Sara Bozich

Open for Christmas

Wondering what bars and restaurants are open on Christmas Eve and Day in the greater Harrisburg area? Well, you've come to the right place.

As in recent years, you'll find there are a variety of options for eating and drinking on both nights.

Below is a round-up of some local taverns and eateries that are planning to have some holiday hours this year, and I'll continue to update as I know more. If you know of any additions, please e-mail me or add them in the comments. Happy Holidays!

Halloween Happenings 2009

**UPDATED** Now with more Halloween events!

Halloween is extra special delicious this year, not just because I'm going to not one, but two Halloween parties that require special attire. It's special because Halloween falls on a Saturday. Unlike our other major holidays, which suck up not just a night or a weekend, but for weeks or even a "season," Halloween is pretty much a one-shot deal. Not that that stops anyone - just sayin'. But this year, there's the chance for authenticity.

And I don't really know how you're going to choose your "authentic" Halloween activity. There are just too many options.

Grab your calendar and make your selections. All the goodies are after the jump.

Weekend roundup - 10/1

The days keep rolling by. I don't know where the time goes. Tonight the fiance (yes, that's new) and I will have a mini-date night with dinner at Flinchy's (Thanks again for the shout-out, Dawson!) and head home to watch our Thursday night TV shows.

This weekend was meant to be spent with my future in-laws, but instead it appears that work beckons. So, if able, I'll stalk The Impact Band at Champions Friday night, plus judge the Cupcake Cup on Sunday.

Here's the lowdown on the rest of the weekend:

Weekend roundup 3/6

I have been looking forward to this weekend for a long time - I have two close girlfriends whose birthdays, with mine, fall within about three weeks of one another. We usually try to do something together - a few years ago it was a blowout bash at Noma (Remixed) - but this year, we decided to treat ourselves to The Spa at The Hotel Hershey. We're going for massages, pedicures and lunch at the Oasis, so it's sure to be a treat. And it's a busy weekend in the Harrisburg area, too. Here's what's going on:

• It's First Friday in Harrisburg, which means a celebration of the arts, including new exhibition space, Gallery Blu. View the flier: Download FF_March
• Ken blogged about Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center unveiling its first layer this weekend. P-N has info, too.
• Mantis hosts Shawn Michael Vennel 's "Homework" with a reception tonight from 8-10 p.m.
• Shady's, Arooga's and Sam Bucca's all have Saturday UFC fight, no cover charge anywhere.
• PAadventure is featuring One Good Woman in Camp Hill
• BurritoGo at the Broad Street Market has a website
• Char's Bella Mundo offers its "bistro special" - 3 courses for $34 - on Thursdays and Sundays
• Molly's is doing "open bar" for $25/person every Thursday night from 9-11 p.m. Includes all liquors, bottles, shots, etc.

Restaurants (and bars) open for Christmas

**2009 UPDATE: If you landed here looking for what bars/restaurants are open for Christmas 2009, please CLICK HERE for a current list. **

It's one of the most asked questions of the year - who will be open for Christmas? Christmas Eve can be a big bar night, but most bars, restaurants and businesses close up shop on Christmas Day. I've tried to compile a list of the bars/restaurants that will be open these two days in the Harrisburg area. I'll update as I know more. If you know of any others, please e-mail me or add them in the comments. Happy Holidays!

• Arooga's (West Hanover & Camp Hill locations) - open until 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve; open AT 5 p.m. on Christmas Day
• All DowntownAfterDark properties (Bourbon Street, Hardware, etc.) - closed Christmas Eve; open at 8 p.m. Christmas Day
• Brick Haus - 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. Christmas Eve; 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Christmas Day
• Flinchy's - open all night Christmas Eve (kitchen closes at 5 p.m.); open Christmas Day in time for the first football game!
• Fenicci's (Hershey) - open from noon to 11 p.m. Christmas Eve; bar opens at 6 p.m. on Christmas Day
• The Hotel Hershey
  • The Fountain Cafe - 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. both Christmas Eve and Day
  • The Circular Dining Room - dinner served from 6-9 p.m. both days - all booked
  • The Iberian Lounge - 4 p.m. to midnight both Christmas Eve and Day
• The Hershey Lodge
  • Hershey Grill - 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Christmas Eve; 1-9 p.m. Christmas Day
  • Lebbie Lebkicker's  - breakfast 7-11 a.m. both days; Christmas Day buffet noon to 5 p.m.
  • The Forebay - 5-11 p.m. Christmas Eve; noon to 8 p.m. Christmas Day
  • The Bear's Den - 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. both days
• Garrason's Tavern - 11:30 a.m to 5:30 p.m., reopening at 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Christmas Eve; closed Christmas Day
• Brewhouse Grille - regular hours Christmas Eve; open at 4 p.m Christmas Day
• The Coliseum - opens at 5 p.m. on Christmas Day

Smoking Ban Exceptions: Dauphin County

You can find the list of approved smoking ban exceptions for Dauphin County here, or after the jump:

Weekend roundup 8/7/08

It's that time again. I'm finally in town this weekend, but my only plans involve laying by a pool and going to a bridal shower. For you more adventurous, here's what's going down.

• Tonight! Sam Buca's Pizza Pub opens next to the Hilton.
• Tomorrow afternoon stop by the Art House Lounge on your way to HH for their festival-style solo exhibits.
• Jersey Mike's 8-8-8 show is tomorrow at none other than ABC. Great beer, great deal.
• Progressive Galleries has Friday Night Jazz at the Maennerchor's Cathedral Room, featuring Jonathan Ragonese. Feel it, get there.
• Also Friday is the Steelers v. Eagles party at The Coliseum. You know who I'm rooting for.
• The US Navy Band Cruisers perform at Fort Hunter Park on Sunday evening, as part of the Sunset Performing Artists Series. Free!

Sam Bucca's Pizza Pub

Replacing the now-closed Carmella's, Sam Bucca's Pizza Pub will open this Thursday, Aug. 7.

Come out for the grand opening party. I will have all the details in next week's column.