posted Dec 11, 2025

Things to Do this Winter in Lancaster

Find things to do this Winter in Lancaster County.

Winter brings a wonderful mix of self reflection indoor adventures, and fun events that are enjoyable for families and couples alike. From excursions in the countryside and hands-on adventures, to exploring local shops and tasting locally grown foods, there's an adventure to be had in Lancaster, PA this winter!

Mud Sale

Lititz Fire & Ice

Shopping

Catch a Show

Try New Things

Outdoor Adventure

Things to Do

Strasburg Rail Road | Take a 45-minute ride on their steam locomotive

Museums for every interest | Trains and cars to art, clocks & watches and industry

Lancaster Science Factory | For kids that are into science

Leisure Lanes | Bowl with friends or family

Take a buggy ride | AAA Buggy Rides, Aaron & Jessica's Buggy Rides or Abe's Buggy Rides

Explore the many tours | LoKal Experiences and Unique Lancaster Experiences

Laserdome | Holographic theater, laser tag arena and arcade games!

Go ‘N Bananas | Bumper cars, ropes courses, and go-karts

Interactive experiences | Turkey Hill Experience to create your own ice cream flavor. Julius Sturgis for a pretzel twisting tutorial and to learn more about the oldest commercial pretzel bakery in America.

Things to do

Events This Winter

Dec 13 to Dec 20

Holly Jolly Jukebox

Magic & Wonder Dinner Theater 3065 Lincoln Hwy E Paradise, PA 17562 (717) 323-3077

Every Wednesday @ 2 PM, Friday @ 2 PM, and Saturdays @ 7 PM

Learn More

Dec 13 to Dec 27

The Christmas Candy Caper

Bird-in-Hand Stage 2760 Old Philadelphia Pike Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505 (717) 768-1507

Learn More

Dec 13 to Dec 19

Food Trivia Night — Gourmet Market Lancaster

Gourmet Market Lancaster 101 N Queen St #103 Lancaster , PA 17603 (717) 621-2181

Every Friday Evening from 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Learn More

Dec 13 to Jan 3, 2026

Magic & Wonder: Winter Wonderland

Magic & Wonder Dinner Theater 3065 Lincoln Hwy E Paradise, PA 17562 (717) 323-3077

Wednesdays @ 7 PM, Thursdays @ 2 PM, Friday @ 7 PM, and Saturdays @ 2 PM.

Learn More

Dec 13 to Dec 30

2025 Christmas Show at American Music Theatre

American Music Theatre 2425 Lincoln Hwy East Lancaster, PA 17602 (800) 648-4102

Learn More

Dec 13 to Dec 28

Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn

510 Centerville Road, Lancaster, PA 17601 (717) 898-1900

Learn More

Dec 13 to Dec 21

Christmas in Perfect Harmony

The Barn at Paradise Station 312 Paradise Lane Ronks, PA 17572 (717) 687-5000

Learn More

Dec 13 to Dec 24

Photos with Santa at Park City Center

Park City Center 142 Park City Center Lancaster, PA 17601

Learn More

Dec 13 to Dec 31

Dutch Winter Wonderland

Dutch Wonderland 2249 Lincoln Hwy E Lancaster, PA 17602 1-866-386-2839

Learn More

Dec 13 to Dec 24

Christmas Trains at Strasburg Rail Road

Strasburg Rail Road 301 Gap Road Strasburg, PA 17572 18667259666

Learn More

Mud Sales

Mud Sale season begins at the end of February – perfect for your end-of-winter getaway to Lancaster.

Grab your boots and head to one of these annual auctions, where you’ll find everything from quilts and antiques, to shrubbery and lawn equipment.

Learn more!

Lititz Fire & Ice

When the air gets cold, Lititz heats things up. The 2026 Lititz Fire & Ice Festival is winter’s coolest event, happening February 13-21, 2026.

Throughout our 10-day celebration, rotating sculptures placed throughout the town! Stop by the event and order at one of the local restaurants, peruse the quaint shops and boutiques and enjoy the masterfully crafted ice sculptures!

Fire & Ice Itinerary

Shopping

Outlet Shopping | Tanger Outlets and Shops at Rockvale offers a great selection of name brand stores.
Small Business Shopping | MadCap & Co, Sweetish, and more.
Vendor Markets | Prussian St Arcade, Artisan Mill, BUiLDiNG CHARACTER and Bird-in-Hand Artisan Village
Purchase a handmade Lancaster County quilt.
Grab a local coffee! Lancaster is home to over 70 coffee shops!

Unique Shopping

Try New Restaurants

Warm up by the fire as you indulge in a tasty dinner by one of Lancaster’s restaurants with fireplaces.

Brave the cold then grab a bite to eat with outdoor dining on a heated patio or in an igloo this winter.

Whether you are participating in dry January, or not head out to our local bars and distilleries to grab a drink!

If you prefer crafted brews, we have them too. Lots of local breweries have winter ales on tap stop by to try a few of our favorites.

Try New Restaurants

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Catch a Show

Clue The Musical | Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre | January 9 - February 10

Hadestown: Teen Edition | Ephrata Performing Arts Center | February 13 - 22

The 70s Experience | Prima | February 6 - February 22

Every Brilliant Thing | Fulton Theatre | January 16 - February 1

Agatha Christie's and Then There was None | Fulton Theatre | February 13 - March 8

Upcoming Shows

beer, sweets, scavenger hunts

Lancaster County Experiences

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

Try New Things

Get in touch with your artistic side | The PotteryWorks, Horst Arts or Painting with a Twist!
Learn how to throw clay or blow glass at Lancaster Creative Factory.
Make memories last this winter, book a session with The Creative Spaces of Kim Winey Photography.

Take an Art Class

Wander the aisles of our great farmers markets for fresh produce and delicious handmade delicacies.
Warm up your winter blues at one of our four seasons greenhouses.
The cold, dry air can do a number on your skin, so it’s the perfect time to treat yourself to a spa day.
One With Nature Forest Therapy helps relax and reconnect you with nature, yourself and your group or team members.

Try New Things

Outdoor Adventure

Climb high at Refreshing Mountain's ropes and obstacle course through Holiday lights.
Brave the cold, bundle up and head out onto a trail or hit a local park.
Experience Lancaster's Amish Heritage on a road trip around the county and explore over 25 covered bridges.

More Adventure

Find Adventure in 2026!

Get ready! Find all the best things to do, places to stay, where to eat, an events calendar, and exclusive coupons! Order the FREE 2026 Lancaster County Visitors Guide today!

ORDER NOW!

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Author

Tori•

Marketing Coordinator

Having lived in Lancaster for 3 years, Tori has a fresh perspective on the county and its experiences. She enjoys spending time outdoors, enjoying various international cuisines and participating in the many creative outlets Lancaster provides. Tori wants visitors to visit all the small towns that Lancaster County has to offer and find hidden gems along the way. Outside of work, Tori enjoys visiting unique coffee shops and cafes across the county.

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