Good morning, Harrisburg.

Harrisburg will start its holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the MLK Jr. City Government Center—Mayor Wanda Williams said the tree from McCurdy’s Tree Farm in Dillsburg will be lit at 7 p.m. as guests enjoy free cocoa, cookies and an ugly sweater contest. On Saturday, a holiday parade on a 1.5-mile route will feature 100 entries including a Santa float and pet-themed displays while high school bands and dance teams compete for cash prizes.

The Salvation Army Harrisburg Capital City Region has launched its red kettle season to collect donations for programs supporting 5,000 kids and 600 holiday meals—vital support for families in need.

Volunteers are manning 13 red kettle stops across the city—helping to stock food pantries and assemble Thanksgiving meal boxes.

Tia Petrovitz—a Navy veteran from Linglestown—transformed a soap business with her daughter into Utterly Simple Goat Milk Products using her Navy intelligence and 40 years of accounting experience to make allergy-friendly and sustainable skincare.

She urges veterans to use VA mentorship programs and veteran groups to help start small businesses.

AT&T added more than 300 cell sites across Eastern and South Central Pennsylvania (including 17 in Harrisburg), boosting speeds up to 80% and expanding 5G and Internet Air coverage.

The company said the new deployment uses EchoStar spectrum to reduce congestion and support long-term growth for wireless and home internet services.

Federal delays in SNAP benefits may soon leave nearly two million Pennsylvanians without reliable food access next month—local retailers warned that a funding lapse could cause supply shortages, staffing issues, and customer confusion during the busy holiday season.

On Monday, Nov. 17, the average gas price in Harrisburg reached $3.24 per gallon—up 5.6 cents from the previous week—with Sam’s Club in Silver Spring Twp offering the lowest price at $2.79 a gallon.

Pennsylvania lawmakers are exploring small modular reactor technology as a next-gen nuclear energy solution that may boost the state’s future power supply — the move is part of plans to update energy production.

Officials will study advanced reactor designs to see if they can help modernize power generation in the coming years.

Central Pennsylvania is facing a steep rise in health insurance premiums as enhanced tax credits expire — shoppers in some counties may see increases up to 485% — and Pennie is monitoring coverage loss amid rising costs.

Bearings Concert

6-7:30 p.m. — Capital City Music Hall — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an energetic performance from the Canadian post-hardcore band Second Harbour.

Aortic Valve Returns to Strawberry Square

6-9 p.m. — UPMC Clock Box Stage — Free entry — Enjoy vibrant live music and local brews at the Strawberry Square Music Series.

Joe Cooney and Friends Performance

6-10 p.m. — Copper Pub and Grille — Free entry — Enjoy a fun evening of music with Joe Cooney and Friends at a popular local venue.

YAM YAM Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — XL Live — Ticketed event — Experience the soulful sounds of YAM YAM inspired by 1970s music and New Orleans jazz.

Raulin Rodriguez Live Concert

8 PM — Kuora Bar & Lounge — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant rhythms of Raulin Rodriguez for an unforgettable night.

December Open Mic Night

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Copper Pub and Grille — Free entry — Showcase your talents at a lively Open Mic Night featuring local musicians.

PA Christmas and Gift Show

9 AM – 5 PM — Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center — RSVP required — Enjoy a festive atmosphere featuring a Rescue Dog Fashion Show and various holiday gifts.

Consider the Source Live Performance

8-11 p.m. — The Abbey Bar at ABC — Ticket prices vary — Experience the unique sci-fi fusion sounds of Consider the Source.

Defiant Annual Toys For Tots Benefit Show

6-7:30 p.m. — Capital City Music Hall — Entry details not specified — Experience a lineup of local talent supporting a great cause for the community.

Pentatonix Concert

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Giant Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the harmonious blend of pop and a cappella music by Pentatonix.