Things to Do this February in Lancaster, PA

From Valentine’s Day to Fasnacht Day, there’s plenty to do in Lancaster this February for both locals and visitors alike. Turn up the romance with a date night at one of our theaters or special events, or skip the chilly weather and spend some time being active with one of our many indoor adventures. With events for the whole family, this is your guide to some of the best happenings in town.

Arts & Culture

It may be chilly outside, but the theatres in Lancaster, PA are warm and ready to entertain. Book your tickets for one (or two) of the great shows on stage this February. The Play that Goes Wrong is taking over the main stage at the Fulton Theatre, and Murder on the Orient Express is showing at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre!

An activity that includes painting & wine can make for a romantic date night or fun day-out with the gals. Painting with a Twist guides you step-by-step as you create a masterpiece. BYOB to the studio or order to Twist at Home kits to bring the studio to you!

Valentine’s Day Plans

Grab your sweetheart, gal pals or family and head to Kitchen Kettle Village for the Spread the Love Tasting Tour! Receive generous samples and personalized service, as well as bites of history about the Village on this self-guided tasting experience throughout the Village. It makes the perfect Valentine's Day treat.

There is lots to do in Lancaster for Valentine's Day, start planning your celebration today!

Commemorate Black History Month

Take a tour with LoKal Experiences to commemorate Black History Month. Many great events celebrating the lives of African-Americans living in Lancaster are happening soon! Check out Of Light and Legacy and live performance to ode the late Nina Simone, Birds Flyin’ High.

See Sanctuary Road, hosted by Lancaster History, watch an opera based on the writings of William Still, a conductor for the Underground Railroad, who helped almost 800 slaves escape to freedom and who meticulously and passionately documented many of their lives in his memoir, The Underground Railroad Records.

Explore Your Own Backyard

Book a Bed & Breakfast to cozy up in this winter in Lancaster. Curl up by the fire with a loved one, cozy up in a blanket, and read a good book, enjoy slow and simple conversations, or just listen to the silence. There is plenty to do for date night in Lancaster, PA to enjoy a full weekend with your sweetheart!

Lancaster has grown and developed exponentially over the past several years. If you've lived here you're whole life, chances are that there is something new to explore right in your own backyard. Visit our Lancaster Staycation page to find weekday and weekend itineraries that curated for families, couples, and outdoor adventurers!

At the Middlecreek Wildlife Management Area, you can see snow geese as they make their annual stop in Lancaster County as they head back up north. Their arrival is unpredictable, but you can generally see them from the beginning to the middle of March

Special Events

Head to Lititz from February 17th - 26th for the Lititz Fire & Ice Festival where the community gathers for ice sculpture displays and a family-friendly festival. It’s also a great time of year to experience the shopping offerings in the charming small town. Start the event early on February 16th with Winter’s Coolest Night Out, a ticketed special launch party for the Fire & Ice Festival, sponsored by Luther Acres. There will be live ice carving, live musical entertainment, and a viewing of our Local Eyes Photography Exhibit. _{Purchase Tickets Here}

Join the Strasburg Rail Road for a month of fun and unique events!

• Try a variety wine & cheese pairings as you travel to Paradise, PA onboard the Wine & Cheese Train select Fridays & Saturdays.
• Learn the long-time “curse of the Bobber”, and try to escape the turn-of-the-century back to 2023 on this 60-minute Escape Room on the Train on select Fridays & Saturdays.
• On February 10th & 11th, take a ride The Elegant Express, where you will enjoy a sophisticated and romantic dining experience on either the Henry K. Long or Lee E. Brenner Dining Cars. Indulge in a select menu prepared by the Executive Chef and Sous Chef of Café 1832 and personally presented by a member of the Café’s Executive Team.
• On February 18th, take an open-air ride onboard the Long John Limited.

Celebrate Groundhogs Day on February 2nd with Manheim Township! There will be arts and crafts, hot chocolate, light refreshments, music, and an appearance and photo opportunities with the Manheim Township Recreation Groundhog mascot.

Head to Nissley Vineyards now through February 26th for Fire & Spice. Enjoy wine tastings, local craft beers, meats & cheeses, a seasonal cocktail, games and more. On Saturday afternoons, expect live music to chase those winter blues away.

February 4th is National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day and some of Lancaster's ice cream shops and creameries are offering special hours to make sure you can celebrate! Call ahead or visit their social media to confirm participation and hours.

Towards the tail end of February, mud sales will begin popping up around Lancaster county. The sales are your one-stop-shop to find unique items, delicious foods, interact with the Amish Community, and support your local fire companies!

Tuesday, February 21st is Fasnacht Day! Visit one of our local bakeries to get yours!

Spend Some Time Indoors

If the weather gets too cold for outdoor activities, there's plenty of indoor fun to be had! Lancaster has kid friendly indoor activities and a lot of things to do on cold days for people of all ages.

Bundle Up & Get Outdoors

Venture out to one of the scenic trails in Lancaster County. The wide-range of distances and types can fill the entire month of hiking, biking, or running outdoors without taking the same route twice. Need to get the kiddos out of the house? Lancaster County Central Park hosts kid-friendly programs that are the perfect combination of education and fun!

However you choose to spend your time in Lancaster this February, you'll be sure to have fun all month long!