posted Oct 04, 2024

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.

Check out the full list of events with dates below, and plan to enjoy a holiday that is something truly special. And when it's time to ring in the New Year, do it Lancaster County style with a celebration in Downtown Lancaster, at one of the small town celebrations, or with a show.

More Upcoming Events

Small Business Saturday

Head out to Lancaster County with Small Business Saturday on November 30th! Shop small and support local businesses, makers, and more.

Independent Retailers

Menorah Lighting

Head into Lancaster City in the evenings from December 25th to January 1st for the Menorah Lightings!

Mayor's Tree Lighting

Peruse local shops, listen to live music, and see the Mayor's Tree Lighting on November 29th!

Santa Visits

Santa will also be making his way through the city on December 6th, 7th, and 14th with help from the city's fire and police departments.

Dinner with Mrs. Claus and Yummie

Do some holiday shopping at Kitchen Kettle Village from November 30th to December 21th, then enjoy a traditional dinner with Mrs Claus and Yummie, storytelling, and a gift to take home!

Holiday Shows at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre will be putting on two Holiday shows this year! Watch Irving Berlin's White Christmas from November 5th to December 5th, or Disney's Frozen Jr. on November 29th.

Holiday Arts Market

Revel in a festive ambience during the Holiday Arts Market on December 6th! Take home holiday keepsakes and artisanal goods.

Christmas Spirit Light Show

Christmas Spirit Light Show, running from November 29th to December 31st, is an exciting, one-of-a-kind Christmas light display that you and your loved ones will enjoy from the comfort of your vehicle. As you journey through our mile-long track, you will be immersed and surrounded by hundreds of thousands of color-changing lights, animated and dancing in harmony with your favorite Christmas classics.

Find more Drive-Thru Light Shows

Christmas Down on the Farm

Enjoy Christmas at Barnyard Kingdom! Farm fresh breakfast, giant slides, fire pits, barnyard animals, elf scavenger hunt, and more! You can even take a train ride down to the Christmas tree fields and cut your own tree. Christmas on the Farm take place on November 1, and December 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, and 15th.

Hersheypark Christmas Candylane

Relish sweet treats while embarking on a whimsical adventure through Hersheypark's Christmas Candylane! Hot chocolate, roller coaster rides, and dazzling lights are just a few of the holiday highlights from November 1st to December 31st.

Yuletide at Wheatland

Tour President James Buchanan’s Wheatland from November 9th to December 30th this year for Yuletide at Wheatland! Join a tour guide to traverse the festively decorated halls and rooms of the 1828 mansion. Learn about the public and personal life of James Buchanan through the lens of Yuletides and traditions past. From Yuletide menus and meals to how Christmastime was celebrated during the Civil War, viewers will learn how Buchanan and his family experienced Yuletide in the mid-1800s.

Pictured: American Music Theatre

Lancaster Shops Late

On December 13th you can enjoy late-night shopping during La ncaster Shops Late and experience the enchantment of Ewell Plaza’s inaugural outdoor holiday arts market, a festive haven where local artisans converge to showcase their exquisite crafts.

Christmas Trains

Meet Santa onboard Santa's Paradise Express, Santa's Christmas Trolley, and the Christmas Caboose Charter at the Strasburg Rail Road! You can also get excited while seeing the classic story come to life onboard the train during the Night Before Christmas Train, or pick out your own tree during the Christmas Tree Train! Operating from November to December, these series of holiday trains offer festive fun for all visitors.

Where to see Santa

Dutch Winter Wonderland

Make lasting memories with themed rides, special entertainment, a lights show and more royal fun during Dutch Winter Wonderland. Check back for more information about this family-friendly event!

Christmas Lights & Ziplining

Enjoy the Christmas Lights Experience at Refreshing Mountain, which will run from November 29th to January 5th. With twice as many lights, there 8 miles of Christmas lights displayed. Drive through the Christmas light displays or zipline through the spectacle. For a complete immersive experience stay in a cozy Christmas-y cabin suite.

Christmas at Stone Gables

Visit a fully decorated Star Barn from November 29th to December 21st, the Christkindl Market, meet Santa and his helpers, and more at the Christmas Village at Stone Gables Estate. All aboard for a magical narrated train experience through the estate on the Santa Express. You can also celebrate Christmas from the comfort of your car! Over 600,000 lights, new storyboards, and surprises await you.

Amish Farmhouse Christmas Experience

Make your way to the Old Windmill Farm and dive into rustic holiday traditions! Running from November 26th to December 30th, the Amish Farmhouse Christmas Experience features kid-friendly activities such as churning fresh butter and baking pumpkin pies. Venture through the idyllic grounds of the Old Windmill Farm on a horse-drawn sleigh ride!

A Christmas Carol & Who's Holiday

Experience festive fun with two beloved Christmas shows at the Fulton Theatre! Families will enjoy A Christmas Carol from November 30th to December 28th. If you're planning a date night or spending time with friends, we recommend attending the adults-only comedic Who's Holiday from December 5th to December 29; relish a hilarious spin on the classic Dr. Seuss story.

The 2024 Christmas Show: Joy to the World

Running from November 5th to December 30th at American Music Theatre, the 2024 Christmas Show: Joy to the World holiday musical extravaganza celebrates the joys and merriment of spending the holidays with the ones we love. The show includes moving renditions of your favorite festive tunes and embraces many of the beloved traditions we look forward to each year with breathtaking holiday decorations.

Village Christmas Market

Bask in holiday cheer during the Village Christmas Market at Garden Spot Village on December 7th, and enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities. Stroll through local shops, finding handmade goods and keepsakes. Bring your little ones and marvel at exciting train model displays.

Illumination

Far from traditional, this novel concert features fresh takes on holiday classics, weaving in powerhouse singers, synchronous instrumental solos, and Pentatonix-style acapella caroling. With a piano centered in the room, Illumination at Prima Theatre immerses you in a candlelit theatre-in-the-round environment from November 22nd to December 22nd.

Polar Bear Express

We’re leaving for the North Pole to find Santa on the Polar Bear Express! The Conductor shares a special Christmas story with the children. At the North Pole, Santa will board the train with a gift for every child (infant through 11 years). Have your camera ready for pictures with Santa! This event will run from November 30th to December 22nd at Middletown and Hummelstown Rail Road.

Christmas at the Cloister

Spend a few moments in quiet reflection at the Ephrata Cloister with seasonal readings and holiday music in the historic Saal. Christmas at the Cloister is offered each night, December 9th & 10th, one starting at 6:30 p.m. and the other at 8:00 p.m.

Christmas in Perfect Harmony

An original concert experience at The Barn at Paradise Station that is sure to be an unforgettable part of your holiday season! Half-part musical theater nostalgia, half-part take it to church worship concert, Perfect Harmony sings stunning original arrangements of favorite holiday classics in (of course) three-part PERFECT HARMONY. "Perfect" for the entire family and all ages!