Are we still technically in the summer months? Yes. Is it too early to start planning for Christmas? Absolutely not! That's especially true when it comes to Christmas at The Star Barn Village, a fundraising community event held in December that sells out well ahead of time.

This year's festivities will take place on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Star Barn Village at Stone Gables Estate, 1 Hollinger Lane, Elizabethtown.

New this year, all admissions will include Breakfast with Santa, held over six seatings from 7:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

The event always sells out early, said Dana Myers, director of charitable giving for Brittany's Hope, the organization that benefits from Christmas at The Star Barn Village, so early reservations are recommended.

Along with the buffet breakfast catered by Food For Thought Catering and served in the Star Barn, the festivities will include pictures with Santa, a gift for children from Santa's elves, pony rides, a DJ and dance party, face painting, Christmas cookie and cupcake decorating, children's crafts, backyard games, giveaways, family photo sessions, a campfire with s'mores, holiday miniatures in the hog house, a self-guided tour of the Star Barn Village and plenty of holiday cheer. The grounds will be decked out in holiday finery, and the Star Barn, museum, chicken coop and carriage house will also be arrayed with holiday decorations.

"Guests can expect to be immersed in the wonder and awe of the Christmas season through their children's eyes," Myers said. "The professional family photos, delicious breakfast, beautiful decorations and so many kid-centered activities make it an event that families will want to come back to year after year."

Christmas at The Star Barn Village is more than a holiday celebration, however. It's an opportunity to change lives. Proceeds directly benefit Brittany's Hope, a local nonprofit dedicated to empowering families and communities worldwide through international special needs adoption grants and humanitarian programs.

"This event is a cherished tradition for families across southcentral Pennsylvania and beyond," said board president Lisa Stewart-Miller. "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."

Brittany's Hope marks its 25th anniversary this year, Myers said.

"That means 25 years of aiding orphaned and abandoned children - with well over 1,600 children united with their forever families and thousands of children whose futures have been redefined because of the generosity and compassion of the friends and donors of Brittany's Hope," she stated. "Christmas at The Star Barn helps us to ensure that 100% of donations directly support the children we serve."

She emphasized that the event would not be possible without supporters such as Stone Gables Estate and major sponsors Abel & Son Roofing, North Group Consultants and DDMP Investment Advisors.

"We've been holding our Christmas events since 2015," Myers said, "and we could not do it without the generosity of our caterer, Food For Thought, and our tremendous volunteers, including the high energy and dedicated students - and their advisers - from Manheim Central High School's Interact Club."

Advance tickets are required for Christmas at The Star Barn Village. No general or day-of admission will be available. For tickets and more information, visit https://brittanyshope.org/events/christmas.