posted Sep 22, 2025

Holidays in Small Towns of Lancaster County, PA

Lancaster is made up of quaint and quirky small towns that have lots to offer this holiday season.

Book Your Trip

Pictured: Kitchen Kettle Village

Riverlands

Elizabethtown

Explore Elizabethtown during the holidays! The town is home to some special properties that host seasonal events that you won’t want to miss!

Special Events:

Annual Christmas Light Drive-Thru | Stone Gables Estate | November 21 - January 3
Santa Express | Stone Gables Estate | November 21 - December 23
National Christmas Center | Stone Gables Estate | November 21 - January 3
2025 Christmas Dinner and Show at The Star Barn | Stone Gables Estate | December 9

More Elizabethtown Events

Columbia

The town of Columbia is nestled next to the beautiful Susquehanna River, making it the perfect place to experience the great outdoors of Lancaster in the winter as well as it’s fantastic small towns.

Special Events:

Small Business Saturday & Old Fashioned Christmas | Columbia Market House | November 29
Ornament Making Workshop | Columbia Crossing | December 13 | Drop in Between 10am - 3:00pm

More Columbia Events

Small Towns & Northern Countryside

Ephrata & Surrounding Areas

The quaint and historic town of Ephrata has lots to offer this holiday season. Stroll the streets, peruse the shops, and engage in the brilliant holiday spirit that abounds in the town!

Special Events:

Santa’s Arrival & Tree Lighting | Mainspring of Ephrata | November 28 | 5:30 – 8pm
Santa's House | Mainspring of Ephrata | November 29 - December 20 | Fridays 5:30 – 7:30pm & Saturdays 10am – 1pm
Jingle & Sip | Mainspring of Ephrata | November 29 | 10am – 2pm
Jingle Bell Trolley | Mainspring of Ephrata | December 5 (family night) & December 6 (adult night)
Ephrata Cloister Lantern Tours | Ephrata Cloister | December 26 - 27 & January 2 - 3
Christmas at the Cloister | Ephrata Cloister | December 8 - 9 | 6:30 & 8:30pm each night
Terre Hill Christmas in the Park | Terre Hill Park | December 5 - 7 & 12 - 14
New Holland Christmas on Main | Towne Center Green, Main Street | November 29 | 9am – 7pm

More Ephrata Events

The up-and-coming small town of Manheim might just be your new spot to visit for the holidays. The aesthetic and unique, Prussian Street Arcade, is your one-stop-shop for all things handmade and local treasures located at REO Marketplace. Gaze at the huge Christmas tree illuminating the square and check out the recently opened Glasshouse Wineworks for a cold beverage to cap off your day of exploring.
Special Events:

Yuletide | Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire | November 28 to December 14 | Saturdays & Sundays 11am to 4:30pm

More Manheim Events

Mount Joy

Visit Mount Joy for the holidays! Their Main Street has shops, restaurants, and the spirit of Christmas in the air. It’s such a quaint and inviting town, you just might want to stay overnight. Book your peaceful getaway at the Rocky Acre Farm Bed & Breakfast for a truly relaxing stay in one of Lancaster’s great small towns.
Special Events:

Winterfest | Market Street to Barbara Street | December 6 | 2pm – 5pm
Visits with Santa | Milanof-Schock Library | December 13 | 11am – 2pm

More Mount Joy Events

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Grandview Vineyard (@grandviewvineyard)

Lititz

Venture to Lititz for boutique shopping, holiday festivities, and great dining options. As you walk the streets you’ll notice the Moravian Star lights lining the streets and festive storefronts. The town goes all out for its residents and visitors during the holidays.

Special Events:

Christmas in the Park | Lititz Springs Park | December 5 | 6:30pm
Christmas at Cornwall | Cornwall Iron Furnace | December 6 | 9am – 4pm
Annual Christmas Carol Sing | Lititz Moravian Church Square | December 11 | 6:30pm – 8pm
Annual Christmas Candlelight Tours | Lititz Historical Foundation | December 12 - 13 | 5pm – 8pm
The Jess Zimmerman Band Christmas Party | Mickey's Black Box | December 13 | 6pm – 11pm
Screaming Orphans Christmas Show | Mickey's Black Box | December 7 | 2pm – 5pm
The Belsnickle Experience | Landis Valley Museum | December 13

More Lititz Events

Amish & PA Dutch Countryside

Intercourse

Intercourse is the perfect town to do your Christmas shopping or simply get in the holiday spirit with these great holiday activities!
Special Events:

Dinner with Mrs. Claus & Yummie | Kitchen Kettle Village | November 28, December 5, 12 & 19
Breakfast with Santa & Friends | Kitchen Kettle Village | November 29 - December 20
Holiday Tasting Tour | Kitchen Kettle Village | November 28 | 4pm – 7pm
German Christkindlmarkt | Intercourse Library | December 5 & 6

More Intercourse Events

Strasburg

There is so much to do in the historic town of Strasburg this holiday season. Enjoy all things trains in Train Town, USA!
Special Events:

Christmas Trains | Strasburg Rail Road | Various dates & times
Amish Farmhouse Christmas Experience | Old Windmill Farm | November 29 - December 30

More Strasburg Events

Bird-in-Hand

Venture to the countryside and experience Christmas in Bird-in-Hand!

Special Events:

Christmas Village | Bird-in-Hand Bakery & Cafe | December 13 | 10am – 3pm
The Christmas Candy Caper | Bird-in-Hand Stage | October 30 - December 27
Ryan & Friends: A Comic Christmas | Bird-in-Hand Stage | November 7 & 13 and December 4, 20, 27 & 30
Late-Night, Last-Minute Shopping | Bird-in-Hand Artisan Village | December 22 | 5pm – 8pm

More Bird-in-Hand Events

Find More Holiday Happenings

Lancaster County Christmas & Holiday Events

The holiday season in Lancaster County is full of themed attractions and fun events for young or old to enjoy.

Details

Annual Events in Lancaster County

Lancaster has one-of-a-kind events happening year round!

Details

Things to Do this Winter in Lancaster

Find things to do this Winter in Lancaster County.

Details

11 Spots for Outdoor Dining in Lancaster County, PA This Winter

Experience the magic of outdoor dining, even during the winter!

Details

Things to do in Lancaster, PA this December

Details

Things to do on New Year’s Eve in Lancaster, PA

Ring in 2025 with an exciting event in Lancaster!

Details

Essential Guide to Kitchen Kettle Village

Discover the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country at Kitchen Kettle Village, where food, shopping, and small-town charm come together for an unforgettable experience.

Details

Top Drive-Thru Holiday Light Shows in Lancaster, PA

Drive through the most dazzling holiday light displays in and around Lancaster County, PA! From immersive 3‑mile LED drives to festive stadium shows and animated…

Details

Author

Olivia•

Senior Marketing Manager

Olivia is a Lancaster County native, born and raised in the quaint, small town of Manheim. She fell in love with the impressive diversity of Lancaster, from its vibrant food scene to its endless array of activities, believing there's truly something for everyone here. She hopes visitors experience the warm and welcoming spirit of the local community. Having traveled to five countries and nearly 30 US states, Olivia's appreciation of her hometown grows with every trip. Outside of writing, she enjoys exercising, playing soccer, and reading.

Send An Email