Historic Ephrata Cloister will host its annual Lantern Tours from Friday, Dec. 27, through Monday, Dec. 30. Tours, led by the Cloister's Student Historians, will run every half hour beginning at 6 p.m.; the last tour will begin at 8 p.m. Each tour will last approximately one hour and is limited to 30 participants.

The immersive, theatrical tours will offer a glimpse into the challenges and intrigues faced by the Ephrata Cloister community. This year's performance, "Conscience and Truth: Conrad Weiser's Ephrata of 1744," invites guests to step into a pivotal moment in the Cloister's history. A performer portraying Pennsylvania Gov. George Thomas will investigate Conrad Weiser's transformative experiences at Ephrata and the reasons behind his eventual departure in 1743. Guests will encounter community members and unravel the threads of Weiser's complex relationship with the Cloister.

Space is limited. Tickets must be purchased in advance; no tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets are available by calling 717-733-6600 or visiting https://tinyurl.com/CloisterLanternTours24. Tickets are nonrefundable unless the Ephrata Cloister cancels the event. 

Children age 5 and under will receive free admission. Discounts are available to seniors age 65 and up, students ages 6 to 17, and members of Ephrata Cloister Associates. Patron, Business Member, and Benefactor-level members are entitled to free tickets. To reserve discounted or complimentary tickets, call the aforementioned number or email ephratacloister@gmail.com. 

Attendees are asked to arrive five to 10 minutes before their scheduled tour time. Tours will take place inside and outside, and participants should dress appropriately for the weather. Some paths may be dimly lit, and visitors are welcome to bring a small flashlight.

In addition, Historic Ephrata Cloister will offer its Winter History Class from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursdays from Jan. 9 to Feb. 27, 2025. The course will feature 16 experts speaking on a range of historical topics.

Tailored for adult learners, the program will explore Ephrata Cloister's history as well as local and regional 18th- and 19th-century cultural and social history. Each session will include two presentations, one at 9 a.m. and one at 10:45 a.m. This year's course will be offered in a hybrid format, allowing participants to join in person or virtually through Zoom.

There is a fee, with a discount for members of the Ephrata Cloister Associates. Advance registration is required by visiting https://ephratacloister.org/events/winter-history-class-2025/, stopping by the Visitor Center during operating hours, or calling 717-733-6600. For added flexibility, single-day attendance is available for those unable to commit to the full course; call the aforementioned number to make arrangements.

For more information and the full course schedule, visit the aforementioned website.