You've heard of Christmas in July, but what about planning for Christmas when it's July? That's what the organizers of Christmas at The Star Barn Village are busy doing. They're gearing up for the event, which will be held Saturday, Dec. 5. Tickets are on sale now, and people are encouraged to get tickets early as the event typically sells out.

The festivities will be held at The Star Barn at Stone Gables Estate, 1 Hollinger Lane, Elizabethtown, and will begin with breakfast with Santa.

Christmas at The Star Barn Village is a fundraiser for Brittany's Hope, an Elizabethtown nonprofit that raises funds for and supports orphaned children.

"With six festive breakfast seatings from 7:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., this magical holiday tradition offers families the chance to experience the splendor of The Star Barn Village - decorated in full Christmas charm - while supporting a meaningful cause," said Dana Myers, director of charitable giving for Brittany's Hope. "This year, all admissions include breakfast with Santa. Guests will enjoy a delicious meal followed by a full day of holiday fun, including pony rides, children's crafts provided by Heritage Creek Farm Camp and Education Center, cookie decorating, a DJ-led dance party and professional family photos to capture the memories."

Christmas at The Star Barn Village is more than a holiday celebration; it's an opportunity to change lives.

"This event is a cherished tradition for families across southcentral Pennsylvania and beyond," said Lisa Stewart-Miller, board president of Brittany's Hope. "Not only do guests enjoy a day of Christmas magic, but this event helps orphaned and abandoned children around the world find safety, stability and forever families."

Myers noted that Christmas at The Star Barn is made possible through the generosity of Food For Thought Catering and Stone Gables Estate.

"Sincere gratitude to Manheim Central's Interact Club with over 100 kind, enthusiastic and thoughtful student volunteers who make the entire program run smoothly," she added. Major sponsors of the event include Abel & Son Roofing, North Group Consultants and DDMP Investment Advisors.

"We could not put this event on without the love, support and generosity of our wonderful community," Myers remarked. "All the businesses so willing to donate, from Don Martin at D'Franc Photography and our DJ from Mixed-Up Productions to many food donors and of course Food for Thought Catering, there are so many individuals and businesses ensuring that Christmas at The Star Barn is a gift for Brittany's Hope - and most importantly - for the children we serve."

Brittany's Hope has been hosting Christmas at The Star Barn since 2015, and Myers said it's always a popular event.

"If you come to Christmas at The Star Barn one time, prepare to make it a family tradition year after year," she said. "We literally have people emailing, calling, even stopping me at Costco in January asking when tickets will go on sale for Christmas at The Star Barn because their whole family has done it for so long and they want to be sure they can get enough tickets for their whole group."

She hopes even more families will start a tradition of attending the event.

"It is the perfect way to begin the Christmas season and make sure your Christmas spirit begins high and stays that way all season long," she stated. "The beautiful professional family photos alone make the entire day worthwhile, and there is oh so much more to love!"

Tickets are on sale now for Christmas at The Star Barn Village and will be available by advance purchase only. To learn more or to purchase tickets, visit https://brittanyshope.org/events/christmas.