What are things to do in Erie, PA this weekend? Check out the events happening in Erie from December 3-December 5, 2021. A mask or proof of vaccination may be required, depending on the venue. Scroll down for more details! Also, make sure to check out the ongoing Erie and holiday events!
Friday, December 3, 2021
DOWNTOWN D’LIGHTS 2021 @ Perry Square
Enjoy holiday music, horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa, a tree lighting, and more downtown: “Join us downtown for the return of Erie’s larger-than-life Holiday tradition: Downtown d’Lights!
Come see Santa Claus light up Perry Square and our Downtown Holiday Tree with incredible professional lighting and enjoy entertainment and refreshments in Perry Square throughout the evening! This FREE Holiday event starts at 5:00 PM with holiday music, the Holiday Village Shops in West Perry Square, and a live-cut tree and wreath sale by Mason Farms in East Perry Square! The Warner Theater will light up its brand new marquee at 7:00 PM!
Enjoy a brand new fountain topper in East Perry Square brought to you by the Perry Square Alliance!
Santa and Mayor Joe Schember will arrive via horse-drawn carriage at 6:00 PM and help light up the park on stage! After that, Santa will be available to meet with kids during the Santa Experience in Perry Square! Free horse-drawn carriage rides will take visitors to and from the expERIEnce Children’s Museum and around Perry Square to see the lights. Keep an eye out for special Letters to Santa Mailboxes throughout Downtown Erie in the next few weeks. Santa will be picking up letters from these mailboxes during the event and taking them straight back to the North Pole!
UPMC Hamot will be offering COVID-19 Pfizer vaccines at Downtown d’Lights on Friday, December 3 from 5 -8pm. If you are 5 years of age and older, you are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. If you are eligible for the COVID-19 booster, you MUST present your COVID vaccination card at this off campus event. UPMC encourages everyone who is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.
Huge thanks to our title sponsor UPMC Health Plan! This event couldn’t happen without your generous support. It will be a fun-filled and magical evening in Downtown Erie with something for everyone to enjoy.
We are asking that attendees wear masks this year to keep everyone safe.
Join us as we expand this tradition that for years has brought people of all faiths, ages, and backgrounds together in a huge Holiday celebration!”
Time: 5:00pm-8:00pm
Age: All ages
Cost: Free
Address: Perry Square Park
571-601 State St
Erie, PA 16501
Click here for direct link
HOLIDAY BOOK SALE @ Blasco Memorial Library
Grab some books and other items at a great price: “Join the Friends of the Erie County Library for their Holiday Book Sales! Each sale is held in the Admiral Room, located in the lobby of Blasco Library. The sale will offer an assortment of books, including an extensive selection of children’s books, CDs, DVDs, and holiday fiction. Find great bargains on puzzles and gently used paperback books.”
Time: 10:00am-4:00pm
Age: All ages
Cost: Free
Address: Blasco Memorial Library
160 East Front Street
Erie, PA 16507
Click here for direct link
LINCOLN CRAFTING CLUB @ Lincoln Community Center
Time to get crafty: “Join fellow crafters, relax and visit at the Lincoln Library Community Room while working on your own personal projects such as knitting, quilting, crochet, paper folding, coloring,etc. Bring your finished projects for show and tell. Those in attendance can expect good company, sharing ideas and interesting conversations.”
Time: 2:30pm-4:30pm
Age: All ages
Cost: Cost, registration required
Address: Lincoln Community Center
1255 Manchester Rd.
Erie, PA 16505
Click here for direct link
SASS ACOUSTICS @ Presque Isle Downs and Casino
Live music at the casino: “Join us in Churchill’s Bourbon and Brew from 5PM – 7PM for Live Entertainment, provided by SASS Acoustics.”
Time: 5:00pm-7:00pm
Age: All ages
Cost: Free
Address: Presque Isle Downs and Casino
8199 Perry Highway
Erie, PA 16509
Click here for direct link
VICTORIAN HOLIDAYS @ Hagen History Center
Explore the decked halls of a beautiful mansion: “Guests can enjoy a complimentary visit to Hagen History Center during Victorian Holidays to celebrate the season thanks to our sponsor Erie Federal Credit Union. The Watson-Curtze Mansion will be decorated for the holidays and all 4 buildings will be open for self guided tours! While you are here, check out our holiday market on the second floor of the New Exhibit Building. Local vendors will be selling items that make perfect holiday gifts! The Vendor Market will be open Friday from 4 PM – 8 PM and all day Saturday and Sunday!”
Time: 10:00am-8:00pm
Age: All ages
Cost: Free
Address: Hagen History Center
356 W 6th Street
Erie, PA 16507
Click here for direct link
Saturday, December 4, 2021
31ST ANNUAL CHRISTMAS MEMORIES @ Station Dinner Theatre
Delight in dinner and a Christmas show: “An All New Magical Holiday Family Musical! Start your holiday season off right with this heart warming musical in which the true meaning of Christmas is always celebrated. Starring Karen Nasca, Lisa Slezak, David Durst, Dave Edmunds, & Paul & Rae Jean Urbanowicz. Join the Holiday Harmony Singers in the All New 31st Annual holiday show… It’s sure to get even “Scrooge” in the holiday spirit!
Menu
Soup & Caesar Salad * Tender Roast Beef * Stuffed Chicken Breast * Green Beans * Au Gratin Potatoes * Pumpkin Pie Crunch”
Time: 5:30pm-9:00pm
Age: All ages
Cost: Adult $41, Senior/Student/Veteran retired or serving $36, Child (ages 6-11) $28
Address: The Station Dinner Theatre
4940 Peach Street
Erie, PA 16509
Click here for direct link
BLACK MONK BREWERY’S FREE COMEDY NIGHT @ Black Monk Brewery
Laugh at some hilarious stand-up comedy: “Welcome back to Black Monk’s Free Comedy Night where we showcase some of the up and coming comics from the tri-state area and beyond! This months lineup includes: Amanda Averell @amandasverell, Paige Polesnak @paigepolesnak, James J Hamilton @jamesjhamilton1787, The Fox @th3foxproduction_, and hosted by Anthony Morelli @offconstantlycomedy. The show will be indoors, seating begins at 7 and showtime is 7:30, food truck will be on site and great beer behind the bar.”
Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm
Age: All ages
Cost: Free
Address: Black Monk Brewery
3721 W 12th St
Erie, PA 16505
Click here for direct link
CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE @ Copper Carriage
The Copper Carriage is hosting a Christmas open house with many antiques, vintage decor, great furniture, and many other items including holiday options!
Time: 10:00am-5:00pm
Age: All ages
Cost: Free
Address: Copper Carriage
1909 Chestnut St
Erie, PA 16502
Click here for direct link
COLORING FOR GROWN-UPS @ Millcreek Branch Library
Break out the colored pencils and create a masterpiece: “Coloring is an activity we think of as being for kids. However, it can be beneficial for adults. Coloring helps us de-stress because when we focus on a particular activity, we focus on it and not on our worries. Coloring generates wellness, quietness and stimulates brain areas related to motor skills, the senses and creativity. Coloring sheets and colored pencils will be provided. Adults only, please.”
Time: 10:00am-12:00pm
Age: Adults
Cost: Free
Address: Millcreek Branch Library
2088 Interchange Rd.,
Suite 280
Erie, PA 16565
Click here for direct link
DROP-IN AND DISCOVER: WHOSE PELT IS THIS? @ Asbury Woods
Figure out which fur belongs to which animal: “Can you match each pelt (the science word for an animal’s skin and fur or feathers) to the correct animal? Join us as we test our pelt knowledge and then have a meet-n-greet with one of Asbury Woods’ furry ambassador animals.”
Time: 11:00am-12:00pm
Age: Children, accompanied by an adult
Cost: Free
Address: Asbury Woods, Andrew J. Conner Nature Center
4105 Asbury Road
Erie, PA 16506
Click here for direct link
HOLIDAY BOOK SALE @ Blasco Memorial Library
Grab some books and other items at a great price: “Join the Friends of the Erie County Library for their Holiday Book Sales! Each sale is held in the Admiral Room, located in the lobby of Blasco Library. The sale will offer an assortment of books, including an extensive selection of children’s books, CDs, DVDs, and holiday fiction. Find great bargains on puzzles and gently used paperback books.”
Time: 9:00am-3:00pm
Age: All ages
Cost: Free
Address: Blasco Memorial Library
160 East Front Street
Erie, PA 16507
Click here for direct link
KIDS BUILD-A-TEE WITH IRON EMPIRE @ Millcreek Mall – Iron Empire
Have fun creating your own one-of-a-kind t-shirt: “Bring the kids to Iron Empire where they can sit with staff and create a design that will later be screen printed on the garment(s) you choose. Shirts will be ready in time to make great Christmas gifts. This is a unique present that will be treasured for years to come.”
Time: 11:00am-4:00pm
Age: All ages
Cost: Varies
Address: Millcreek Mall
5800 Peach Street
Erie, PA 16565
Click here for direct link
PICTURES WITH THE GRINCH @ Asbury Woods
Get your picture taken with none other than the Grinch: “Who is ready to put some pep into their Christmas photos this year?! Come see us THIS SATURDAY, Dec 4th at Asbury Woods Nature Center for Movement Mortgage Christmas Photos! Our goofy Mr. Grinch is super excited to ruin your picture-perfect moment! Or… maybe make it the absolute best photo ever. For real, we have the best and most animated Grinch you ever meet. Bring the kids, bring the dogs, bring a pack of diapers for the Women’s Care Center, grab a cookie and hot chocolate after. Easy, simple and fun, just like doing mortgages with us. The event runs from 11am-2pm, rain or shine, it is first come first serve, no charge. Did I mention diapers?….”
Time: 11:00am-2:00pm
Age: All ages
Cost: Free, but please bring diapers to benefit the Women’s Care Center
Address: Asbury Woods, Andrew J. Conner Nature Center
4105 Asbury Road
Erie, PA 16506
Click here for direct link
VICTORIAN HOLIDAYS @ Hagen History Center
Explore the decked halls of a beautiful mansion: “Guests can enjoy a complimentary visit to Hagen History Center during Victorian Holidays to celebrate the season thanks to our sponsor Erie Federal Credit Union. The Watson-Curtze Mansion will be decorated for the holidays and all 4 buildings will be open for self guided tours! While you are here, check out our holiday market on the second floor of the New Exhibit Building. Local vendors will be selling items that make perfect holiday gifts! The Vendor Market will be open Friday from 4 PM – 8 PM and all day Saturday and Sunday!”
Time: 10:00am-5:00pm
Age: All ages
Cost: Free
Address: Hagen History Center
356 W 6th Street
Erie, PA 16507
Click here for direct link
Sunday, December 5, 2021
KIDS BUILD-A-TEE WITH IRON EMPIRE @ Millcreek Mall – Iron Empire
Have fun creating your own one-of-a-kind t-shirt: “Bring the kids to Iron Empire where they can sit with staff and create a design that will later be screen printed on the garment(s) you choose. Shirts will be ready in time to make great Christmas gifts. This is a unique present that will be treasured for years to come.”
Time: 11:00am-4:00pm
Age: All ages
Cost: Varies
Address: Millcreek Mall
5800 Peach Street
Erie, PA 16565
Click here for direct link
PICK YOUR PROJECT WORKSHOP @ Board & Brush
Bring out your crafty side by DIYing fun projects: “Looking for a fun experience to share with your children? Join us for our Parent & Child Workshop! Select an adult project from our gallery, then choose a child project for each child from the available options. We provide all the materials and instruct you step-by-step to create a beautiful piece for your home or for a gift. Choose from a variety of paint and wood stain colors in the workshop. Pre-registration is required. Anyone ages 16 and up must make a $68 project. An adult must be accompanying a child for the workshop. One project per person.”
Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm
Age: All ages
Cost: $68+, pre-registration required
Address: Board & Brush
3330 West 26th St
Unit #20
Erie, PA 16506
Click here for direct link
VICTORIAN HOLIDAYS @ Hagen History Center
Explore the decked halls of a beautiful mansion: “Guests can enjoy a complimentary visit to Hagen History Center during Victorian Holidays to celebrate the season thanks to our sponsor Erie Federal Credit Union. The Watson-Curtze Mansion will be decorated for the holidays and all 4 buildings will be open for self guided tours! While you are here, check out our holiday market on the second floor of the New Exhibit Building. Local vendors will be selling items that make perfect holiday gifts! The Vendor Market will be open Friday from 4 PM – 8 PM and all day Saturday and Sunday!”
Time: 12:00pm-5:00pm
Age: All ages
Cost: Free
Address: Hagen History Center
356 W 6th Street
Erie, PA 16507
Click here for direct link
Ongoing events
FREE COMEDY NIGHT (1st Saturday of every month) @ Black Monk Brewery
Laugh at some hilarious stand-up comedy: “Welcome back to Black Monk’s Free Comedy Night where we showcase some of the up and coming comics from the tri-state area and beyond! This months lineup includes: Amanda Averell @amandasverell, Paige Polesnak @paigepolesnak, James J Hamilton @jamesjhamilton1787, The Fox @th3foxproduction_, and hosted by Anthony Morelli @offconstantlycomedy. The show will be indoors, seating begins at 7 and showtime is 7:30, food truck will be on site and great beer behind the bar.”
Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm
Age: All ages
Cost: Free
Address: Black Monk Brewery
3721 W 12th St
Erie, PA 16505-3504
Click here for direct link
MULTIPLE ART EXHIBITIONS @ Erie Art Museum
Sorrow/Fullness By Renee Zettle-Sterling; Sue Amendolara; Adrienne Grafton until 12/22/2021
Northwestern Pennsylvania Art Association’s Seventh Biennial until 12/22/2021
Future Memories By John Eric Steiner until 01/30/2022
Living Her Truth: Transcending Boundaries By Béatrice Lebreton until 05/08/2022
Time Travel By David King until 05/08/2022
Time: Thursday-Friday: 2:00pm-8:00pm, Saturday: 10:00am-5:00pm, Sunday: 1:00pm-6:00pm
Age: All ages
Cost: Free, reservations recommended
Address: Erie Art Museum
301 Peninsula Drive, Suite 1
Erie, PA 16505
Click here for direct link
MULTIPLE EVENTS @ Voodoo Brewing Co.
Buzz Worthy Pub Trivia (1st and 3rd Thursday of every month, starting at 6:30pm) - Comedy Open Mic (2nd Thursday of every month, from 7:00pm-9:00pm).“We got a comedy open mic back in Erie! Every second Thursday from 7-9 at Voodoo Brewing Co. – Erie local comics will get 5 minutes of stage time, traveling comics will get 8, and there will be a paid feature spot each month. I’ll soon have a graphic and event up, but until then the dates are: 12.9, 1.13, 2.10, 3.10, 4.14, and 5.12. Summertime may move to an outdoor format, but that is tbd. Any questions, or to sign up in advance send me a message as I’ll probably cap each one at 20 comics.” Send Anthony a message at @offconstantlycomedy via Facebook.
Time: Buzzworthy Trivia: 6:30pm
Comedy Open Mic: 7:00pm-9:00pm
Age: All ages
Cost: Free
Address: Voodoo Brewing Co.
101 Boston Store Place
Erie, PA 16501
Click here for direct link & Click here for direct link
SHARKS: ON ASSIGNMENT WITH BRIAN SKERRY EXHIBITION (until January 30, 2022) @ Tom Ridge Environmental Center
A stunning photography installation: “‘SHARKS: On Assignment with Brian Skerry’ allows visitors to dive into the depths of the oceans to swim alongside Tiger Sharks, Great Whites, Oceanic Whitetips and Shortfin Makos while learning about each species’ habitat and threats they face.”
Time: 8:00am-4:00pm, Monday-Sunday until January 30, 2022
Age: All ages
Cost: Free
Address: Tom Ridge Environmental Center
301 Peninsula Drive, Suite 1
Erie, PA 16505
Click here for direct link
STORY BOOK TRAIL – ANIMALS IN WINTER (until December 31) @ Tom Ridge Environmental Center
Walk while reading a story along a trail: “Take a walk AND read a story at the same time. Throughout the month of December 2021, visit Presque Isle State Park for a self-guided story walk along The Sidewalk Trail beginning on the Presque Isle Lighthouse side. Walk along on a ½ mile journey and read a story book about how animals cope with winter’s worst weather. Story is Animals in Winter by Henrietta Bancroft. This self-guided trail discovery is fun for all ages and can be completed at your own leisure during daylight hours.”
Time: 8:00am-4:00pm, Monday-Sunday until December 31, 2021
Age: All ages
Cost: Free
Address: Tom Ridge Environmental Center
301 Peninsula Drive, Suite 1
Erie, PA 16505
Click here for direct link
Current Holiday events
CHRISTMAS BAR @ Molly Brannigan’s
Enjoy the holiday decorations and additional holiday menu: “Our Holiday Drink & Dessert menu is now available at Molly’s. The Drunken Hot Cocoa is something you just cannot pass up. Our reservations are filling up quickly, so make your reservation online!”
Time: Check restaurant website for hours
Age: All ages
Cost: Free
Address: Molly Brannigan’s
506 State Street 16501
Erie, PA 16501
Click here for direct link
NATURE’S NOEL (until December 31) @ Asbury Woods
Shop local artisan gifts and products: “Get into the holiday spirit by shopping Nature’s Noel! The Squeaky Frog Gift Shop will extend into the lobby of the Nature Center, showcasing holiday and nature-themed gifts
Parent Shopping Time from local artisans. The Nature’s Noel gift shop will be open November 20 through December 31 during regular Nature Center hours, and during Winter Wonderland.
Date: Dec. 4, 11, 18
Time: 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Let us entertain our kids with storytime and coloring with an Asbury WoodsEducator while you shop our Nature’s Noel Gift Shop.”
Time: Monday-Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm, 5:30pm-8:30pm
Sunday 12:00pm-4:00pm, 5:30pm-8:30pm
Age: All ages
Cost: Free
Address: Asbury Woods, Andrew J. Conner Nature Center
4105 Asbury Road
Erie, PA 16506
Click here for direct link
PHOTOS WITH SANTA (until December 24) @ Millcreek Mall
Grab a pic with Ol Saint Nick: “Young or old, everyone loves Santa. Come have your picture taken with him starting on November 20th at 11am and he will remain in his Center Court home until he leaves to prepare for his big night on December 24th.”
*On December 5th, there will be a special Santa opportunity: “Kindness Santa is a sensory friendly event that gives the kids a chance to meet Santa and have photos taken before the mall is open for business. The event takes place in center court from 9:30-11am.”
Time: 12/02-12/03, 12:00pm-7:00pm
12/04-12/24
Monday-Saturday 11:00am-8:00pm
Sunday 12:00pm-6:00pm
Age: All ages
Cost: Varies per photo package
Address: Millcreek Mall
5800 Peach Street
Erie, PA 16565
Click here for direct link
WINTER WONDERLAND (until December 31) @ Asbury Woods
Enjoy holiday lights in the woods: “Our extended version of Winter Wonderland is back! The boardwalk adjacent to the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center at Asbury Woods will be lit up each night in December (except December 24 and 25) from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. for the community to enjoy a peaceful evening stroll on the boardwalk through the woods. Holiday lights will twinkle in the woods and wetlands along the boardwalk which covers 1/3 of a mile. Stop inside the Nature Center and view our animal exhibit and browse holiday items for sale in our expanded gift shop with products from local artisans.
The lighted boardwalk and Nature Center will be free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted, but are not required.”
Time: Every day except December 24-25, 5:30pm-8:30pm
Age: All ages
Cost: Free, donations accepted
Address: Asbury Woods, Andrew J. Conner Nature Center
4105 Asbury Road
Erie, PA 16506
Click here for direct link
