Things to do this Easter in Lancaster, PA

DISCLAIMER:
Many of our local events have been postponed or cancelled in an abundance of caution and following the statewide order of Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf prohibiting non-essential activity. We’re endeavoring to keep our event content up to date, but please double-check with local venues and businesses for their current operating schedule.

Easter Bunny Train

Strasburg Rail Road | April 10-12
Hop aboard the Easter Bunny Train at the Strasburg Rail Road. Welcome spring with a ride through beautiful farmland with Peter Cottontail as your conductor. Peter will delight boys and girls with an Easter surprise as he greets them on board this special train. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Easter Bunny Breakfast

Kitchen Kettle Village | April 4, 10 & 11
Visit Kitchen Kettle Village with your family and enjoy breakfast with the Easter Bunny and the Kitchen Kettle mascot, Yummie! The breakfast offers a delicious buffet featuring Lancaster County favorites. This special event fills up quickly, so be sure to reserve your spot. Children who attend can partake in a VIP egg hunt.

Bunny Village & Egg Hunts

Country Barn Market & Barnyard Kingdom | April 4, 5, 10 & 11
There are so many different activities at the Barnyard Kingdom to celebrate Easter. From riding through Bunny Village to see the Easter Bunny’s home, to egg hunts, or even breakfast with the Easter Bunny himself, little ones will be bouncing with joy throughout the day. Be sure to visit the baby bunnies, chicks, and other animals while you are there.

Queen Esther

Sight & Sound Theatres® | Check website for performance schedule
Experience one of the most riveting Bible stories of the Old Testament as it comes to life with magnificent sets, special effects and live animals in this brand-new, original stage production!

AACA Easter Egg Hunt

AACA Museum | April 4 & 11
Children can partake in a special Easter egg hunt through the AACA Museum. All kids 12 and under are free with a paying adult. Guests can hunt in a variety of “egg spots” and visit the Easter Bunny. All egg treats are provided by the Hershey Company. Be sure to bring your own basket.

Easter Brunch

If your family isn't keen on eating with the Bunny, there are plenty of restaurants around the county to visit for brunch. Review our list of the Best Weekend Brunch spots and be sure to look for special schedules, menus and deals on each restaurant’s website.

DID YOU KNOW:

The famous symbols of the egg and the rabbit during Easter trace back to Germany and the Pennsylvania Dutch are responsible for bringing these traditions to America.

Easter traditions in Germany date back to the 1500s and the Pennsylvania Dutch who immigrated to the United States continued the tradition of the Oschter Haws, or Easter Hare. If the children were good, the Easter Hare would lay colored eggs in the grass for them to discover. However, instead of baskets, the children would prepare special nests using their own bonnets or hats.

The custom did not catch on nationally until the early 1900s, for the idea of an egg laying rabbit was a rather hard sell to non-Germanics.

Source: Lancaster Newspaper, “Easter Bunny, like the Belsnickle, owes American roots to the Pa. Dutch”