Make the most of the holiday season with festive fun, cozy charm, and magical moments throughout Lancaster County.
Whether you're visiting for a family-friendly getaway, a romantic retreat, or simply looking to escape for a weekend of holiday cheer, Lancaster County offers some of the most memorable seasonal experiences in Pennsylvania. From twinkling lights and nostalgic train rides to boutique shopping and hidden gem experiences, here are must-do activities to add to your holiday itinerary.
Christmas Trains
Strasburg Rail RoadA Christmas tradition for 66 years continues at the historic Strasburg Rail Road. Choose from Santa’s Paradise Express, Night Before Christmas Train, or Santa Claus Limited. You can also have a Christmas Dinner with a special visit by Mrs. Claus!
Stroll through Terre Hill Christmas Park and see lighted walking trail, nativity display, visits with Santa, Christmas village, and more!
Prepare to be whisked away into a wondrous winter wonderland, where the magic of the holiday season comes alive amid a realm of fantastical characters, mouthwatering delicacies, and exquisite beverages.
Enjoy 10+ activities and 20+ rides at Dutch Winter Wonderland. Here's what's happening that make this holiday event more festive! Have cookies with Santa, explore Merlin’s Magical Forest, walk through illumination lane, dance around with Dutch WonderBand and Duke and sing a carol with Chris-Mouse!
Zipline through Lights
Refreshing MountainRefreshing Mountain is a year-round retreat and adventure center providing family-friendly outdoor activities and overnight getaways in Lancaster, PA. This holiday season, zipline 30 feet above the ground surrounded by Christmas lights!
Getting to choose and cut your own tree can be a wholesome activity and tradition to uphold. Enjoy the fresh air and hot cocoa with your loved ones, and make unforgettable memories. Here is a list of places where you can chop your own.
With so many things to do and places to be during the holiday season, it is nice to take a day to enjoy fresh air and hot cocoa with your loved ones and make unforgettable memories. Here's a short list of places to visit:
Experience the holidays in Lancaster County, PA with drive-thru light displays, tree lightings, small-town shopping, and all kinds of fun events!
Top Drive-Thru Holiday Light Shows
While you're driving through holiday light shows stop at Christmas Tree Lane at Penn Medicine Park. Take in 100 uniquely decorated trees!
Lancaster is home to many amazing theatres, check out some shows happening this month!
Don't miss out on seeing a concert in Lancaster! American Music Theatre hosts a ton throughout the year, and Mickey's Black Box, Lititz Shirt Factory and The Trust Performing Arts Center hosts a plethora of concerts.
Just outside of the county is Giant Center in Hershey, which hosts big-name acts.
Take the day and hang out and enjoy a playwright at Grenta Theatre or see a traditional movie at Reel Cinemas Lancaster!
SEE MORE UPCOMING SHOWS
There are more ways than just visiting holiday attractions. You can also start your holiday shopping early by checking out craft markets, outlet centers, and local businesses. Get into the Holiday spirit and pick up gifts early this year by exploring local craft markets and businesses.
Join The Lancaster County Brew Trail for free to access a local's guide to locally made craft beer, or join the Sweet & Salty Trail to find chocolates, donuts, soft pretzels and more.
Both trails are active until December 31, 2025.
When you've earned enough points, head over to the Discover Lancaster Visitors Center to pick up special prizes!
Discover the small towns and Downtown of Lancaster County with experiential scavenger hunts! All scavenger hunts are completely free to download and focused on one town in Lancaster County.
More Experience Passes
Whether you're visiting for a romantic retreat, family adventure, or peaceful solo escape, Lancaster County is the perfect destination for a holiday getaway. From downtown hotels glowing with Christmas lights to countryside inns decked out in garlands and trees, these stays add something extra to the season.
Craving the flavors of Lancaster County? Look no further! Our recipes will bring a taste of Pennsylvania to your kitchen. From Pennsylvania Dutch Chicken Pot Pie, Red Beet Eggs, Shoofly Pie, Whoopie Pies, and more!
Since its founding in 1729, Lancaster has had a rich and varied history. On September 27, 1777 Lancaster hosted the Second Continental Congress and was even the U.S. capital for one day! Lancaster County also played a key role in helping freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad. Here are historical events that are happening around the county this month.
This free experience allows locals and visitors to step back in time and learn about the history of grain milling and early rural family life at the Mascot Roller Mills and Ressler Family Home. It's a great place to take the kids and have them get hands-on learning experience.
Join The Felted Fox for their Free Afternoon Crafts and their Free Storytime & Crafts! The Felted Fox is acozy craft shop offering a selection of craft kits, yarn, supplies, and charming handmade gifts.
Head into Lancaster City for First Friday! Peruse local shops and galleries, and be wowed by live music and entertainment. On First Fridays, the Lancaster Science Factory offers their over 70 exhibits for free for K-8.
We the People First Friday features community-centered performances and exhibits that represent the great mosaic of Lancaster and beyond with genres as diverse as our nation! FREE and open to the public.
Similarly, you can head to the small town of Manheim for First Thursday and head to downtown Lititz for Second Saturdays, or Elizabethtown for Second Fridays.
Head to Ephrata for the Mainspring's 4th Wednesday Happy Hour! Enjoy live music and food trucks; bring friends, family, and neighbors! If you can't make it on Wednesday then head to for their First Saturday.
Join the Artisan Mill Co. at The Shops @ Rockvale for their First Saturday events each month.Shop over 170 small businesses in their store!
Lancaster County Christmas & Holiday Events
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