"This is a way to have a really fun day for your whole family without breaking the bank," said Carrie McCullough, managing director of Brittany's Hope. "It's a great way to get in the Christmas spirit." She was talking about Christmas at the Star Barn Village, an annual benefit for Brittany's Hope, which will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4, at Stone Gables Estate, 1 Hollinger Lane, Elizabethtown.

The event will feature two admission plans. VIP tickets will include breakfast with Santa provided by Food For Thought Catering, a family portrait by Melissa McClain Photography and all general admission activities. VIP tickets should be purchased in advance, McCullough said, noting that they sell out quickly.

General admission tickets, which are valid from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., may be purchased in advance for a discount or at the event. General admission activities will include outdoor games, pony rides, a petting zoo, a campfire with s'mores, meet-and-greets with The Enchanted Teapot characters, letting writing to Santa and a cookie-decorating station.

"There are several new things this year," McCullough stated, noting that the Star Barn has allowed the use of its facilities, which will be decked out in holiday finery. "There will be a new Christkindlmarkt (Christmas market) as well as Christmas miniatures on display." Guests can also take a self-guided tour of the historic 275-acre Stone Gables Estate, which will be decorated for the holidays.

All proceeds from the event will benefit Brittany's Hope, an organization that supports abandoned and at-risk children through international special needs adoption grants and humanitarian efforts.

"One hundred percent of the money raised at this event goes to our mission," McCullough remarked, "and it gets distributed right away to our programs in Kenya, Vietnam and Ethiopia."

She noted that Christmas at the Star Barn Village is a win-win for everyone who attends, adding, "You get to have a fun day full of Christmassy atmosphere and activities, and you also get to support Brittany's Hope at the same time."

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.ChristmasAtTheStarBarnVillage.com.