It’s officially the season of twinkling lights, cozy nights, and giving back at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts. As the historic Strand Theatre continues to celebrate its centennial anniversary season, the holidays feel even more magical this year — bringing joy, connection, and creativity close to home in the heart of downtown York.
From classic holiday films and festive concerts to acting classes and family-friendly theatre workshops, the Appell Center has something for everyone on your list — all of which support and sustain performing arts and educational programming that enrich the entire York community.
Holiday Magic on the Stage and the Big Screen
Nothing beats the warmth of shared laughter and music during the holidays. This season, the Appell Center’s many stages and screens are aglow with entertainment for all ages.
Gather the whole family at the historic Capitol Theatre for timeless favorites like White Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life, Elf, Die Hard, This Christmas, and Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas — plus a compilation of animated holiday classics at downtown York’s December First Friday. The historic Wurlitzer theatre organ is played prior to each film, making for a very special, nostalgic film-going experience.
And if live performances are more in line with your family’s traditions, the Strand Theatre will come alive with shows in its 100th holiday season — from the smooth harmonies of Home Free to the soulful celebration of A Motown Christmas and the toe-tapping bluegrass cheer of Dailey & Vincent: Candy Canes & Coal to the beloved community favorites Dance It Forward - The Nutcracker Ballet and York Symphony’s Holiday Pops Spectacular.
The Perfect Gifts are Shared Experiences
When it comes to finding a gift that truly matters, nothing compares to giving an experience — a moment that brings you closer to the ones you love and creates memories that will last longer than anything wrapped in paper.
The Appell Center for the Performing Arts’ 2026 performance lineup has unforgettable experiences for all the performing arts fans on your list. Treat the kids to a special family day with the electric energy of DOKTOR KABOOM: Under Pressure! or the charming folktales of Stone Soup... and Other Stories, which are both a part of the Menchey Music Family Series. Or enjoy an adults-only night out with your partner or close friend with Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, or one of the Appell Center’s upcoming Glatfelter Insurance Broadway Series shows, KINKY BOOTS or Meredith Willson’s THE MUSIC MAN.
Gifts that Inspire: Education Programs for Every Age
Beyond the live on-stage performances, the Appell Center inspires creativity in all ages, all year long. Its arts education programs invite children, teens, and adults to explore their talents, build confidence, and connect with others in fun, inclusive workshops and classes.
You can give the gift of learning and laughter through opportunities like the energetic, drop-in Dance Lab classes (belly dancing, salsa, ballroom, chair dancing and more), Improv for all ages, or younger family favorites like Tot Rock and Antonio’s Imagination Hour, where the little learners discover music, movement, and storytelling.
Every Appell Center education program encourages growth, curiosity and fosters a lifelong love of the performing arts.
And if you can’t decide which show or education classes to give to your family or friends this year, an Appell Center Gift Certificate is a flexible, meaningful gift that can be used for all Appell Center-hosted performances, films, or arts education programs.
The Gift That Gives Back: Strand Theatre Centennial Brick
If you’re looking for a holiday gift for the arts enthusiast in your life—one that truly makes an impact—consider purchasing a Centennial Brick under the Strand Theatre marquee in their honor. Every personalized brick purchase supports the Appell Center’s first-ever Arts Education Endowment Fund. Through this endowment, future generations of children, teens, and educators in our community will continue to benefit from meaningful, life-changing arts experiences.
You can also give the gift of an Appell Center Membership, offering your loved one exclusive benefits such as ticket pre-sales, invitations to members-only events, special discounts, and more. An annual membership delivers joy to the recipient all year long while advancing the Appell Center’s mission to serve as a pillar of the arts, education, and community in downtown York.
No matter how you choose to celebrate this year, the Appell Center for the Performing Arts is a home for all your stages —where families, friends, and neighbors can come together to create a little something magical.
This holiday season, give more than a present — give a moment, a memory, and a lasting connection to the arts that make York shine all year long. From the first note to the final bow, every visit to the Appell Center is sure to make your spirits bright!
