Good morning, Harrisburg.

The Giving Machine — a charity vending machine at Capital City Mall in Camp Hill — lets shoppers donate warm meals, toys, and clothing to five local nonprofits for the holiday season.

It will remain in place into January.

A local program gives veterans with disabilities the chance to hunt and help control deer populations.

It offers outdoor opportunities and aims to balance wildlife at local sites — officials say further details will follow.

Penn National Insurance will change leadership in 2026 as CEO Robert Brandon retires after more than 30 years and John Foster becomes president on Jan.

5 before stepping in as chief executive on July 1 + Randal Mancini takes over Foster's current role.

Fulton Theatre presents a fresh version of 'It's a Wonderful Life' with a twist until Dec.

28—inviting local audiences to enjoy a new spin on the holiday classic.

Harrisburg University alumnus Bharadwaj Popuri ’20 pledged $10,000 to its Scholarship Fund on Dec.

12 to support South-Central students; his career in data science & ongoing Ph.D. studies inspired the generous gift and underscored his belief in the university’s hands-on learning approach.

Broad Street Market board members are expected to approve a one-year lease by email today to secure a $75,000 county gaming grant, with the city council set to vote on the lease Monday.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns Harrisburg residents who bought Jobon butane lighters on Amazon from April 2021 through September 2025 to dispose of them because they lack required child-resistant features and may cause injuries.

The Chinese seller has not agreed to a recall or offer a remedy.

Harrisburg-area home sales and prices rose in November, with 502 homes sold in the three-county region and median prices increasing from $275,000 to $290,000.

The pace slowed as average days on market increased from 28 to 32.

Milton Hershey School received Derry Township conditional use approval for its updated Hershey West End plans, fulfilling ordinance requirements ahead of the Dec.

31 deadline. Construction of 250 for-sale homes, townhouses, retail space and a new hotel will start summer 2026 between Waltonville — Bullfrog Valley Roads.

A Merry Rockin' Christmas Starring Michael Cavanaugh

7:30-9 p.m. — Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the charismatic Michael Cavanaugh live as he performs the classic American Rock & Roll Songbook.

Holiday Variety Show

The Strawberry Square Music Series Holiday Variety Show is a free event featuring an all-local lineup of music, theatre, comedy, dance, and magic, plus festive vendors and holiday gift wrapping. Happening Friday, Dec. 19 from 6–9 PM at the UPMC Stage in Strawberry Square, the event also includes a community coat drive supporting Coats in the Cart.

National Christmas Center Train Ride

5-8 p.m. — Stone Gables Estate — Check website for pricing — Experience a festive train ride featuring the Snow Princess and Queen in a winter wonderland setting.

New Year's Eve Celebration

3-8:30 p.m. — Hershey's Chocolate World — Free entry with pre-registration — Celebrate with a DJ and HERSHEY'S Characters at a festive countdown.