Start your weekend by checking into your downtown Lancaster hotel and getting settled before an evening activities.
Take a stroll through the city's historic streets, admire the decorations around Penn Square, and stop at a local cafe for a warm drink.
Date: Friday, December 11, 2026 | Store hours vary
Get a head start on your Christmas shopping during Lancaster Shops Late! Downtown businesses extend their hours for this annual holiday shopping celebration, giving you extra time to browse boutiques, specialty shops, and unique gifts. Explore the shops along North Queen Street, discover local art on Gallery Row, and find one-of-a-kind presents while enjoying Lancaster's festive atmosphere.
Tip from a Local: Parking is free in Downtown Lancaster after 6 PM Monday – Saturday, and on Sundays.
Date: Friday, December 11, 2026 | 10 PM
Location: Penn Medicine Park, 650 North Prince Street
End your Friday with a little exercise at the Dashing Through the Lights 5K! Throw on your favorite Christmas outfit and run through the Christmas Spirit Light Show at Penn Medicine Park, home of the Lancaster Stormers. Prizes go to the best dressed, and every runner gets a beverage after the race.
Make an evening of it! Before the race, explore Santa's Ballpark featuring the Christmas Carnival, open from 5:30 – 10 PM. Stroll through Christmas Tree Lane, take free photos with Santa, and meet Elsa and Olaf, who are making a special appearance that evening! You can also check out the new Ride and Slide attractions, featuring a winter maze, inflatable mountain, and giant snow slide. Warm up with hot chocolate or enjoy treats from the ballpark's concession stands.
5K registration required. Tickets are $40 for returning runners and $45 for new runners. Packet pickup begins at 6 PM, and the race starts at 10 PM. Additional fees apply for select Christmas Carnival activities.
Start your Saturday with breakfast, brunch, or just a cup of coffee. Lancaster City has plenty of restaurants and cafes to enjoy.
Spend the afternoon enjoying a few more holiday experiences before the Santa Stumble kicks off.
Santa Claus is coming to downtown Lancaster! Stop by for a visit, share your wish list, and capture a holiday photo. Check the Santa in the City schedule for the day's location and visiting hours.
Holiday Shows at Fulton Theatre
Looking for an indoor activity? Catch a performance at the historic Fulton Theatre, where the 2026 holiday lineup includes Annie, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, and Ebenezer Scrooge's Big Lancaster Christmas Show. Check performance times and reserve tickets in advance.
Explore Lancaster's Local Shops & Galleries
Continue exploring downtown Lancaster's independently owned shops, art galleries, and specialty stores. Browse Gallery Row along North Prince Street or discover more unique gifts on North Queen Street.
Date: Saturday, December 12, 2026 | 4 PM – Midnight
Location: Participating bars throughout downtown Lancaster
It's time for the main event! Grab your friends, put on your most festive Christmas costume, and join the annual Lancaster Santa Stumble. This holiday tradition brings thousands of people together for an evening of costumes, nightlife, and giving back to the community.
Purchase a Santa Stumble button to enjoy waived cover charges at participating "Santa Friendly" bars throughout Lancaster City. The event also features a holiday costume contest with prizes, so don't be afraid to go all out with your outfit!
The best part? Your button purchase helps support local charitable causes through the Santa Stumble Fund at the Lancaster County Community Foundation.
Where & When to Pick Up Your Santa Stumble Button
Skip the lines on event day by picking up your button in advance! You can also purchase buttons with cash at these early pick-up events.
Santa Stumble Event Schedule
4 PM: The Santa Stumble begins! Explore participating downtown bars at your own pace.
7:30 PM: Costume contest participants should arrive at Tellus360.
8 PM: The holiday costume contest begins at Tellus360.
Midnight: The official Santa Stumble event concludes.
Participating Santa Friendly Bars
Make your way through downtown Lancaster and enjoy waived cover charges with your Santa Stumble button at participating bars, including:
Yorgos
Decades
The Fridge
Tellus360
Altana
The Imperial
House of Pizza
Stubby's
More participating bars may be added as the event approaches.
Your safety is a top priority! Please celebrate responsibly and plan ahead for a safe night out. Consider booking a hotel within walking distance of downtown Lancaster’s restaurants and bars, or use a rideshare service to get around safely.
After a busy Saturday night, take your time Sunday morning with a delicious brunch at one of Lancaster City's restaurants. Whether you're craving a hearty breakfast, fresh pastries, or a great cup of coffee, there are plenty of ways to start your last day in Lancaster.
Not ready for the weekend to end? Squeeze in one more Lancaster experience before heading home.
Discover Local Art
Stop by the Demuth Museum of Art to explore Lancaster's artistic heritage. Or, book a hands-on art class and create something unique for a holiday gift!
See a Holiday Performance
Catch a Sunday performance at Prima Theatre! It's a great way to wrap up your weekend with a little extra festive entertainment.
Experience Christmas Across Lancaster County
Lancaster County has so many special events and things to do to get you in the holiday spirit. Don't miss the chance to experience the magic while you're here!
Make the most of your holiday weekend by staying right in Lancaster City! Booking a downtown hotel means convenient access to shopping, dining, and the Santa Stumble without needing to drive between stops.
Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square
Holiday Inn Lancaster
Lancaster Arts Hotel
Cork Factory Hotel at Urban Place
Explore More Places to Stay in Lancaster City
Between holiday shopping, festive activities, and Saturday night's Santa Stumble, you'll want to make time to enjoy Lancaster City's food scene!
Southern Market
Perfect for groups who can't decide on one cuisine! This historic downtown food hall offers a variety of dining options and a lively gathering space.
Annie Bailey's Irish Public House
A downtown favorite for hearty pub fare, drinks, and a cozy atmosphere just steps from Penn Square.
Decades
Dinner and entertainment all in one place! Enjoy delicious food, creative cocktails, boutique bowling, and more than 40 retro arcade games at this unique downtown Lancaster restaurant and bar. It's a fun stop for groups looking to kick off their night out.
The Exchange
Take your night out to new heights at this rooftop bar and lounge atop the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square! Enjoy panoramic views of downtown Lancaster, handcrafted cocktails, wood-fired pizzas, and shareable plates in an upscale setting.
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650 North Prince Street Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17603 (717) 509-4487
12 North Prince Street Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17603 (717) 397-7425
66 N Queen Street Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17603 (717) 394-6977
438 N Queen St. Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17603 (717) 282-1421
26 East Chestnut Street Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17602 (717) 399-4040
120 E King St Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17602 (717) 299-9940
941 Wheatland Avenue, Suite A Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17603 (717) 327-5124
25 S Queen St Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17603 (717) 239-1600
100 S. Queen Street Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17603 (717) 517-3000
Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square, 25 South Queen Street Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17602 (717) 207-4096
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