Good morning, Lancaster.

Local organizations Kaswear Cares and Say Their Names Social Justice Initiative will host a sensory-friendly Christmas celebration on Dec.

19 from 5 to 8 p.m. at The Mix at Arbor Place (520 North Street), featuring a toy drive for children with special needs.

The Coats for Kids telethon ended this week and raised over $128,000 to help thousands of children in the Susquehanna Valley.

The Salvation Army accepted donations until 10:00 p.m. Friday (Dec. 12) as community members stepped up to fund winter coats.

Lancaster residents from the Garden Spa Community surprised New Holland first responders by raising $7,025 in gift cards—while several festive events will light up local parks this weekend.

Events include a 5K run and light shows at Penn Medicine Park and Terre Hill Park.

The Mountain family of Peaceful Homes Property Management is handing out 1,300 boxes of food across from Liberty Place this holiday season to support the community.

They are giving away diapers, wipes, formula, and blankets until 8 p.m. Friday — addressing a local need.

Lancaster locals can experience the annual Christmas Spirit Light Show at Penn Medicine Park where over a million lights synchronize with music during a mile-long drive and a 5K race; the event runs daily until New Year’s Eve — proceeds support the Community Action Partnership.

The Fulton Theatre in Lancaster is hosting It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play with five actors portraying multiple characters until Dec.

28 — a creative twist on the classic holiday tale that includes a live studio audience. The production brings fresh energy to a timeless story.

A new report from Payless Power found that Pennsylvania had some of the nation’s highest December electric bills as households used more lights and heating, with costs rising 37.2% from November.

The average price hit $167.81 from data released on Dec. 12 (7:00 a.m.).

Local libraries will stop accepting passport applications after a federal letter ruled non-profit facilities ineligible — Lancaster Public Library expects a loss of about $64,000 for its 2026 budget and may cut programs like toddler story time unless new funding is found.

The Pennsylvania Library Association said the service may continue until the end of January as officials explore a long-term fix.

Senate votes blocked two bills to extend ACA subsidies in Pennsylvania, so Pennie users already face higher premiums that may rise by about $150 a month or even $1,000 if no changes occur by Jan.

1. Pennie Executive Director Devin Trolley said people are having to make tough coverage choices.

Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings

4:00 – 4:59 p.m. — Barshinger Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of Christmas carols played by a string quartet under candlelight.