Lancaster County Theaters Launch Holiday Season Productions

If you're looking for a day-trip destination from the Philadelphia region this month, Lancaster County is the place to visit to get an early taste of the holiday spirit, as several theaters and production companies are hosting performances beginning this month. Here's a brief roundup of some of the many seasonal performances you can experience:

Deck the Halls at the American Music Theatre features a new holiday production with a large cast of singers and musicians. Show times include 10:30 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. shows, Tuesdays through Sundays, Nov. 7-Dec. 30. | 2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster | Admission: $30-$59 | Tickets: amtshows.com or 800-648-4102

Based on the 1942 film, Holiday Inn tells the story of Jim, a song-and-dance man who leaves show business to open an inn where he celebrates various holidays with song and dance. This Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre presentation includes a mix of 1 p.m., 7 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. shows Tuesdays through Sundays from Nov. 7 to Dec. 28. | 510 Centerville Road, Lancaster | Admission: $30-$80 for the show with a meal; $22-$55 for show only; $3-per-ticket fee for all orders | Tickets: dutchapple.com or 717-898-1900

The Bare Bones Theatre Ensemble presents Tick, Tick ... Boom penned by Jonathan Larson before he created Rent. The show is about Jon, an aspiring musical composer who fears turning 30. He believes he has nothing to show for his efforts to date. Show dates and times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 7-8, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 9. | 320 Cocalico St., Ephrata | Tickets: epactheatre.com or 717-733-7966, ext. 1

Brittany Beitzel will present a cabaret titled Faith in the Journey at the Magic & Wonder Dinner Theater. She will perform songs that explore themes of faith, finding joy, and embracing “hope, gratitude, and God's enduring love.” This performance will be held on Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. | 3065 Lincoln Highway, Paradise | Pay-what-you-will admission | Tickets: servantstage.org

Illumination at Prima Theatre is a candlelit holiday experience performed by a cast of musicians and singers in a room filled with lighted candles. Shows will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays between Nov. 21 and Dec. 23, with shows at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays in December. | 941 Wheatland Ave., Lancaster | Admission: $54-$81 | Tickets: primatheatre.org