NEPA Philharmonic Continues (Candle)LIT Holidays Tradition The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic proudly announces the return of one of its most beloved seasonal traditions: (Candle)LIT Holidays, taking place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the Scranton Cultural Center. This annual celebration invites audiences to embrace the warmth, nostalgia, and joy of the holiday season through an evening of dazzling performances set within a breathtaking, candlelit atmosphere. As a new touch to the annual holiday concert, guests will be welcomed into a hall glowing with the soft flicker of hundreds of electric candles, creating an intimate and immersive setting unlike any other holiday concert in the region. This year’s program features the full NEPA Philharmonic orchestra alongside the Abington Heights High School Choir and Ballet Theatre of Scranton, offering a rich blend of symphonic favorites, choral classics, and festive dance. Adding to the magic, the evening will include special appearances from North Pole visitors—making the event particularly enchanting for children and families. (Candle)LIT Holidays is part of the Philharmonic’s 2025–2026 Season, presented by PNC, whose commitment to the arts helps ensure that high-quality cultural experiences remain accessible throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Philharmonic also extends deep gratitude to its POPS Series sponsor, Dr. Seth and Carolyn Fisher, and concert presenting sponsor, Magic93. Additional support for this concert has been provided by Toyota of Scranton, Adams Outdoor, Gentex, and Knowles Insurance. Their generosity allows the Philharmonic to present concerts that bring together professional musicians, young local performers, and regional arts organizations in vibrant collaboration. Beyond its musical offerings, the evening serves as a celebration of the community itself. For long-time patrons, (Candle)LIT Holidays has become a cherished annual tradition; for new attendees, it offers a perfect introduction to the Philharmonic’s artistry and welcoming spirit. Audience members can expect familiar holiday melodies, stirring orchestral moments, and heartwarming performances that capture the essence of togetherness during this special time of year. Tickets for (Candle)LIT Holidays range from $16 to $78. Early purchase is encouraged, as seats are going fast. Tickets and additional event information are available at nepaphil.org, or by contacting the Philharmonic box office at (570) 270-4444.
Ballet Theatre Opens Holiday Season with 50th ‘Nutcracker’ Ballet Theatre of Scranton, under the artistic direction of Joanne Arduino, will kick off the holiday season with it’s 50th anniversary annual performances of The Nutcracker at the Theater at North over Thanksgiving weekend on Friday Nov 28, Saturday Nov 29 ,and Sunday Nov 30, at 12 noon and 5:30 pm each day. This traditional gift to the community has offered free public performances since 1976. Free tickets can be picked up at the box office at the Theater at North on the day of the specific performance, two hours prior to curtain. A sensory friendly performance is offered to an invited audience as well as the traditional educational performances for area school children. A Jubilee Performance will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at The Theatre at North. Alumni are invited to arrive at 4:00 PM for check-in, with a commemorative photo on stage at 4:30 PM, followed by the performance at 5:30 PM. This milestone performance will be a joyful reunion of past and present cast members, honoring the legacy of Ballet Theatre of Scranton and the generations of dancers who have brought The Nutcracker to life. Over 100 local dancers from ages 9- adult will perform and will feature alumna Laura Durkin as Sugarplum Fairy and professional guest artists Sanford Placide (previously of Dance Theater of Harlem, NYC) and Philadelphia Ballet principal dancers Arian Molina Soca and Dayesi Torriente. All performances are free and open to the public, with reserved seating available through Nutcracker Benefactor donations by Nov 1. For more information, call 570-347-2867 or visit www.balletscranton.org
Ballet Theatre of Scranton’s The Nutcracker Celebrates 50 Years Click here to find more information. Schedule:
Ballet Theatre of Scranton Presents The Nutcracker Ballet Theatre of Scranton. under the artistic direction of Joanne Arduino, will kick off the holiday season with its 49th annual performances of The Nutcracker at the Theater at North over Thanksgiving weekend on Friday November 29, Saturday November 30, and Sunday December 1. Please note the new performance times each day: noon and 5:30 pm. This traditional gift to the community has offered free public performances since 1976. Free tickets can be picked up at the box office at the Theater at North on the day of the specific performance, two hours prior to curtain. This year, an inaugural pilot, sensory friendly performance is being offered to an invited audience as well as the traditional educational performances for area school children. Over 100 local dancers from ages 9- adult will perform and will feature Elizabeth Schneider and Laura Durkin as Sugarplum Fairy (each in three performances), Gianna Vachino as Clara, John Roman Vachino as the Nutcracker Prince, Brennan Connor as Snow King, Gabrielle Snyder as Snow Queen, and Valentina Ruiz Giraldo as Dewdrop. Professional guest artists George Sanders (of Twyla Tharp company, NYC) and Sanford Placide (previously of Dance Theater of Harlem, NYC) will perform as Cavalier in 3 performances each. Benefactor seats are available by calling 570-347-2867 before November 1.
