Metro

Friday, Dec. 5

“The Nutcracker” will be presented by Pauline Rodgers School of Dance & Cambria Dance Academy at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 5-6, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Mishler Theatre, Altoona. Tickets are $35 plus fees. For tickets and more information, visit mishlertheatre.org or call the box office at 814-944-9434.

Blair County Historical Society will host Live Holiday Music Nights at 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 per guest and can be paid at the door. Live holiday music, homemade desserts, and open-house tours will be available each evening. For more information, visit

www.blairhistory.org/events or the Baker Mansion’s social pages.

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.

One of Johnstown Symphony Orchestra’s Four Companion Ensembles, Community Strings, will be performing in Ebensburg at the Cambria County Courthouse at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec.5, for a “Dickens of a Christmas.”

Step back in time and celebrate the season in historic downtown Ebensburg. This festive, family-friendly event brings the charm of a Victorian Christmas to life, with costumed carolers, holiday treats, local vendors, and joyful performances throughout the day.

The JSO’s Community Strings ensemble will fill the air with the sounds of the season.

The Altoona Association of Model Railroaders is hosting a series of Holiday Model Train Display Open Houses from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5 and 12, and from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 and 13. Come see the train layouts in Altoona at 2930 S. 10th Ave., the corner of 30th St. and 10th Ave. Stop by and enjoy some hot chocolate and cookies! Admission is free, donations are always appreciated. For more information, visit

www.facebook.com/TheAAMR or www.theaamr.org

The Community Arts Center of Cambria County 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

The Drifters, The Platters & Cornell Gunter’s Coasters will be live in concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5 at the Palace Theatre, Greensburg. For tickets, visit https://tickets-center.com/palace-theatre-greensburg

Saturday, Dec. 6

Celebrate the season at Breakfast with Santa and the Grinch from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Morrisons Cove Memorial Park Banquet Hall, Martinsburg. Additional activities will include face painting, games and competitions, cookie decorating, ornament crafts and pictures with Santa and the Grinch. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased in advance at the Park office.

Martinsburg Community Library will hold the Children’s Corner Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting and open house from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the library. The ribbon cutting will take place at 3:15 p.m. Admission is free.

The Martinsburg Boosters will light the Christmas tree at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the corner of Allegheny and Walnut Streets, Martinsburg. Additional activities will include horse drawn carriage rides, cookies and hot chocolate and caroling.

Jay T. Vonada will be performing Holiday Jazz from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 at Burnt Timbers Winery, Granville. For more information, call 717-298-0776 or visit https://burnttimbers.com

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 6-9 at the Ligonier Valley Historical Society’s “Festival of Lights” at the Compass Inn Museum, Laughlintown. For more information, visit https://www.compassinn.org/eventcalendar/festival-of-lights-2025

River City Brass will present the Christmas Brasstacular at 7:30 p.m. Sat, Dec. 6, at Palace Theatre, Greensburg. For tickets, visit https://tickets-center.com/palace-theatre-greensburg

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 noon 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. Tickets are $8 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 historic Whistle Stop Electric Train Show and Sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Woodward Township Volunteer Fire Company,

Williamsport. Admission is $5 for adults and free to children younger than 12. There will be vendors and all sizes of trains on display and for sale, a test track, food and beverages. Santa will be on hand for children.

Experience the magic of the holiday season at The City of Johnstown Christmas Village from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 at PNG Park. The event will feature the iconic tree, Christmas Village and 24 vendors. For more information, visit https://www.galleryongazebo.org/

7th Virtue will perform from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 at The Heidelberg CC, 812 Frankstown Road, Altoona. There is a $5 cover charge. Food by Rob’s Catering/Grill will be available. $5.00 cover charge. Food by Rob’s Catering/Grill will be available.

Sunday, Dec. 7

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

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.

Allegheny Chorale is preparing to present two free concerts to the public. The concert titled “Sharing Christmas Joy” will be presented at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at St. James Lutheran Church, 1407 Eighth Ave., Altoona and at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, at First Presbyterian Church, 102 W. 13th St., Tyrone. Admission is free to the public. A freewill offering will be collected. Allegheny Chorale has over 50 members from the Blair County and surrounding areas and is under the direction of Deborah Estright.

On tap for December

Tickets to “Elvis Lives,” an Elvis Tribute performed by Bruno Nesci, will go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, for the performance at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, at the Palace Theatre, Greensburg. Tickets start at $37. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://thepalacetheatre.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/events/a0SRi00000HncqLMAR

Tickets to Sesame Street live “Elmo’s Got the Moves” go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5, for the performance at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 26, 2026, at The Palace Theatre, Greensburg. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://thepalacetheatre.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/events/a0SRi00000Hrq6jMAB

A new student film documentary, “Rethinking 322, Building a Better Road to the Future” will be presented at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, at The State Theatre, downtown State College.

“Rethinking 322, Building a Better Road to the Future” brings the future of the State College Collector to the historic State Theatre in a stunning new documentary film. Learn about the people and places that will be impacted by the SCAC. Hear from local residents who will lose their farms, and experts concerned about the freeway’s impacts on water quality. This film was produced by students in the Penn State Landscape Architecture program as part of their ongoing engagement with the residents of Penns-Brush Valley, Rethinking 322. RSVP requested, visit https://form.jotform.com/253174180354151

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, at 5:30 p.m. 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

The Cathedral Festival Choir will present “Advent of Christmas” at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Altoona. The program will include music, readings and dance. Admission is free; freewill offering will be accepted.

Blair County Historical Society will hold a Christmas Tea at the Baker Mansion at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Baker Mansion History Museum. This is a 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 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.

That Oldees Band will perform from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 at The Heidelberg CC, 812 Frankstown Road, Altoona. There is a $5.00 cover charge. Food by Rob’s Catering/Grill will be available.

The Blair Concert Chorale will present “Gloria in Excelsis Deo,” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec.13, 2025 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 12th Avenue and 14th Street, Altoona. Altoona Brass Collective will join the Chorale in presenting John Rutter’s Gloria as well as other pieces of traditional holiday music including Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus. Tickets are available at Thompson Pharmacy (Hollidaysburg and Chestnut Avenue), through Eventbrite, at the door the night of the performance and from chorale members. Admission for adults is $20, $10 for students.

“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

Inclined to Sing, the Johnstown Symphony Youth Orchestra, and the Johnstown Symphony Chorus will all feature at the JSO’s Holiday Pops concerts, both the 3 p.m. matinee and the 7:30 p.m. evening performances, Saturday, Dec. 13.

Tickets are available at johnstownsymphony.org or by calling the box office at (814) 535-6738.

“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.

Johnstown Symphony Orchestra’s Community Strings ensemble will perform from 3 to 4 pm. Sunday, Dec. 14, at The Russell House in Moxham. For more information, visit johnstownsymphony.org

The Bellwood Community Choir will present their annual Holiday Concert “Jingle All the Way” at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14 at the Bellwood-Antis Elementary School, Martin Street, Bellwood.

In addition to selections by the Adult Choir, there will be music by the handbell choir and the Bellwood Community Children’s Choir. The adult and handbell choirs are directed by Richard Bower, former choral music instructor at the Bellwood-Antis School District. “Christmas on Broadway” and other traditional songs will be featured. Admission to the concert is free.

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 Academy of Sacred Music will present a Messiah Sing Along at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at the Hollidaysburg Church of the Brethren, 1028 Penn St., Hollidaysburg. There is no admission charge, but a freewill offering will be collected. The music is the familiar G.F. Handel’s “Messiah,” but the members of the audience will hear their own voices ring out as they sing the “Hallelujah” and other choruses from the Christmas portion of the three-part oratorio.

Bob Long, founder of the academy and Hollidaysburg native will conduct.

Although attendees are not required to sing, the academy is encouraging members of choirs and choral groups to bring their Messiah scores and support the concert. Anyone who wants to be part of the event is invited to attend. A few scores will be available for participants to borrow.

Along with audience participation, the concert will feature soloists Julie Hanlon soprano, Arlene Huth, mezzo-soprano, Thomas Delahoy, tenor and James White, bass. Asa Carns will provide accompaniment on the organ, along with a string quartet. The Messiah offers a unique opportunity for people to enjoy a timeless classic. All are welcome to attend and sing along or just listen.

“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.

Rocket Blasters will be performing from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at The Heidelberg CC, 812 Frankstown Road, Altoona. There is a $5.00 cover charge. Food by Rob’s Catering/Grill will be available.

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

The Moore Brothers will perform from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, at The Heidelberg CC, 812 Frankstown Road, Altoona. There will be a $5.00 cover charge. Food by Rob’s Catering/Grill will be available.

Jason Aldean’s Full Throttle Tour 2026 will stop at the Bryce Jordan Center in State College on Jan. 29, 2026. Tickets are on sale now at https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/02006329BE913221

The Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their traveling world-famous show to the court of the Bryce Jordan Center on Feb. 24. Tickets for the 100th anniversary tour go on sale at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 13, at ticketmaster.com

Tickets are on sale now for Split State Productions presentation of “Chicago,” on Feb. 6, 7, 8, 12, 13 and 14 at

The Lamp Theatre, Irwin. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.lamptheatre.org/split-stage-productions