From pop-up bars to stage shows and light displays, there’s so much holiday fun in Erie.
As always, check with organizers of the events below to confirm details as information could change.
Blitzen’s at The Brewerie
Open certain days between Nov. 28 and Dec. 27. The pop-up bar serves festive cocktails with holiday decorations from the floor to the ceiling. Find more details here.
Country Christmas at Port Farms
Port Farms has festive children’s activities, cocktails for guests 21+, food, Santa Claus and live music. Open certain days between Nov. 22 and Dec. 21.
- Cut your own tree (pre-cut also available) every Wednesday through Sunday (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
- Santa’s Workshop every Saturday and Sunday (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Activities include crafts and cookie decorating for nominal costs. Free visits with Santa (noon to 3 p.m.)
- Live music every Saturday and Sunday (1 to 4 p.m.)
- Holiday drink and food specials
- Horse-drawn sleigh, wagon or carriage rides every Saturday and Sunday
- Drinks with the Grinch on Dec. 7 and 8 (1 to 4 p.m.)
- Fresh made wreaths, décor and other gifts available to purchase from Wednesday through Sunday (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
Learn more here about Country Christmas at Port Farms.
Tinsel Taproom pop-up bar at Poverty Knob
Poverty Knob is ready to celebrate the holidays with its Tinsel Taproom pop-up bar, complete with twinkling lights, sparkling tinsel, ornaments and Christmas trees.
- Festival cocktails, mocktails and frosty beers
- Over-the-top holiday décor perfect for photos
- Live music every Friday and Sunday
- Full food menu — including a kids’ menu
- Family-friendly fun — bring the kids, bring the pups!
Special holiday hours (for Nov. 28 through Dec 21):
- Wednesdays through Fridays: Noon through 9 p.m.
- Saturdays: 11 a.m. through 9 p.m.
- Sundays: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Kitchen closes one hour before the brewery.
Victorian Holidays at the Hagen History Center
Visit the Hagen History Center to see the beautifully decorated mansion between Dec. 5-7. During the Victorian holidays weekend, there will be reduced admission. Decorations will remain until Jan. 5.
Krampusnacht at Union Station
The fifth annual Krampusnacht Erie festival will take place from noon to 8 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Concourse at Union Station.
Shop an array of crafters and artisans who specialize in creepy creations, oddities and all things Krampus.
Sleigher — a Krampus-themed costumed band made up of musicians singing the lyrics of holiday carols over the music of hard rock songs — will perform.
Tickets are $10 cash at the door and includes admission to the events taking place over the duration of the festival.
There will be a cash-only bar with food and other drinks available at The Brewerie.
For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page.
Erie Philharmonic’s ‘Come Home for the Holidays’ concert
Special guests, the Philharmonic Choruses and ballet dancers will fill the Warner Theatre with the sounds of the holidays.
The concert will be Dec. 6 and 7 at the Warner Theatre.
Visit the Erie Phil’s site for more information.
35th annual ‘Christmas Memories’ at Erie Station Dinner Theatre
Set in 1955, this Christmas special places you in the studio audience for a Kraft Foods holiday TV taping hosted by Ned Sullivan, capturing the charm of classic NBC Christmas broadcasts.
The show features humorous skits, vintage commercials, and real “letters to Santa,” along with performances of beloved Christmas songs like “White Christmas,” “Blue Christmas” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
Guests channel the iconic celebrity specials of the era, blending nostalgia with festive fun.
The evening also includes a hearty holiday feast and concludes with “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”
Performances are held various days from Dec. 3 through 21.
A Live Conversation with Chevy Chase and screening of ‘Christmas Vacation’
A special screening of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” will be followed by a live conversation and audience Q&A with Chevy Chase and his wife Jayni at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Warner Theatre.
The pair will share behind-the-scenes stories and personal memories from the making of the holiday classic.
Purchase tickets and get more information here.
Santa’s Castle adult-only happy hour
A grown-up night of festive drinks, sweet treats and hands-on holiday fun.
Step into Santa’s Castle after hours for a festive, grown-up twist on holiday magic.
Event is Dec. 11 at the Experience Children’s Museum.
Annual Holiday Bazaar at 1020 Collective
The annual Holiday Bazaar at 1020 Collective is a two-day a festive market filled with local art, handmade goods and unique gifts from 50 incredible vendors.
Celebrate the season by shopping local and supporting the makers, vendors, and artists who make our community special.
The event will be held Dec. 12 and 13.
Erie’s Nutcracker Reimagined
The Lake Erie Ballet Company collaborates with Marguerite’s Academy of Dance, NWPA Collegiate Academy and Sovereign Ballet to create a reimagined performance of a holiday classic.
Shows are Dec. 13 and 14 at the Warner Theatre.
Winter Wonderland at Erie Zoo
Step into Winter Wonderland at the Erie Zoo with this special seasonal event on Dec. 13, which offers a rare opportunity to visit the zoo when it is typically closed for the winter.
Browse a variety of local vendors for unique gifts, and don’t miss the Animals Are the Artists sale, featuring one-of-a-kind creations made by our animal residents.
Throughout the day, enjoy winter-themed enrichment activities for the animals, giving you the opportunity to see our residents engage with fun seasonal surprises.
Families will also find hands-on activities and interactive experiences to make the outing even more memorable.
Performing Artist Collective Alliance presents a Holiday Extravaganza
Get ready for an evening of holiday cheer, heartwarming entertainment and festive surprises at PACA’s Holiday Extravaganza directed by Diane Hardner.
This seasonal celebration brings together a delightful mix of classic Holiday songs, charming skits and joyful performances for all ages.
The event is set for Dec. 19.
Winter Wonderland at Asbury Woods
Begins December 4 | Thursdays–Sundays (closed Dec. 25) | 5:30–8:30 p.m.
If you’re looking for a gentle, peaceful way to kick off your holiday season, this is it.
Go walking through this winter wonderland in Millcreek.
Asbury Woods’ beloved Winter Wonderland is back—transforming its accessible boardwalk into a sparkling holiday escape.
Visitors can stroll along the boardwalk, where lights twinkle through the trees and wetlands for a cozy, immersive winter experience perfect for all ages.
Inside the Nature Center, you’ll find animal exhibits, a holiday gift shop and a sprawling festive model train display that’s always a hit with families.
Admission to both the boardwalk and Nature Center is free, with donations appreciated to support programming at Asbury Woods.
Presque Isle Lights
Begins Dec. 5 (ends Dec. 28) | Fridays–Sundays | After dark at Presque Isle State Park
Experience Presque Isle State Park like never before with Presque Isle Lights, a drive-through display that highlights the park’s natural beauty with glowing light installations and festive scenes.
This year introduces a new 3.6-mile round-trip route, designed to be brighter, more concentrated and easier to navigate.
The updated path allows visitors to take in the full experience in about 15–20 minutes, with room to slow down and enjoy the magic.
The event runs Friday through Sunday, from Dec. 5 through Dec. 28. As always, admission is free and donations help support the park and its programs.
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