posted Sep 15, 2025

Lancaster, PA Holiday Weekend Itinerary

Plan the perfect holiday weekend getaway in Lancaster County with festive lights, charming shops, cozy inns, and holiday events.

Whether you're visiting for a romantic retreat, exploring with family, or traveling solo, Lancaster’s small towns, countryside, and downtown buzz with seasonal cheer. Here's how to make the most of your Friday – Sunday trip during the holidays.

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Pictured: Strasburg Rail Road

Credit: Gabe McMullen

Cozy Check-In & Magical Light Displays

Afternoon Check-In

Start your weekend by checking into a cozy bed & breakfast, a boutique hotel, or a family-friendly resort like Eden Resort & Suites or DoubleTree Resort. Here's a few places to stay that are typically decked out in holiday decor:

Lititz Springs Inn - Located in the quaint small town of Lititz, this Inn is the perfect hub for your visit. There are many shops and restaurants within walking distance and Lititz is known for its holiday events and decor around town

Inn & Spa at Intercourse Village - Stay in the heart of Amish Country and escape the busyness of the holiday season. The Inn is close to many shops and attractions like Kitchen Kettle Village and Barry's Car Barn

Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square - Experience the magic of Lancaster City during the holidays! Some guest rooms provide a view of Penn Square where the City's Christmas Tree stands tall and illuminated. And, enjoy being within walking distance of dozens of shops, restaurants, bars, and historic streets and buildings.

Find more places to stay

Evening: Holiday Lights & Comfort Food

There are delicious restaurants all across Lancaster County. Here are a few dinner options depending on what you're in the mood for:

PA Dutch Restaurants

Miller's Restaurant, Smorgasbord & Bakery, Ronks
Hershey Farm Grand Smorgasbord, Strasburg
Dienner's Country Restaurant, Ronks

More PA Dutch Restaurants

Romantic Fireside Dinner

Fireside Tavern, Strasburg
Lititz Springs Inn, Lititz
The Log Cabin, Leola
Smokehouse BBQ and Brews at Plain & Fancy Farm, Bird-in-Hand

More restaurants with fire places

Fine Dining Restaurants

The Belvedere Inn, Lancaster City
Osteria Avanti, Leola
Lombardo's Restaurant, Lancaster City
401 Prime, Lancaster City

More Fine Dining Options

Family-Friendly Restaurants

More Kid-Friendly Restaurants

Check out these light shows while you're in town!

Stone Gables Estate, Elizabethtown - Admire the illuminated scenes, colossal light displays, color-changing lights, and more throughout the 3-mile Christmas Light Drive-Thru. The National Christmas Center is located just a short distance away and you don't want to miss the chance to experience more than 18,00 square feet of nostalgic Christmas decor, 17-foot tall building replicas, and an angelic choir.

Christmas Spirit Light Show, Lancaster City - Head to Penn Medicine Park, home to Atlantic League's Lancaster Stormers, for a drive-thru light show in and around the baseball stadium! They also invite local businesses to decorate trees that are displayed in the concourse for viewing.

Christmas Light Experience, Stevens- Visit Refreshing Mountain for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to zipline through trees adorned with thousands of Christmas lights. They also provide a winter walk where you'll stroll through the forest on trails lit up for the holidays.

See Top 5+ Lights Shows

Saturday: Spend the Day Shopping, Exploring & Seeing a Show

Morning Markets & Boutiques

Lancaster Central Market, Lancaster City – Shop local gifts, snacks, and holiday treats at America's oldest farmer's market

Kitchen Kettle Village, Bird-in-Hand – Explore 42+ shops and eateries while enjoying carolers, free samples, and charming village vibes

300 Block of North Queen, Lancaster City – Discover indie shops, bookstores, and more along the shopping district of Downtown Lancaster

Artisan Mill Company, Lititz & Lancaster and Prussian Street Arcade, Manheim & Lancaster - Shop dozens of different vendors at each of these locations and be amazed by the skilled craftsmanship and creativity of local artisans and makers.

More Places to Shop

Grab a warm cup of hot chocolate or coffee at one of the delicious local cafes!

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A post shared by Discover Lancaster | Lancaster County, PA (@discover_lancaster)

Afternoon Adventures

Visit the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire for Yuletide festivities
Take a self-guided covered bridge tour through snow-dusted landscapes
Stop at the Amish Farm & House, The Amish Village, or The Amish Experience for a glimpse into Amish way of life
Hop aboard a steam locomotive at Strasburg Rail Road - offering special Christmas trains during the holiday season
Take your family to Lancaster's Kingdom for kids - Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park
Step back in time at one of the many historic locations or museums - there's sure to be one that peaks your interest!
Treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon at one of Lancaster's premier spas
Taste locally-made wines at beautiful vineyards and wineries

More Things to Do

Evening Entertainment

Book tickets to one of Lancaster’s celebrated holiday shows:

The 2025 Christmas Show: Deck the Halls | American Music Theatre | November 7 - December 30
Elf The Musical | Fulton Theatre | November 21 - December 28
Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn | Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre | November 7 - December 28
Illumination | Prima | November 21 - December 23
The Christmas Candy Caper | Bird-in-Hand Stage | October 30 - December 27
Winter Wonderland | Magic & Wonder Dinner Theatre | October 28 - December 20
Holly Jolly Jukebox | Magic & Wonder Dinner Theatre | November 6 - January 3
Christmas in Perfect Harmony | The Barn at Paradise Station | November - December
A Christmas Carol | Servant Stage | November 7 - December 21
The Hunchback of Notre Dame | Ephrata Performing Arts Center | December 5 - December 21

Upcoming Show Schedule

Special Events

From Christmas Villages and Tree lightings, to festivals and visits with Santa - find all of the festive events happening in Lancaster!

Find Events

Sunday: Brunch & Getaway Day Fun

Top Brunch Spots in Lancaster

Rachel’s Café & Creperie, Lancaster City
Per Diem, Lititz
Shot and Bottle, Lancaster City
Speckled Hen Coffee, Strasburg

More Brunch Spots

Last-Minute Stops

There are plenty of things to do in Lancaster County on Sundays! Although many of the Amish-owned businesses are closed, there are many things to do, see, and explore on the final day of your trip!

Pick up baked goods and other locally made treats to indulge during the holidays - these items make great gifts too!
Stretch your legs before the road trip home with a winter hike on pristine trails that border the Susquehanna River, farmland, or take you through forests
Escape the cold weather for 52 degrees when you tour Indian Echo Caverns - a limestone cave formed by the erosive properties of water
Head to Lancaster Ice Rink during their public skate hours
Learn how ice cream and teas are made at the interactive Turkey Hill Experience - you can even create your own ice cream flavor in the taste lab!

More Things to do on Sundays

Travel Tips & Local Hacks

Bring your own vehicle: Lancaster County is geographically large and spread out. A personal vehicle is the most reliable way to explore both downtown and the countryside.

Reserve in advance: Holiday shows and light displays often sell out. Book tickets and lodging early.

Shop smart: Be aware of weekend and holiday hours to ensure you get to visit each shop on your list!

Capture the magic: Many locations have Instagram-worthy displays and decor - don’t forget to tag @discover_lancaster

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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.

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