What's happening around Lancaster this week

Monday night (Dec. 8) at 8:00 p.m., a lecture titled "Learning from Katrina" will take place at in the Bonchek Lecture Hall of the Barshinger Life Sciences Building on F&M's campus. "Jed Horne, Pulitzer Prize winning author Topic: Learning from Katrina - Disaster as a Laboratory for the Urban Future Horne, formerly editor of the New Orleans Times-Picayune is the author of Breach of Faith which addresses the human dimensions of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath." Admission is free. For a map of F&M's campus, click here.

December 10 - 12 is Countdown to Christmas at the Hands-on House Children's Museum in Lancaster. "Learn how to track Santa's trip around the world and make a reindeer hitching post. Ages 3-6 years. Morning and afternoon sessions." Admission is $14 for non-members of the museum and $12 for members. The Hands-on House Children's Museum is located at 721 Landis Valley Road.

"A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens, adapted by Gary Smith, is showing all month at the Stahr Performing Arts Center, 438 N. Queen St. "A Christmas Carol is an exciting theatrical experience and celebration of the human spirit for the whole family. Performances: Dec. 10-11; 12, 19, and 26; 13, 20 and 27; 14, 21 and 28. To reserve tickets and for times call the box office, e-mail us at theseventhsister@mac.com, or online." Tickets start at $10.

On Thursday, Dec. 11 at 6:30 p.m., the Lancaster Young Professionals will be holding their annual Holiday Event. "Happy Holidays from Lancaster Young Professionals! We invite you to join us at the beautiful Conestoga House and Gardens for our annual holiday event. Enjoy drinks and hors devours provided by LYP. Also, holiday music will be provided by the talented Joey D." Conestoga House and Gardens is located at 1608 Marietta Ave.

There will be ice skating at Clipper Park Stadium on Thursday through Sunday (Dec. 11 - 14). 6-10 p.m. Thursday and Friday. 12 - 10 p.m. Saturday. 12 - 6 p.m. Sunday. Rental skates are available. Visit www.lancasterbarnstormers.com for advance tickets and more information.

Friday, Dec. 12 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. is A Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas at the Landis Valley Museum. "This celebration is our gift to the community! Tour decorated buildings to see holiday customs of the past. Sing carols by the warmth of a bonfire and enjoy cookies and mulled cider in the Yellow Bar. Donations for the Lancaster Food Bank are requested and will be accepted at the Museum's Visitor Center." There is no charge for admission. The Landis Valley Museum is located at 2451 Kissel Hill Road.

Holiday festivities continue this weekend in downtown Lancaster. "Come to Downtown Lancaster for the holidays! Experience the city with a variety of events, activities and shopping, including visits with Santa, horse drawn carriage rides, holiday movies and storytelling, plus stop at 200+ specialty shops, galleries, museums and restaurants. Fri. 5-9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sun. noon-4 p.m." For a full schedule of events and other information, visit http://www.lancastercityevents.com/holidays.html.

This weekend is also Dutch Winter Wonderland at Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park on Route 30. "The whole family will get into the spirit of the holidays with themed rides, games, thousands of twinkling lights, entertainment, and family activities such as decorating cookies and sharing holiday wish lists with Santa. Fri. 5-9 p.m.; Sat. & Sun. 4-9 p.m." Admission to the park is $9.95 per person. Dutch Wonderland is located at 2249 Lincoln Highway East.

Also this weekend, you can take a Holiday Candlelight Tour at President James Buchanan's Wheatland. "Join costumed docents for a holiday tour of President James Buchanan's Wheatland. Enjoy holiday decorations and learn about Christmas during the Victorian era in in this beautifully restored 1828, Federal style mansion." 1120 Marietta Ave. Visit http://www.wheatland.org for more information.

Friday, Dec. 12 is Lovin' Lititz Every Second! from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Like First Fridays in downtown Lancaster, "Join downtown merchants in a lively evening of shopping, live music performances, art exhibits, poetry readings, jewelry shows, special Lovin’ Lititz Every 2nd dinner menus & tastings, and much more!" Visit http://www.lititzpa.com for more information.

From 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Dec. 12 is Reindeer Round-up at the Hands-on House Children's Museum of Lancaster. "Meet Rudolph and his relatives who call the top of the world home. No elf experience is necessary to become part of the team that takes care of Santa's (pretend) reindeer. Drop-in anytime. Ages 2-10 with an adult." Free with regular $7 museum admission. The Hands-on House Children's Museum is located at 721 Landis Valley Rd.

For more local events, check the community calendars at http://www.downtownlancaster.com/events.htm and http://www.padutchcountry.com/events_calendar.