What To Do: Salute to veterans continues this weekend

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times

With Veterans Day happening in mid-week this year, a few events were held on the actual holiday (November 11), some were held last weekend, and some are scheduled for this weekend.

Now through November 14, the Museum of the American Revolution (101 South Third Street, Philadelphia, www.amrevmuseum.org) will pay tribute to America’s first veterans as well as those who continue to serve our nation today. Throughout the weekend, the Museum will offer free admission to veterans, active military, and Blue Star Families, courtesy of Comcast NBCUniversal. The weekend includes an evening theatrical performance and discussion, access to our new special exhibition, and family-friendly activities.

One of the featured attractions is the Museum’s special exhibition “Liberty: Don Troiani’s Paintings of the Revolutionary War.”

For the first time in a museum, this special exhibition brings together over 45 of Troiani’s original Revolutionary War paintings and pairs them with nearly 40 artifacts that inspired or appear in them.

The exhibit also features one of Troiani’s latest works, “Brave Men as Ever Fought,” a painting of young James Forten witnessing Black and Native American troops in the ranks of the Continental Army as they march past Independence Hall on their way to Yorktown, Virginia.

Also featured in the exhibit is “The Veterans Return,” which features a Continental Army soldier returning home after the war. It is displayed alongside the memoir of Continental Army veteran Joseph Plumb Martin, which details his seven years of military service and is on display at the Museum for the first time.

Other Veterans Day Weekend highlights are “Postcards & Poppies,” “Pop-Up Gallery Talks” and “Discovery Cart: Akiatonharónkwen.”

Veterans Day Weekend activities are included with regular Museum admission, which is $21 for adults, $13 for Youth (6-17) and free for children (under 6.)

Elmwood Park Zoo (Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown, www.elmwoodparkzoo.org) has a variety of special activities coming up.

In honor of Veterans Day, Active duty members of the United States Armed Forces and service veterans receive free zoo admission on November 13 and 14. Free admission is also extended to the families of active duty military and service veterans.

A valid Military or Veterans ID and one other form of photo ID is required. A total of four family members are allowed free zoo admission if accompanied by an active duty military or service veteran.

The Zoo’s “Dog Days” event will be held on November 14, 17 and 19.

All guests visiting the zoo with a furry friend must complete an online waiver and submit required documents before visiting the zoo. You must upload a copy of your most recent veterinary visit, including proof of vaccine and heartworm test here. All items will be required for you to attend “Dog Days.”

The “Dog Days” event is slated to run from 1-5 p.m.

Pricing is $10.95 per dog with each additional dog at $9.95. Regular zoo admission is required for all humans.

The Wilmington & Western Railroad (2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, DE, 302-998-1930, www.wwrr.com) is running its “Salute to Veterans” on November 13.

The Wilmington & Western honors our military and their service to our country with a ceremony at Greenbank Station, followed by its Mt. Cuba Meteor train rides to the Mt. Cuba Picnic Grove. Veterans ride free on the Mt. Cuba Meteor excursion this day.

This event is powered by one of the rail line’s antique steam locomotives.

Reservations are not needed for the ceremony, which starts at 11:30 a.m.

Train departures are scheduled for 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. Fares are $17 for adults, $16 for seniors and $12 for children (ages 2-12).

There are some events this weekend that have a historical theme.

“A Delaware Brew Story 2021” will be held on November 13 at Blue Bell Barn (1914 West Park Drive, Wilmington, Delaware, dnrec_wilmingtonprog@delaware.gov).

For the sixth year, history and beer will unite at the Blue Ball Barn at Alapocas Run State Park on Saturday from 5-9 p.m. This year’s rain or shine Brew Story event will be hosted in the Blue Ball Barn’s tented courtyard.

Delaware beer historian John Medkeff and a panel of guests will present “Brewing, an Intrepid Profession,” a discussion about how brewers have overcome obstacles over time and continue to do so.

Visitors to the event can enjoy samples from these local craft beverage makers: -Bellefonte Brewing Co. (Wilmington), Blue Earl Brewing Company (Smyrna), Brick Works Brewing and Eats (Smyrna), Dew Point Brewing Co. (Yorklyn), First State Brewing Company (Middletown), Fordham and Dominion Brewing Co (Dover), JAKL Beer Works (Middletown), Liquid Alchemy (Wilmington), Loakal Branch Brewing (Delmar), Midnight Oil Brewing Co. (Newark), Stitch House Brewing (Wilmington), Twisted Irons Craft Brewing (Newark), and Wilmington Brew Works (Wilmington).

Raffle baskets filled with brewery merchandise, gift certificates, tasting vouchers, and more will be up for grabs. Burgers by Wildwich will be selling tasty treats, including a few vegetarian options.

Ticket prices are $40 general admission (includes access to the event, unlimited beverage samples, and a SiliPint tasting glass) and $10 for designated drivers (includes access to the event and a reusable water bottle). You must be at least 21 to attend this event. Masks will be required when inside the Blue Ball Barn and when safe social distancing cannot be maintained.

All proceeds from ticket sales and raffles benefit the Friends of Wilmington Parks and Restore the King, the campaign to save Delaware’s King Gambrinus statue.

On November 13 and 14, the Olde Fort Mifflin Historical Society will celebrate the 244th Anniversary of the “Siege & Bombardment of Fort Mifflin.”

There will be two days of activities commemorating the historic siege and bombardment of Fort Mifflin (Fort Mifflin and Hog Island roads, Philadelphia, 215-685-4167, www.fortmifflin.us) that took place in 1777. The event gets underway each day at 10 a.m. and continues until 4 p.m.

Four full scripted battles will tell the story of the greatest bombardment of the Revolutionary War.

Fort Mifflin, which was originally called Fort Island Battery, was commissioned in 1771. It was also known as Mud Island Fort because it sits on Mud Island (also known as Deep Water Island) on the Delaware River near the Philadelphia International Airport. During the American Revolutionary War, the British Army bombarded and captured the fort as part of their conquest of Philadelphia in autumn 1777.

During the siege, 400 American soldiers held off more than 2,000 British troops and over 250 ships that had been responsible for launching an endless barrage of cannonballs into the fort. After five days of holding off the British, the American troops evacuated the fort after having successfully denied the British Navy free use of the Delaware River.

Activities at this weekend’s commemoration will depict life in the 18th century and feature weapons demonstrations, tactical demonstrations, musket drills for youngsters and a scavenger hunt. There will be military re-enactors portraying both American and British forces as they commemorate the largest bombardment that took place in the entire American Revolution.

A “skirmish” will be staged at 1:30 p.m. each day.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $6 for veterans with ID and children (ages 6-12).

Laurel Hill Cemetery (3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, 215-228-8200, www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org) will have two special events this weekend.

On November 13, Laurel Hill Cemetery will present “Hot Spots and Storied Plots” walking tour at 1 p.m.

In life and in death, we all have stories to tell, and what better place to hear tales of wonder than Philadelphia’s most famous home of the dead?

This tour provides an informative overview of Laurel Hill’s long history, which includes many of the marble masterpieces, stunning views, and legendary stories about Laurel Hill.

“Hot Spots and Storied Plots” is the perfect introduction for anyone who enjoys beautiful art, scenic nature, and fascinating history. An experienced graveyard guide will offer a unique perspective. No two “Hot Spots and Storied Plots” are alike.

The tour will take place on November 13 at 1 p.m. — departing from Laurel Hill Cemetery’s Gatehouse entrance at 3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia. The tour Guide will be Patricia Silverman

Tickets, which must be purchased in advance, are: $12/General Admission, $10/Seniors (65 & up), $10/Students with ID, $7/Members, $6/Youth (6-12), and $0/Child (5 & Under). Youth and children must be accompanied by an adult.

The other special event will be “Heavenly Intonations: Laurel Hill’s Musical Legacy Walking Tour” on November 14 at 1p.m.

Whether you can hear it or not, music hangs in the air at Laurel Hill Cemetery — heavenly intonations of the singers, musicians, lyricists, and composers buried within.

Participants will visit the gravesites of those who contributed in some way to the musical legacy of America. This includes the composer who created the first serious American symphonic work and was also the first music critic in the United States; the woman who wrote the first words that Thomas Edison uttered into his recently invented phonograph; and the “Bruce Springsteen of Early 20th Century American Opera,” who riled up audiences everywhere from Philadelphia’s Academy of Music to Teddy Roosevelt’s White House to the opera houses of Australia circa 1913.

The Tour Guide is Rich Wilhelm.

Ticket pricing is $15/General Admission, $13/Seniors (65 & Up), $13/Students with ID, $10/Members, $7.50/Youth (6-12), and $0/Child (5 & Under). Please note – youth and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Autumn’s nature displays are still in full force – and so are celebrations of the season.

Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org) is a great place to visit any time in the year and always has special attractions to add to the experience.

To celebrate the fall season, Longwood has a special attraction which runs through November 14 — “Autumn’s Colors.”

Crisp and refreshing, autumn at Longwood is a season of constant shifts in hue and texture — and ever-present beauty.

Inside, guests can celebrate fall’s quintessential flower at Longwood’s Chrysanthemum Festival, which also remains open until November 14.

Innovative plant-growing techniques and displays take center stage by way of thousands of trained chrysanthemums throughout our Conservatory.

Big, bold colors and thousands of carefully nurtured and trained chrysanthemums abound during this imaginative display serving as the largest and oldest of its kind in North America.

Throughout the Conservatory, specialty chrysanthemum forms from fanciful clouds to sculptural spirals not only showcase our horticultural savvy but help preserve an ancient Asian artform that Longwood Gardens is proud to perpetuate. New this year are two forms making their debut — umbrellas and teardrops crafted of sunny yellow Chrysanthemum × morifolium ‘Megumi’.

The display continues in our Peirce-du Pont House Conservatory, where a rotating display of dozens of bonsai chrysanthemum — also meticulously trained—beautifully punctuate the space with their vibrant flowers and artistic silhouettes.

Admission to Longwood Gardens is $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and college students and $13 for youth (ages 5-18).

The Colebrookdale Railroad (South Washington Street, Boyertown, www.dynamicticketsolutions.com)  is running its “Fall Foliage Excursions” on November 13, 14, 20 and 21.

These rides feature views of some of the best foliage in the area. Spectacular autumn colors and the rich fragrances of fall in the Secret Valley delight the senses while locally produced autumn snacks and ciders available on board warm the soul.

Ticket options include Deluxe-Coach, Dining, Garden Cafe, First-Class Parlor or First-Class Lounge.

Autumn at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library (5105 Kennett Pike, Route 52, Wilmington, Delaware, 800-448-3883, http://www.winterthur.org) is one of the most beautiful times of year.

The colorful changing leaves on the estate give way to secret surprises in the garden — fall flowers and vibrant berries. The weather is perfect for more exploration as the comfortable temperatures encourage long walks on the trails, around the garden, and on the wooded paths.

Additionally, Winterthur is offering a special activity this weekend.

“Crafternoon” is scheduled for November 12 and could be called “Craftermorning” because it is scheduled to run from 10 a.m.-noon.

“Crafternoon” participants can creatively connect with objects in the museum, garden, and library collections, while they chat with other craft enthusiasts. Each session pairs objects or themes represented at Winterthur with crafty inspiration. Every project is designed to be fun.

“Autumn Leaf Pendants” is the theme for November 12.

At this time of year Winterthur glows in glorious shades of red, gold, and orange. Crafters can preserve the colors of fall in striking resin pendants.

Registration is required and the fee for the event is $20.

Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania (100 E. Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia, www.morrisarboretum.org) is hosting its

“Berries and Barks Tour.”

The event, which is included with admission, will start at 11 a.m. with participants meeting at Widener Visitor Center.

November’s featured tour of the month will have participants discovering decorative berries and admiring the artistry of tree barks on various types of trees and plants from around the world.

Admission to Morris Arboretum is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and $10 for youth (ages 3-17).

Hagley Museum and Library (Buck Road East entrance via Route 100, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-658-2400, www.hagley.org) will host another edition of its popular “Science Saturdays” series this weekend.

This Saturday’s event is billed as, “Science Saturday – Fusion Fashions.”

It will get underway at noon and run through 4 p.m. in the Hagley Library.

Participants will be able to create “fabric” out of plastic grocery bags and find a new use for it.

Visitors of all ages are invited to discover solutions to science and engineering challenges at Science Saturday.

Activities are included in regular admission and free for Hagley members. This is a drop-in activity so participants can join the fun at any time from noon-4 p.m.

If you’re a fan of dining at food trucks, this is a good weekend for you.

Chaddsford Winery (Route 1, Chadds Ford, 610-388-6221, www.chaddsford.com) is presenting its “Fall Food Truck Festival” on November 13 and 14 from noon-6 p.m. each day.

Food trucks are taking over the winery’s grounds for a weekend-long festival.

Guests can explore a wide variety of food truck fare, sip locally produced wine, and enjoy live music at the “Fall Food Truck Festival.”

Admission is free, and all wine and food purchases are pay-as-you-go.

The roster of food trucks includes Bucky’s Delicious BBQ, Albie’s Fresh Burgers and Crabcakes, Common Good Food Truck, The Munchy Machine, The Meat House, Nacho Depot, Natalie’s Fine Foods, Olé Tapas Food Truck, and The Polish Connection.

The “Live Music Schedule” is The Road Tapes and Hake and Jerema on Saturday and Matt Spitko and Erik Wozniak on Sunday.

This event is rain or shine. No outside alcohol permitted. Leashed dogs are permitted (outside only).

Children under 21 are permitted but must be supervised by a parent or guardian and remain seated at the family’s table.

Linvilla Orchards (137 West Knowlton Road, Media, 610-876-7116, www.linvilla.com) will host its “Fall Food Truck Frenzy” on November 13.

The roster of participating food trucks includes Fiesta Churros, 22BBQ, On The Roll, Haagen-Daz, Carmona Mobile Foods – Specialty Hot Dogs, Chank’s Grab-N-Go – Pizza Cones, Cupcake Carnivale, Dos Gringos, Dr. Wutzit’s Wonder Balls,  Koi on the Go – Asian/Latin fusion, Have a Ball! – Meatballs, Mojo Loco – Taco Rice Bowls – Loaded fries, The Plum Pit and Barkley’s BBQ.

Live music will be performed by The Ultimates and The Whiskey Trail.

The “Rain or Shine” event will run from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Frog Hollow Art Show (1655 Hollow Road, Chester Springs, www.froghollowartshow.com) will be held on November  13 and 14.

Participating artists will be Markells Roberts, Bob Hakun, Carol Molyneaux, Bob Dahms, Nicole Wolfe, Victoria O’Neill, Annie Petrizzi and Victorr & Sue Roggio.

The free event will be held from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. each day and visitors are requested to wear masks.

This weekend, you can get a glimpse at how holidays are celebrated in a culinary way in the eastern Europe and Russia by visiting the festival at Saint Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church (1855 North Middletown Road (Route 352), Gradyville, 610-459-5310, www.sthermansoca.org).

The annual Christmas bazaar and food festival at St. Herman is running on November 13 and 14.

There will be no entertainment this year because of COVID-19 concerns.

The food will be available through online ordering or drive-through from noon-6 p.m. each day.

The menu, which is billed as a “Taste of Tradition,” offers a selection of Russian, Ukrainian, Serbian, Greek & Eastern European Cuisine.

The menu features stuffed cabbage, blini, beef stroganoff, cevapcici, kolbassi sandwiches, halushki, homemade pastries and other specialties.

There are two other ethnic festivals this weekend – Ukrainian and Greek.

Holy Ghost Ukrainian Orthodox Church (392 Charles St, Coatesville, www.holyghostuoc.org) is holding its Fall Food Sale on November 13 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

The fair will have an array of tasty Ukrainian food items for sale including pierogi, halupki, kielbasa, and halushki along with baked goods such as walnut, apricot, poppyseed and lecvar nut rolls.

All of the food dishes will be available for take-out only.

The 2021 Craft Fair and Greek Food Fest at St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church (900 South Trooper Road, Jeffersonville, 610-650-8960, www.saintsophiachurch.org) runs now through November 14 and features a wide array of tasty Greek treats such as souvlaki, shish-ka-bob, moussaka, pastitsio and gyros and baklava.

Other festival activities are areas featuring vendors with crafts and Greek items. The free festival is open from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from noon-6 p.m. on Sunday.

The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (100 Station Avenue, Oaks, 484-754-3976, www.phillyexpocenter.com) is presenting three interesting events this weekend.

The Expo Center will host Anderson’s Americana Indian Jewelry and Art Show on November 12 and 13.

American Indian art is always a popular motif for home decorating is American Indian art — especially artwork produced in the American Southwest. This weekend, you can find a lot of examples of this art style at the Americana Indian Art & Jewelry Show on Oaks.

One of the most respected Native American art dealers in the U.S., Anderson’s Americana Indian Shows has been bringing the best of the Southwest to the public since 1968. Anderson’s sells Navajo, Hopi, Zuni and Santo Domingo jewelry, as well as Navajo rugs, Hopi kachinas, baskets, pottery, Zuni fetish carvings and more.

The show provides an excellent opportunity to look at artifacts and other items related to the history of Native Americans. The show is presented by the Americana Indian and Western Gallery and admission is free.

Show hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on November 12 and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on November 13.

If you’re at the Expo Center for an event this weekend and are one of those people who get freaked out by snakes and lizards, then you better avoid a certain part of the exposition hall in Oaks this weekend or be prepared to get freaked out.

On November 13, the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center will host the East Coast Reptile Super Expo featuring hundreds of live snakes and reptiles.

The East Coast Reptile Super Expo, which is always a well-attended event, will run from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. this Saturday.

Many people think snakes and lizards are interesting creatures and maybe even fun pets to own. If you fall into this category, you should check out the show on Saturday. A wide array of reptiles will be on display as part of the popular exhibition, which is an annual event that is closing in on its silver anniversary.

One of the show’s main attractions is a sales exhibit area featuring a large number of vendors with live reptiles, amphibians and arachnids as well as food items, supplies, books, cages, and related accessories.

The roster of very diverse vendors includes Darwin’s Toyboa, RKZ Rodents, Monstar Reptiles, Turtle to Turtle, Delaware Valley Herpetarium, Newville Dragons, PM Herps, Black Jungle Terrarium Supply, VSCV Ventures LLC, Dachiu Dragons, Tom Rogan Reptiles, Native Exotics, Heath’s Frog Farm, Corralus Creations, Rogue Reptiles LLC, Jason R Bartolett Captive Bred Reptiles, and Fowler Reptiles.

Tickets are $10 with children (under five) admitted free.

Another event at the Expo Center this weekend will be the PHestivaLofTrees which is running now through November 14.

Visitors are invited to enjoy this festive holiday family event while supporting local animal rescues and shelters.

The event will feature 200 uniquely decorated holiday trees and gingerbread houses, live entertainment, craft vendors, pub, and Santa himself.

The focal point of the event is the display and sale of spectacular holiday trees and gingerbread houses created by local designers, artists, florists, individuals, schools and community groups where proceeds will benefit not for profit animal rescues and shelters.

General admission tickets are$20 for adults and $8 for children (ages 3-12).

Center City Parks District’s Rothman Orthopaedics Institute Ice Rink at Dilworth Park (1 South 15th Street, Philadelphia, http://ccdparks.org/dilworth-park) opened for the season last weekend.

Visitors of all ages can enjoy a dramatic seasonal transformation as fountains are replaced by the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute Ice Rink and reindeer topiaries take up winter residence on the Greenfield Lawn.

In addition, a full lineup of free entertainment is planned, including the Deck the Hall Light Show, the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market and Rothman Orthopaedic Institute Cabin.

The Rothman Institute Ice Rink at Dilworth Park is an unparalleled entertainment experience on Philadelphia’s center stage in a wonderfully urban and unique setting. Open seven days a week, the rink offers wintery fun for all ages, with a full slate of programs.

Dilworth Park’s winter season began on November 1 with the opening of the Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn presented by TD Bank.

The Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market will open on November 20 with more than 40 local vendors.

On November 22, Dilworth Park’s Deck the Hall Light Show will return to illuminate the west façade of Philadelphia’s historic City Hall.

Some people just can’t let go of their favorite holidays – like the people who keep their Christmas lights into February or the people who keep setting off fireworks through the entire month of July.

There are also people who want to celebrate Halloween until Thanksgiving arrives.

Halloween happened almost two weeks ago and there are still some Halloween attractions still open for the 2021 season.

For years, Eastern State Penitentiary (2124 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, 888-763-NITE, www.easternstate.org) presented one of the premier Halloween attractions in Philadelphia — “Terror Behind the Walls.”

This year, the venue is trying something different – a new attraction called “Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary.”

The truly scary attraction, which is running through November 13, takes place at a penitentiary site that was once was an active prison and is now a National Historic Landmark. It is a scream-inducing event featuring laser and special-effect lighting, digital sound, sinister scents, animatronic creatures and 3-D illusions.

There is “Delirium,” a 3D Haunted House where visitors take a mind-altering trip into another dimension –a parallel, neon universe where nothing is quite as it seems. Fascinating creatures emerge from seemingly nowhere as the world you thought you knew shrinks away.

Another new attraction is “Take 13,” a Haunted House where visitors step back in time and into the golden age of Hollywood glamour. The cameras never stopped rolling on the souls that roam this hall. And now they want you to be part of the show.

“The Crypt” is another Haunted House. The creatures of The Crypt request your presence. Wade through the mist and into the lair of an ancient clan of vampires. They’ve set the table, but if you’re not careful, you might end up on their next menu.

“After Dark CB3 Tour” is a guide-led Walking Tour – a 20-minute, guide-led, flashlight tour of Cellblock 3, the Hospital Block.

Another Haunted House is the “Machine Shop.” Hidden away from the world is a long-forgotten machine shop. Evil pervades this space – an evil with one mind but with many bodies. Will visitors survive or will they become just another cog in the machine?

“Tricks and Treats” is a “Halloween Candy-Themed Cocktail Lounge. Visitors enter a fantastical world of sugar-coated trickery where they can sip on a candy-themed cocktail and mingle with the jesters and clowns of this twisted carnival for the senses.

Other attractions are “The Speakeasy at Al Capone’s Cell,” “The Bloodline Lounge,” “Gargoyle Gardens (featuring The Skeleton Crew),” “Junkyard Jams,” “The Fair Chance Beer Garden (featuring Triple Bottom Brewing Co.), “The Big Graph & Prisons Today,” “The Voices of Eastern State” Highlights Audio Tour, “Kaleidoscope Hall,” and “S’mores and Lore.”

Admission prices, which vary with the date, start at $34.

Ghost Tour of Philadelphia (215-413-1997, www.ghosttour.com), Ghost Tour of Lancaster (717-687-6687, www.ghosttour.com) and Ghost Tour of Strasburg (717-687-6687,www.ghosttour.com) operate through November and offer an eerily entertaining evening of true ghost stories and real haunted houses.

The Ghost Tour of Philadelphia is a candlelight walking tour along the back streets and secret gardens of Independence Park, Society Hill, and Old City, where ghostly spirits, haunted houses, and eerie graveyards abound. Tickets are $20.

Participants in the Ghost Tour of Lancaster explore the long-forgotten mysteries of one of America’s oldest cities, with haunting tales of otherworldly vigils, fatal curses, and star-crossed lovers. The tour provides the opportunity to experience 300 years of haunted history from the Red Rose City’s thorny past. Tickets are $18.

The Ghost Tour of Strasburg is a candlelight walking tour of the quaint and historic town of Strasburg in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Visitors will experience an entertaining evening with a costumed tour guide spinning tales of haunted mansions, eerie graveyards, and spirits that roam the night … in a town lost in time. Tickets are $18.

The “27th Annual Field of Screams” (109 College Avenue, Mountville, 717-285-7748, www.fieldofscreams.com), which is open now through November 13, features four world-class Haunted Experiences and an impressive Midway Area.

Top attractions include “Horrifying Haunted Hayride,” “Den Of Darkness,” “Nocturnal Wasteland” and “Fightmare Asylum.”

Ticket prices start at $16.

If you’re over Halloween and ready for Christmas, there are already some Christmas events on the local calendar.

The New Hope & Ivyland Railroad (32 West Bridge St, New Hope, 215- 862-2332, www.newhoperailroad.com) offers two new activities that will run from November 13 through December 30.

One is “Santa’s Steam Train Ride.”

This year the New Hope Railroad invites guests to share in a magical journey celebrating a bygone era.

As guests to the railroad, riders will board beautifully restored passenger cars which date back to the first half of the 20th century. All are heated and will be traditionally decorated for the season, creating a warm and cheerful feeling during the trip. Aboard the train, hot chocolate and freshly prepared cookies will be served to all in attendance by the rial line’s hosts. Talented musicians will serenade everyone with live music, with all passengers encouraged to sing along to this festive selection of familiar holiday tunes.

There will also be an opportunity for children to send their letter of Christmas wishes to Santa Claus himself by way of a special red postbox. At the end of the journey, Santa Claus will make an appearance to invite everyone to visit him at his Christmas workshop back at the train station, where his elves are busy making all the toy trains for the good little boys and girls across the world.

The other excursion ride is the “North Pole Express Train.

The “North Pole Express Train” offers similar amenities to the Santa’s Steam Train Ride, but this Santa train is pulled by one of the railroad’s vintage diesel locomotives.

Fees vary based on the package selected.

Anyone wanting to get into a Christmas mood early can visit Koziar’s Christmas Village (782 Christmas Village Road, Bernville, 610-488-1110, www.koziarschristmasvillage.com) which begins its 74th season on November 6.

Koziar’s Christmas Village is truly a holiday wonderland — a wintertime spectacle that delights young and old alike with a huge amount of holiday displays and special attractions. It will remain open every night through January 1 — including Christmas Eve, Christmas Night, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Night.

The tours of “Christmas Village” feature visits to a variety of displays and exhibits, including “Santa’s Post Office,” “Christmas in the Jungle,” “Manger Scene,” “Christmas Beneath the Sea,” “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” “Olde Fashioned Bakery Shop,” “Toy Maker and his Toy Shop,” “Christmas in Other Lands” and “The Olde Church”.

Other attractions at Koziar’s Christmas Village include a huge model train display, a toy shop, a country kitchen, indoor and outdoor Christmas displays and a place to visit with Santa and even get pictures taken with the old guy in the red suit. Admission to Christmas Village is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors (65 and older) and $10 for children (ages 4-10).

The American Music Theatre (2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, 800-648-4102, www.AMTshows.com) has its holiday show running from November 9 through December 30.

The AMT’s 2021 show “Winter Wonderland” is an all-new presentation of favorite sacred and secular holiday songs performed by professional artists from across the country. The show will feature spectacular vocal harmonies, lively musical arrangements, impressive dancing and the music of the AMT Orchestra.

Also featured will be elaborate scenery, elegant costumes and a theater decked out with holiday decorations.

The show will have both matinee and evening performances each week with the addition of 10:30 a.m. performances on Saturdays throughout December. Show length is two hours and 15 minutes with a short intermission. Tickets are $46.