Celebrate the Christmas Season at the Star Barn Village
The magnificent Star Barn, with its Gothic Revival architectural style, has been a landmark in Central Pennsylvania since 1877. Once located in Middletown, the historic bank barn and multiple outbuildings were saved from deterioration and neglect when they were dismantled, moved and rebuilt on the grounds of Stone Gable Estate in Elizabethtown between 2014 and 2017.
Today, the Star Barn Village encompasses 30 scenic acres in a peaceful countryside setting, providing the perfect backdrop to numerous public and private events throughout the year. It's especially magical during the Christmas season, when the Star Barn Village is illuminated in thousands of twinkling lights. When you visit during the holidays, you can partake in a multitude of festivities that will get you in the Christmas spirit. Even better, the net profits from all Stone Gables Estate events support Brittany’s Hope, a nonprofit organization dedicated to aiding abandoned children worldwide.
When you stay with us at After Eight Bed and Breakfast, be sure to check out these Christmas events at the Star Barn Village.
National Christmas Center Museum │ There are 18,000 square feet of treasures from Christmas past to explore at the National Christmas Center Museum. Life-sized indoor exhibits depict the storefronts in Columbia, Pennsylvania, as they were in the 1950s. Cheerful exhibits capture the magic of Christmas traditions and history, including some of the best examples of Christmas antiques and collectibles, Santas from around the world, 5,000 hand-painted toy soldiers, and some of the finest dolls and dollhouses anywhere. The collection is so extensive, you'll want to give yourself plenty of time to explore the whole facility.
Christmas Village │ As you stroll through the Christmas Village, you can shop for unique gifts from local artisans, grab a bite to eat from one of the food trucks, check out new train displays in the Millersburg Barn, and enjoy a host of other festive activities. Open limited dates from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Christmas Village provides convenient shuttle transportation to take you to all of the activities. This is mostly an outdoor event, so dress for the weather!
Christmas Dinner and Show │ Make a reservation for a traditional holiday meal and live music in the Star Barn. The evening begins with hors d'oeuvres and cocktail hour in the lower level of the historic barn, with wine from Waltz Vineyard and Cox Brewing beer. Then, proceed to the upper level for a delicious Christmas buffet dinner and a medley of holiday desserts. Guests will be serenaded by incredible vocalists for an hour-long musical show.
Christmas Light Drive-Thru │ Be dazzled by a brilliant display of more than 800,000 LED lights from the comfort of your warm vehicle. This 3-mile Christmas Light Drive-Thru celebrates the traditions and true meaning of Christmas, marvelously told through spectacular lights and storyboards. There's a life-sized nativity scene, a Moravian Star Forest, colossal sparkling light displays and hundreds of beautifully illuminated trees. To see the Star Barn Village, Herr’s Mill Covered Bridge and other structures in lights is a stunning sight!
Santa Express │ All aboard the Harrisburg, Lincoln and Lancaster Railroad for a magical train ride through the center of Stone Gable Estate. The Santa Express is a narrated excursion on a replica 1868 steam locomotive that pulls two replica mid-1800s coach cars. Get into the Christmas spirit while you sing classic holiday tunes, meet with Santa and stop at his beautifully decorated toy shop in the Engine House.
