theatre

Celebrate the Holidays at Mount Hope Estate

Mount Hope Estate in Manheim is beautiful to visit any time of year, with its stately mansion, formal gardens, Victorian wine shop and expansive grounds. But during the holiday season, this palatial estate that once belonged to an iron baron and his family is especially impressive with twinkling lights, beautifully adorned trees and sparkling holiday decor. See Mount Hope's gloriously decorated mansion during two events this holiday season – the Holiday Open House and the interactive Holiday Dinner Theatre.

The 2022 Open House runs three weekends in November and December and allows guests to take a self-guided tour to see the mansion decked out in its holiday finest. It takes a design team days to transform the Mount Hope Mansion into a seasonal wonderland, both inside and out. From glowing candles that twinkle in every window to boughs of evergreens topped with velvet ribbons strung from floor to ceiling, the decorations echo the classic elegance and colorful sophistication of the Victorian era. During the open house, you can explore the mansion and other buildings, hear carolers, play parlor games, visit with Father Christmas, sample wines and craft beverages, and shop at the holiday marketplace.

For a one-of-a-kind theatrical dining experience, secure your tickets for Mount Hope's Holiday Dinner Theater, which runs Nov. 7 through Dec. 23. Guests will take their seats in one of the festively decorated dining rooms in the mansion. As you enjoy a scrumptious holiday meal, you'll be serenaded by vocalists singing everyone's favorite carols. A cast of characters will perform Christmas stories tableside, including unique renditions of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" and L. Frank Baum's "The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus."

This year's performances of the Holiday Dinner Theater will be this event's final public shows, so don't miss your chance to attend. When you stay with us at B.F. Hiestand House, you're only 30 minutes from this grand estate and all of its entertainment offerings. For the Christmas season in 2023, Mount Hope is working on a magical new outdoor event on the grounds of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire with details to come.

innkeeper's blog

Catch Dinner and a Show at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

You don't have to travel to New York City to see outstanding Broadway-style performances with high-caliber actors, music, sets and costumes. The Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre in Lancaster has wowed audiences for 36 years with great entertainment at a great value. Each ticket not only reserves your seat for an amazing theatrical experience, but also a delicious buffet dinner. The Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre makes a great date night for you and your someone special with a meal and a show all in one extraordinary location.

On tap for the 2022 theatre season is an impressive lineup of shows. In June, catch "Great Balls of Fire," featuring the foot-tapping music of rockabilly piano legend Jerry Lee Lewis. Go under the sea in July when "The Little Mermaid" comes to the Dutch Apple stage. "Chicago, The Musical" will delight audiences with its tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz in August and September. Hit the disco dance floor with your bell bottoms and big shoes for "Saturday Night Fever," running from late September through mid-November. The season concludes with the hilarious holiday production, "Elf the Musical," in mid-November through New Year's Eve.

We can't forget the dinner part of this dinner theatre! The Dutch Apple's executive chef and his team create a buffet of American cuisine that changes with each show. Your taste buds are sure to be tempted by the impressive selection – healthful salad bar; entrees such as carved prime rib and seasoned pork tenderloin; cheesy pasta dishes; rice and potato sides; fresh vegetables; and, last but not least, decadent desserts including Lancaster specialties like Turkey Hill ice cream and shoofly pie.

In a year's time, Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre will provide 150,000 guests with top-notch productions, award-winning food and exceptional service. Prices vary depending on whether you choose tickets to a matinee, weekday or weekend performance. No matter what you select, every seat in the intimate yet elegant 328-seat theatre offers an unobstructed view of the action on stage. From the moment you walk in the door to the final curtain call, Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre offers an unforgettable experience. So sit back, relax and enjoy the show!

"All the best performers bring to their role something more, something different than what the author put on paper. That's what makes theatre live. That's why it persists." – Stephen Sondheim

innkeeper's blog