The holidays are upon us, and even if there’s not a snowflake in sight, Lancaster County turns into a winter wonderland for all this time of year. From caroling to hot chocolate to outdoor explorations among Christmas lights — there’s something for everyone to find joy in this holiday season.

“The holiday season in Lancaster County is truly special, and it’s a time of incredible activity,” said Joel Cliff, Director of Communications at Discover Lancaster. “About ten years ago, we brought everything together in one place on our website, and even we were amazed at how much is happening here during the holidays — from theater performances and local attractions to shopping and unique events.

Our Pennsylvania German heritage adds a rich layer to the season, as we are home to some of the earliest Christmas traditions in the U.S. In fact, one of the first written references to the Christmas tree in America dates back to the 1820s in Lancaster County. Christmas here is all about family, tradition, and festivity.”

To help book your calendar (and keep the kids busy!), Discover Lancaster has rounded up a comprehensive list of winter and holiday events to incorporate into your schedule.

Christmas Lights and Trees Aplenty

Whether you want to stay bundled up in the warmth of your car or zipline through the trees to admire the Christmas lights, you have your pick of choices.

At Refreshing Mountain, the adrenaline junkie can take the “high road” among the trees while others can stay closer to the ground on the walking path. After the adventure, you can stop by the café for a cup of hot cocoa and a treat. There’s fun for the whole family at this outdoor paradise.

Several other walking path and drive-thru options include: 

• Stone Gables Estate: Make sure to ride on the Santa Express or grab a seat at the table for Christmas Dinner at The Star Barn Village.
• Greenfield Park: Walk or drive through Greenfield Park and marvel at the beautiful holiday lights wrapped around trees. It is the perfect place to take the kids, and it’s free!
• Christmas Spirit Light Show, Clipper Magazine Stadium: Couple your drive through the Christmas Spirit Light Show with a warm holiday drink from one of Lancaster’s coffee shops.

If you’re looking to fill your home with the sweet smell of pine, consider heading to one of these locations to find your perfect tree:

• Bowser’s Christmas Tree Farm (551 Stauffer Rd., Lititz)
• Country Barn (211 Donerville Rd., Lancaster)
• Elizabeth Farms (262 Hopeland Rd., Lititz)
• Miller’s Christmas Tree Farm (470 Trail Rd. N., Elizabethtown)

Shopping and Events Galore

Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season on Dec. 6 in Lancaster City’s Ewell Plaza with the cherished downtown tradition of Tuba Christmas, plus an outdoor holiday arts market, where you can discover unique handmade treasures amidst a backdrop of twinkling lights and joyful melodies.

These and other wondrous experiences can be had during “Lancaster City for the Holidays,” including visits with Santa, festive music and décor, and distinctive city retailers.

If you still are looking for an item on someone’s wish list, you can always explore the many outlet stores at both Tanger and Rockvale for great deals and hard-to-find items.

And while you’re in the area, don’t miss out on the gift that is Pennsylvania’s Dutch Country at holiday time, where you can:

• Sing along with yuletide favorites old and new during American Music Theatre’s 2024 Christmas Show – Joy to the World, Frozen at Fulton Theatre, or White Christmas at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre. 
• Marvel at the creativity and variety of shopping “finds” while strolling through the county’s charming towns and villages.
• Ride with childlike wonder at Dutch Winter Wonderland or on the Christmas trains at Strasburg Rail Road.
• Revel in local, seasonal cheer during Kitchen Kettle Village’s Christmas fun, or learn about Pennsylvania’s German yuletide heritage with Landis Valley Village’s Belsnickle Experience.
• Get festive with two fun events from the Amish Farm & House: the Amish Christmas Cookie Tour and Santa & Goats.
• Delight in the period decorations and stories of “Yuletide at Wheatland” as you see and hear how Christmas was celebrated throughout the home of U.S. President James Buchanan.

The full list of seasonal, winter activities in Lancaster County is truly remarkable, and Cliff particularly notes special events such as the Carol Sing-Along at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum, held on Dec.13.

“As the holiday season unfolds, one of the most heartwarming traditions in Lancaster County is the Carol Sing-Along at Landis Valley Village,” said Cliff. “This free event invites the community to come together around a roaring bonfire, enjoy an hour or more of caroling, and share in the joy of the season. Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food donation to help those in need, reminding us that even during challenging times, the spirit of giving can make a big difference.”

Find more ways to enjoy the holiday season at Discover Lancaster.