"Christmas at the Star Barn is a magical way to begin the Christmas season - truly like walking into a winter wonderland with the amazingly decorated Star Barn and all the activities," said Dana Myers, director of charitable giving for Brittany's Hope. "Seeing the children's eyes light up with wonder and awe is something you don't want to miss."

Christmas at the Star Barn will be held on Saturday, Dec. 2, at Stone Gables Estate, 1 Hollinger Lane, Elizabethtown.

The event will feature Breakfast with Santa, with six seating times between 7:30 and 10:15 a.m. Tickets will include a buffet meal sponsored by Food for Thought Catering, a special gift delivered by Santa's helpers, a photo with Santa and access to all activities on the site.

Festivities throughout the grounds will include pony rides, face painting, Christmas cookie and cupcake decorating, children's crafts, backyard games, family photo sessions and a campfire with s'mores.

People are also invited to take a self-guided tour of the Star Barn Village, enjoy outdoor holiday decorations and explore the fully decorated Star Barn, Star Barn Museum, chicken coop and carriage house. Activities will run from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Not only does the event provide a fun and festive way to kick off the holidays, but it also supports the mission of Brittany's Hope, Myers said.

"The Star Barn and Food for Thought Catering offer Christmas at the Star Barn as a fundraiser for Brittany's Hope to aid orphaned and at-risk children," she explained. "One hundred percent of all donations and proceeds go directly to support adoptions of children with special needs and humanitarian support for the children we serve."

She noted that Christmas at the Star Barn relies on community support to happen annually. "Our dedicated corporate sponsors make this event possible and do so much for the orphaned and at-risk children we serve," she stated, noting that sponsors include Orthopedic Associates of Lancaster, North Group Consultants, Abel & Son Roofing & Siding, Bates Enterprises/JURA, Haldeman Bros. Masonry and uFinancial.

Advance tickets are required to attend Christmas at the Star Barn and may be purchased by visiting http://www.brittanyshope.org/events/christmas.