I’ve been thinking about how January can feel a little quieter around here. Up in Elizabethtown where I live it’s a little slower.

Sometimes that makes it easier to notice the good stuff.

Here’s a look at what’s happening around Lancaster County this weekend.

There’s something about live orchestra that makes a winter evening feel warmer. The Lancaster Symphony Orchestra opens its All Prokofiev & Tchaikovsky program tonight at 7:30pm at the Gardner Theatre, with performances continuing through the weekend. The concert features Prokofiev’s Third Piano Concerto with acclaimed pianist Natasha Paremski, along with beloved suites from Lieutenant Kijé and Romeo & Juliet. 

It’s one of those nights that pairs perfectly with dinner downtown and a slow walk back to the car afterward.

Get details & tickets: https://www.lancastersymphony.org/all-prokofiev/

If you’re looking for something lighter  -  especially with kids in tow  -  Seven Seussy Songs & Stories hits the stage tonight at 7:00pm at First Assembly, with a matinee on Saturday.

Performed by students from Lancaster Academy for the Performing Arts, the show brings Dr. Seuss–inspired stories and songs to life. Tickets are Pay What You Will, making it an easy, feel-good way to support local young talent on a cold January night.

Show info: https://lancasteracademy.org/event/seven-seussy-songs-stories/2026-01-16/

For a slower start to the day, the Green Dragon Farmers Market remains a solid winter favorite (weather permitting). It’s still one of the best places in the county for a casual morning walk, fresh-baked goods, warm drinks, and a little browsing  -  especially if you’re easing into the weekend rather than rushing through it.

If live music is how you warm up a winter night, this might be just your speed. Local musician Andy Squyres is bringing an up-close acoustic show to the Lancaster area Saturday, January 17, offering an evening of songs, stories, and a stripped-down, living-room-style vibe.

This is the kind of show where you actually hear the lyrics, feel the room, and leave a little quieter than when you arrived  -  in a good way. A great pick if you’re craving something personal and low-key this weekend.

You can get details and tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/andy-squyres-sacred-vows-acoustic-tour-in-lancaster-pa-january-17-tickets-1979654115751

If your ideal winter night includes live music, good coffee (or a drink), and a cozy room, this one’s worth circling. Skyla Burrell brings her hard-driving blues sound to Lucky Dog Café Saturday night, January 17, from 7–10pm.

This is the kind of intimate show where the music fills the room, the crowd leans in, and the cold outside feels far away. A great pick if you’re looking to ease into the weekend with something soulful and local.

More about Skyla and show details: https://www.skylaburrell.com/

There’s some genuinely great local news to share today. Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health has earned its sixth consecutive Magnet® designation, one of the highest national honors for nursing excellence.

Only about 1% of hospitals nationwide have achieved Magnet status six times  -  and just three hospitals in Pennsylvania share that distinction. The recognition reflects years of work by nurses and care teams across Lancaster General Hospital, highlighting leadership, collaboration, and patient-centered care.

Behind the designation are real people  -  nurses who mentor, lead, problem-solve, and show up for patients every day. It’s a quiet kind of excellence that makes a big difference, and it’s something our community can be proud of.

See more here on their Facebook page.