posted Dec 13, 2024

Top Things to Do in Lancaster, PA this January

•Updated: January 13, 2025•

Find free, indoor, and exciting things to do in Lancaster this month!

Start the New Year off right with a fun-filled January in Lancaster County. Seek out new experiences or invoke nostalgia of growing up in Lancaster by revisiting places you haven't been to in a while. There are so many things to do this winter, so bundle up, take-in the cool air, and enjoy!

Unique Events

Fun Activites

Art Classes

Kid-approved

See a Show

Unique One-Time Events

We all need a break from the rush of events, visiting family, and the excitement that December brings. January is here to help us return to our daily routines. However, if you're still looking for something to do, here are some unique events happening this month that could add some spice to your visit.

2025 Pennsylvania Farm Show | Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center | January 4 - 11
Americana Duo "Goldpine" | Lititz Shirt Factory | January 10
Lancaster Symphony Orchestra FREE Open Rehearsal | Gardner Theater | January 16
Lez Zeppelin Performs Physical Grafitti | Mickey's Black Box | January 24
Layer the Walls: Midcentury | Winter Visual & Performing Arts Center | January 25

More Events

Fun-Filled January

Too cold to enjoy the outside? Well, you're in luck, Lancaster has loads of indoor fun!

From escape rooms to indoor adventure parks, here's a small list of indoor fun in Lancaster County, PA:

New year, new you! Spend the day shopping at Tanger Outlets or Kitchen Kettle Village to find some new pieces for your closet and freshen up your style. For more one-of-a-kind items, visit one of Lancaster's many independent boutiques in our smalls towns & downtown.

Indoor Fun

If you're adventurous at heart, and "the cold never bothered you anyway" then head out on a hike or bike ride! We have many trails open year-round, like the Northwest River Trail, perfect for biking and walking.

Looking for a snowy activity then head out to, one of the most popular winter attractions in Central PA is AvalancheXpress Snow Tubing. Bundle up and beat your family’s cabin fever by heading over to the hills for some great outdoor fun.

Refreshing Mountain is a year-round destination with adrenaline-pumping experiences in store. Try ziplining, the elevated obstacle course, the giant swing, and more! If being suspended 30+ feet in the air doesn't get you excited, there's still something for you at Refreshing Mountain. Visit their Wildlife Center or Farm Animal Experience to interact with all types of common and uncommon animals!

The Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania offers refuge to over 50 gray wolves and wolf dogs, safely housed in spacious, natural enclosures. Take a full moon tour and see how wolves act during that time of the month. Or, take a regular tour of the sanctuary, for a unique and possibly once-in-a-life encounter with wolves.

Take a tour with Unique Lancaster Experiences! Take an International Food Tour, and explore the food and history of Downtown Lancaster on a guided walking tour. Interested in going off on your own with a group of family or friends, take their Lancaster City Scavenger Hunt! Visit up to 20 local shops and historical sites with an activity planned for you at each location

Outdoor Adventures

Take An Art Class

If you haven't made your New Year's resolutions yet, or looking to add to your list, then try out a new hobby! Whether you're looking to explore the outdoors, learn about Lancaster's rich history, or develop your creative passion, we have it in Lancaster, PA.

Engage with your inner artist at Painting with a Twist. Bring your beverage of choice and the studio will provide all of the art materials you'll need to create a masterpiece. Instead of painting on canvas, why not try painting on a ceramic piece At The Pottery Works you can do just that. Pick a piece that speaks to you and then paint to your heart's desire.

Attend an event at Horst Arts and get into the crafty spirit! Located in Manheim, you can take a class where you create a junk journal, string art, a collaged sign and so much more!

Take a class at Lancaster Creative Factory, where you can take a variety of classes ranging from making mugs, bowls, and plates, to hand-building with clay, blowing glass, and even date night classes!

Visit Gallery Row, located along Prince Street in Downtown Lancaster, and other galleries scattered around the city. As you wander the row, take in the gorgeous works in the windows and find that perfect piece for your home or gift. Local artists take inspiration from a variety of subjects - from the local landscape to faraway places.

Discover More

Discover New Restaurants

Many of the restaurants in Lancaster change their food and drink menus seasonally to feature local ingredients that are currently being harvested.

You might wonder, what can be harvested in January? There is a lot! Root vegetables such as beets, potatoes, and carrots are all in season and make for delicious, hearty dishes to share. Whether you are looking for fine dining, an international fair, or a warming PA Dutch meal, Lancaster County has got you covered.

If you're willing to brave the cold this winter, there are plenty of great options for outdoor dining. Restaurants in Lancaster have found creative ways to keep their guests warm and cozy while safely seating them outside.

Kid-approved Activities

Lancaster is a kid's dream come true in terms of fun-filled activities and kid-friendly events. Explore what's happening in January for families to enjoy!

and so many more!

If you or your child loves trains then Lancaster County is the perfect place for you! Take a day and explore Traintown, U.S.A, and the Railroad Museum of PA to see engine locomotives up close! When you're done exploring the history of trains, take a ride on one at the Strasburg Rail Road! Conveniently located only 5 minutes away from each other!

Take your kids on a winter adventure that will make them feel like they're on a summer vacation! Many hotels around Lancaster County have indoor pools that you can enjoy all year round. You can plan a mini-vacation, spend a night or two, and have fun enjoying an indoor pool.

Book Your Stay

Upcoming Shows

Murder For Two | Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre | January 17 – February 22
A zany blend of a classical musical comedy and madcap mystery. A small town policeman dreams of becoming a detective. One night, a great American novelist is murdered and the nearest detective over an hour away. Can this small town policeman prove his sleuthing skills? Two actors play 13 roles in this hilarious murder mystery. One investigates, the other plays each of the 12 suspects…and both play the piano!

Don't miss out on seeing a concert in Lancaster! American Music Theatre hosts a ton throughout the year, and Mickey's Black Box hosts a plethora of concerts. Just outside of the county is Giant Center in Hershey.

Upcoming Shows

Free Things To Do

Whether you’re planning some free fun ahead of time or are looking for a quick way to fill a few hours while you’re here, we’ve rounded up a list of Lancaster’s free attractions, outdoor spots, and events for your morning, afternoon, or evening. You’ll be surprised at just how easy it is to find free things to do in Lancaster, PA.

All Things Free

Find Adventure in 2025!

Get ready! Our new, 2025, Visitor Guide will be coming out soon! The FREE 2025 Lancaster County Visitors Guide to explore things to do, places to stay, where to eat, an events calendar, and exclusive coupons! Pre-order yours today!

Pre-ORDER NOW!

Pictured: Lancaster Balloon Rides

Credit: @jerzeedrones