Murder, Mayhem & Mistletoe: A Killer Christmas Party You Won’t Forget! An Interactive Holiday Whodunit Benefiting a Great Cause
By Autumn Gavlock
LOCK HAVEN, PA — Guests at this year’s holiday party at Von Herr Universal—one of the city’s fastest-growing advertising agencies—are in for more than just festive fun and flashy sweaters. What starts as a cheerful office celebration quickly unravels into a night of unexpected twists, when a shocking turn of events leaves one employee dead and everyone else under suspicion. With no one allowed to leave until the mystery is solved, attendees must work together to uncover the truth before the night is over.
Fortunately, it’s all part of the script….
This thrilling scenario sets the stage for a one-of-a-kind holiday event hosted by Boxes of Hope, a Lock Haven-based nonprofit that supports individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment. The organization is inviting the public to attend its interactive Murder Mystery Christmas Party, taking place on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at 10 East Main Street, Lock Haven.
Tickets are $30 per person and can be purchased at boh4bc.org/murder-mystery. Organizers note that tickets are selling quickly, and seating is limited for this one-night-only experience.
Founded by breast cancer survivor Traci Fotorny, Boxes of Hope is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing comfort and encouragement to those in active treatment. Through care packages, mastectomy pillows, and other heartfelt resources, the organization delivers support where it’s needed most.
“This event is not only a fun way to celebrate the season, but it also directly supports the work we do all year long,” said Fotorny. “Every ticket purchased helps us deliver hope to someone facing breast cancer.”
The event itself is a fully immersive murder mystery experience. Guests will assume the roles of fictional coworkers at the Von Herr Universal holiday party. But when an unexpected “murder” occurs, the room is thrown into chaos—and it’s up to the attendees to work together to solve the case. With both speaking and non-speaking roles available, participants can choose their level of involvement when purchasing tickets.
To add to the festive atmosphere, guests are encouraged to wear their ugliest holiday sweaters. Prizes will be awarded for the most over-the-top outfits, making this both a creative and competitive holiday gathering. Light holiday bites will be served, and don’t let us forget about the Christmas party cookie exchange—word has it Janice might be bringing her famous sugar cookies this year, they are to die for!
“This is a great opportunity to do something out of the ordinary with friends or coworkers,” Fotorny added. “You’ll laugh, maybe even compete a little, and most importantly—you’ll help someone in need.”
The December 7 event is the only planned showing of the murder mystery this year, and all proceeds will go directly to supporting Boxes of Hope’s mission to bring comfort and care to local breast cancer patients.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit boh4bc.org/murder-mystery.
