr. Watson investigate the chilling death of Sir Charles Baskerville. Renowned for its bold, innovative approach to classical theater, Aquila Theatre delivers suspense, wit, and thrilling storytelling that will captivate audiences of all ages.

All performances take place in the Halbritter Center for the Performing Arts, creating a shared space where neighbors, families and students come together to enjoy the arts. For tickets or more information about the

2025-26 season of Juniata Presents, visit www.juniatapresents.com.

Take a look at the progress of Central Park and tour the Crown American Building, an architectural treasure in Johnstown, Thursday, Dec. 11. For reservations and more information, visit galleryongazebo.org.

The Pittsburgh Irish Festival and YaJagoff! are proud to announce A Celtic Rock Christmas, a high-energy holiday fundraiser blending driving Celtic rock, festive favorites, and community spirit. Meet and greet will start at 5:15 and the show will start at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at Velum Fermentation, Pittsburgh. For tickets and more information, visit celticrockchristmas.com.

Blair County Historical Society will hold Christmas Tea at the Baker Mansion at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Baker Mansion History Museum. Special afternoon tea experience featuring select recipes from the Baker family and an open-house Christmas tour with living historians portraying members of the Baker family.

Tickets are $30.00 per guest and can be found online at www.blairhistory.org/events. Alternatively, guests can call or email the Baker Mansion to purchase tickets via cash, check, or card.

“Mark Milovats’ Christmas Wonderland” will be presented at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Mishler Theatre. For tickets and more information, visit mishlertheatre.org or call the box office at 814-944-9434.

The show features Milovats’ soaring and powerful voice and uncanny humor, as well as his 15-piece Holiday Pops Orchestra, the Santa Belle Dancers, his Elfin Children’s Choir, the Pitt Dance Team and special guests Rocky Bleier and more.

The Metropolitan Opera’s award-winning series of live performance transmissions continues at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, with a presentation of Umberto Giordano’s “Giordano” at The State Theatre, State College. For tickets, visit https://tickets.thestatetheatre.org/c/dr3ggtj2.

“The Nutcracker” will be staged by The Performing Arts School of Central Pennsylvania Nittany Ballet at 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 13, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, in Eisenhower Auditorium.

This year, guest artists from Pacific Northwest Ballet, Sarah Gabrielle-Ryan and Mark Cuddihee; and Penn State musical theater students Alex Iozzio and Zach Doran join Nittany Ballet’s largest cast yet. More than 100 students, ages 3 to 18 from the Centre County region, will dance the beloved ballet.

Tickets are $40 for adults, $34 for those 55 and older, and $29 for students and those 18 and younger. Avoid the $4-per-ticket online service fee by calling 814-863-0255; or buying in person from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays at Eisenhower Auditorium.

BCAF’s Family Theatre at the Mishler will present “A Seussified Christmas Carol” at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14. For tickets and more information, visit mishlertheatre.org or call the box office at 814-944-9434.

The “Sounds of Christmas 2025,” featuring an exciting blend of music, costumes and dance, will be an unforgettable experience at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at The Palace Theatre, Greensburg. As always, the 22-piece Latshaw Pops Orchestra will be center stage and joined by a talented group of singers and dancers performing favorite Christmas songs and carols. A visit from Santa Claus will make your holiday experience complete.

Tickets start and $30 and can be ordered online at https://westmorelandculturaltrust.org

The remarkable story of the Patriot Daughters of Lancaster will be presented at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at Centre Furnace Mansion. The illustrated presentation details the remarkable story of the Patriot Daughters of Lancaster, a Ladies Aid Society that served from 1861 to 1865 and continued to honor veterans for years after the war. Featuring authentic period photographs, documents and artifacts, narrated by Mike and Jeanne Cassidy in Civil War-period dress. Through dramatic readings from eyewitness accounts, letters, and newspaper articles, they bring to life the voices and experiences of Lancaster’s women on the home front.

Seating is limited. For more information and to RSVP, visit https://form.jotform.com/251834463924159

Cirque Dreams presents their holiday spectacular Holidaze at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at Bryce Jordan Center, University Park. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

“The John Denver Tribute Christmas Concert” With Chris Collins and Boulder Canyon will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at the Mishler Theatre. For tickets and more information, visit mishlertheatre.org or call the box office at 814-944-9434.

P&J Productions will present “Ornament – The Premiere Trans-Siberian Orchestra Tribute” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 at The Mishler Theatre. For tickets and more information, visit mishlertheatre.org or call the box office at 814-944-9434.

Agnostic Front with Raw Brigade will be featured at 7 p.m. Dec. 20 at McGarvey’s Bar & Grill. Tickets are at: https://centralpaticket.com/events/agnostic-front-with-raw-brigade-violent-way-mcgarveys-12-20-2025