Lancaster County Christmas & Holiday Events

Explore fun things to do for Christmas in Lancaster, PA with light displays, a holiday-themed amusement park and so much more! Maybe you’ll see the Jolly Ol' Elf himself! 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

1. Small Business Saturday

Head out to Lancaster County with Small Business Saturday on November 25th! Shop small and support local businesses, makers, and more.

Independent Retailers

2. Menorah Lighting

Head into Lancaster City in the evenings from December 7th to 14th for the Menorah Lightings!

3. Mayor's Tree Lighting

Peruse local shops, listen to live music, and see the Mayor's Tree Lighting on November 24th!

4. Santa Visits

Santa will also be making his way through the city on December 8th, 9th, and 16th with help from the city's fire and police departments.

5. Lancaster Shops Late & Holiday Arts Market

On December 8th you can enjoy late-night shopping during Lancaster 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.

6. Christmas Spirit Light Show

Christmas Spirit Light Show, running from November 24th 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

7. Downtown Holiday Market

Support local artists, crafters, and creators while enjoying the Holidays in Downtown Lancaster. Happening up until Christmas!

8. 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

9. Dutch Winter Wonderland

Make lasting memories with themed rides, special entertainment, a lights show and more royal fun during Dutch Winter Wonderland, which will be held from November 18th to January 1st.

10. Dinner with Mrs. Claus and Yummie

Do some holiday shopping at Kitchen Kettle Village from November 25th to December 16th, then enjoy a traditional dinner with Mrs Claus and Yummie, storytelling, and a gift to take home!

11. Holiday Shows at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre will be putting on two Holiday shows this year! Watch the classic holiday tale of Ebenezer Scrooge with, A Christmas Carol: The Musical or Santa Claus: The Musical. These musicals will run until the end of the year.

12. 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.

13. Yuletide at Wheatland

Tour President James Buchanan’s Wheatland from November 20th 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.

14. Christmas Lights & Ziplining

Enjoy the Christmas Lights Experience at Refreshing Mountain, which will run from November 24th to January 7th. 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.

15. Christmas at Stone Gables

Visit a fully decorated Star Barn on December 2nd, 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.

16. Christmas Trivia

Mark your calendar for December 7th and brush up on your holiday knowledge at Grandview Vineyard, where exciting rounds of Christmas trivia and an upbeat atmosphere await. Whether you're a holiday-movie aficionado or a Christmas-music fan, this trivia night will provide unforgettable festive memories for all participants.

17. Joesph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Make your way to this lively and family-friendly musical with iconic songs such as "Close Every Door" and "Any Dream Will Do." Located at the Fulton Theatre, visitors will enjoy stellar performances and infectious tunes for the holidays. This musical will be held from November 17th to December 30th.

18. The 2023 Christmas Show: The First Noel

Running from November 7th to December 30th at American Music Theatre, the 2023 Christmas Show: The First Noel 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.

19. Village Christmas Market

Bask in holiday cheer during the Village Christmas Market at Garden Spot Village on December 2nd, 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.

20. 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.

21. 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 24th to December 17th at Middletown and Hummelstown Rail Road.

22. Christmas at the Cloister

23. 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!