posted Oct 12, 2026

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.

Book your trip

Pictured: Strasburg Rail Road

Credit: Gabe McMullen

afternoon check-in

Day One

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.

MORE PLACES TO STAY

evening dining

Day One

There are restaurants all across Lancaster County where you can enjoy holiday lights and eat delicious comfort food. Here are a few dinner options depending on what you're in the mood for:

PA Dutch Restaurants

Miller's Restaurant, Smorgasbord & Bakery

2811 Lincoln Highway East, Ronks
Near many Lancaster County attractions, like Kitchen Kettle Village, and serves up a variety of foods like roast beef, mashed potatoes, soups, salads, and more.

Hershey Farm Grand Smorgasbord

240 Hartman Bridge Rd, Strasburg
Try classic Pennsylvania Dutch entrees, such as ham balls and chicken pot pie, as well as modern dishes like freshly carved prime rib or lemon pepper chicken!

Dienner's Country Restaurant

2855 Lincoln Hwy East, Ronks
A Lancaster County classic, located in Ronks, PA. Head on over to try their lunch and dinner buffets, or order their daily specials and platters from the menu.

MORE PA DUTCH RESTAURANTS

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Romantic Fireside Dinner

Fireside Tavern

1500 Historic Drive, Strasburg
A cozy and casual dining experience in Strasburg, PA. Try their famous tomato bisque, wings, or one of their dozens of menu items.

Lititz Springs Inn

14 East Main Street, Lititz
Dating back to 1764, Lititz Springs Inn has welcomed guests for over 250 years. The Inn’s restaurant, where guests can enjoy refined dining in a historic setting.

The Log Cabin

11 Lehoy Forest Drive, Leola
The Log Cabin is a Lancaster County classic. Known for their upscale dining and bar this is the perfect place for a cozy, romantic date-night

Smokehouse BBQ and Brews at Plain & Fancy Farm

3121 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand
Located at the Plain & Fancy Farm among the Amish Experience and Aaron & Jessica's Buggy Rides, Smokehouse BBQ has smoked brisket, platters, and a large selection of brews.

MORE RESTAURANTS WITH FIRE PLACES

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Fine Dining Restaurants

The Belvedere Inn

402 North Queen Street, Lancaster
Enjoy warm, elegant atmosphere with award‑winning American dishes.

Osteria Avanti

38 Deborah Drive, Leola
Rustic Italian cuisine paired with selections from an award‑winning wine list.

Lombardo's Restaurant

216 Harrisburg Ave, Lancaster
Savor homemade Italian dishes, a bottle of wine, and warm hospitality at this longtime Lancaster restaurant dating to 1946.

401 Prime

401 North Prince Street, Lancaster
Luxury modern city steakhouse in downtown Lancaster.

MORE FINE DINING OPTIONS

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Family-Friendly Restaurants

Gracie's on West Main

264 W Main Street, Leola
Voted Best Breakfast in Lancaster several years in a row, Gracie’s offers exceptional American diner and comfort food and they even have an entire bacon portion of their menu!

BJ's Pit Stop Bar & Grill

3504 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse
Bright décor and car-themed details make BJ's Pit Stop Bar & Grill in Intercourse a hit with kids. Located above Barry’s Car Barn, it serves crowd-pleasing burgers, pizzas, and wings in a casual, family-friendly space.

Casey Jones' Restaurant

312 Paradise Lane, Ronks
Located at the Red Caboose Motel, you can dine onboard an original dining car that road the rails in the early 1900s, and offers breakfast, lunch and dinner!

Shady Maple Smorgasbord

129 Toddy Drive, East Earl
Known for the largest buffet in the USA, Shady Maple Smorgasbord’s breakfasts are no exception. You can stack your plate at the buffet or visit a made-to-order station for specialty waffles and pancakes or omelets made just how you like them. You can even eat FREE on your birthday!

MORE KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS

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night

Day One

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

Stone Gables Estate

1 Hollinger Ln, 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

650 N Prince St, Lancaster
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

455 Camp Rd, 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

Shop, Explore & See a Show

Day Two

Lancaster Central Market

23 North Market Street, Lancaster
Shop local gifts, snacks, and holiday treats at America's oldest farmer's market

Kitchen Kettle Village

3529 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse
Explore 42+ shops and eateries while enjoying carolers, free samples, and charming village vibes

300 Block of North Queen

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

Artisan Mill Company

813 Rothsville Rd, Lititz & 35 S Willowdale Dr #1709, 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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Afternoon

Day Two

Visit the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire for Yuletide festivities.

Try the new festive escape room, inspired by a classic Christmas movie, at Escape. On Queen.

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 piques 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

Day Two

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

Annie

Fulton Theatre | November 20 - December 31
Tomorrow is only a day away. Based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, Annie has become a worldwide phenomenon and was the winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

Holly Jolly Holiday

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre | November 13 - January 3
Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season with this original holiday musical extravaganza sure to make you merry. The halls are decked with holly, so let the jolly festivities begin with lively dancing and singing to the yuletide tunes you know and love—along with a visit from Old St. Nick himself!

Illumination

Prima | November 20 - December 23
Step into the glow, where candlelight, harmony, and the beauty of the holiday season surround you. This intimate experience returns each year, newly imagined — beloved songs reborn in-the-round by radiant performers and rich live music.

The Christmas Rush

Bird-in-Hand Stage | October 30 – December 31
One store. One miracle. One unforgettable holiday musical.

Winter Wonderland

Magic & Wonder Dinner Theatre | November 8 - December 31
Join Brett and his cast in a heartwarming Christmas show this November and December. Family and friends of all ages will enjoy the illusions, comedy, costumes, and music in this spectacular production. This one-of-a-kind Christmas show fuses together the fun and wonderment of the Christmas season with comedy, dynamic circus arts, and grand illusions.

Holly Jolly Jukebox

Magic & Wonder Dinner Theatre | October 30 - December 20
Everybody gather around the yuletide jukebox as we put the "rock" around your Christmas tree! Get ready to tap your toes, clap your hands, and dance down the aisles to the greatest rock and roll renditions of all of your favorite holiday tunes.

Christmas in Perfect Harmony

The Barn at Paradise Station | November 11 - December 21
Half-part musical theater nostalgia, half-part take it to church worship concert, this original musical program features Perfect Harmony singing stunning original arrangements of favorite holiday classics.

Joy To The World

Servant Stage | November 6 - December 20
Celebrate the season with Joy To The World—a beloved return of Servant Stage’s original Christmas revue! Bursting with festive music, joyful dancing, and heartwarming moments, this spirited show features favorite carols and holiday classics from around the world.

Cinderella

Ephrata Performing Arts Center | December 4 - 20
Step into a world of magic, romance, and unforgettable music with Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella.

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

morning

Day Three

Rachel’s Café & Creperie

201 W Walnut Street, Lancaster
This French-inspired creperie is a Downtown Lancaster treasure with freshly made signature crepes, sides, and specialty drinks. Dine inside the eclectic café or outside on their covered patio.

Joe on the Go Coffee Co

1702 Lampeter Rd, Lancaster
Focused on atmosphere, food, and community, Joe on the Go Coffee Co is an elevated coffee shop experience ready to serve you.

W Donuts

805 Main St, Akron
There’s nothing better than having a doughnut and a coffee in the morning—and W Donuts proves it. Masterfully made Boston creams and glazed rings are a couple of the scrumptious bites at W Donuts.

Speckled Hen Coffee

141 E Main Street, Strasburg
Specializing in craft coffee and artisan food, Speckled Hen offers a delicious scratch-made menu featuring ingredients from local farms, served in a casual and welcoming environment.

More Brunch Spots

afternoon

Day Three

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

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•

Director of Marketing

Olivia is a Lancaster County native, born and raised in the small town of Manheim. She loves the variety that makes Lancaster so special, from its diverse food scene and vibrant downtown to the endless things to see and do throughout the county. She hopes visitors feel the same warm, welcoming spirit that has always made Lancaster feel like home. After traveling to seven countries and 30 U.S. states, Olivia finds that every trip gives her an even greater appreciation for her hometown. When she’s not traveling, she enjoys playing soccer, spending time with her seven nieces and nephews, and getting lost in a good book.

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