15 min read

The 2023 Guide to Family Christmas Activities in Lancaster

By: Amanda Witherow | November 8, 2022

Topics: Lancaster Living

Cold weather and warm drinks. Decked halls and trimmed trees. Cheerful music and colorful lights. Christmas time is here again! Whether you want to take your family to visit Santa, participate in Christmas-themed events, or find your perfect tree, Lancaster, PA has it all.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! It can also be one of the more stressful times of the year. Between the shopping, cookie-making, holiday parties, and family gatherings, the holiday season can be over in the blink of an eye—and all of a sudden you realize you never stopped to enjoy it!

Take a break from all the hustle and bustle and enjoy the many merry and bright happenings of Christmas in Lancaster County.

 

Bright Lights


 

Christmas Spirit Light Show at Clipper Magazine Stadium

Link to Website

Enjoy this one-of-a-kind Christmas light display from the comfort of your own vehicle. As you journey through their mile-long track, you will be immersed and surrounded by hundreds of thousands of color-changing lights, animated and dancing in harmony with your favorite Christmas classics that you access through their radio station.

  • Open November 24–December 31
  • Sunday–Thursday; 5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
  • Friday–Saturday; 5:30 p.m.–10:30p.m.

 

Koziar’s Christmas Village

Link to Website

Help Koziar celebrate their 75th season! Step inside Koziar’s Christmas Village and bask in the beauty of a valley glowing with over a million Christmas lights.

  • Open November 4–January 1
  • Check website for times as they change as the season progresses

 

A Christmas Light Winter Wonderland at Refreshing Mountain

Link to Website

If you’re looking for more adventurous ways to see lights, make your way to Refreshing Mountain. Zipline or swing your way through the lights or challenge yourself with multiple light-filled obstacles. For your less adventurous family members, climb atop the observation deck, visit the wildlife center, or take a stroll through their newly expanded walk-thru donation area. No matter what, there is a wide variety of ways to see the lights!

  • Thursdays–Sundays, November 24–January 7
  • 4:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m.

Hershey Sweet Lights presented by T-Mobile at Hersheypark

Link to Website

A winter wonderland awaits at Hershey Sweet Lights! Enjoy nearly 600 illuminated, animated displays from the comfort of your car as you drive through 2 miles of wooded trails.

  • Select dates November 10–January 1
  • 5:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

Christmas Light Drive-Thru at Stone Gables Estate

Link to Website

Celebrate the traditions and true meaning of Christmas with your loved ones from the comfort of your vehicle. Experience a 3-mile Christmas Light Drive-Thru which features over 600,000+ brilliant LED lights. 

  • Select dates November 24–December 29
  • Tuesday–Thursday; 5:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
  • Friday–Saturday; 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.

Herr's Christmas Lights Display

Link to Website

This free drive-thru light display is open from dusk to dawn! Drive through their corporate campus and take in the sight of over 600,000 dazzling lights. 

  • November 22–January 2
  • 5:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m.

Mayor's Tree Lighting

Link to Website

Visit downtown Lancaster for the tree lighting! Enjoy live entertainment, see the arrival of Santa, and view the magical tree lighting.

  • November 24
  • 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

 

Santa Sightings


 

Santa Express at Stone Gables Estate

Link to Website

Enjoy a magical and narrated train excursion and Christmas experience through the center of Stone Gables Estate on the Harrisburg, Lincoln & Lancaster Railroad. Sing along with favorite Christmas tunes, light up when Santa makes a surprise visit, and enjoy a stop at the North Pole in the Engine House.

  • Pre-Registration ONLY: All tickets must be purchased online before visiting.
  • Friday, November 24
  • Saturdays, November 25 and December 2, 9, 16
  • Tuesday-Saturday December 19–23

Breakfast with Santa at Country Barn

Link to Website

Enjoy a Farm-to-Fork buffet breakfast in an historic barn. After breakfast, Santa and his elves will be there to hear your Christmas wish list. Have your photo taken with Santa, which is included with every adult ticket! 

  • November 25, 26
  • December 2, 3, 9, 10
  • Seating Times: 9:00 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 10:30 a.m.
  • All tickets must be purchased in advance. 

Santa's Jolly Lodge at Dutch Wonderland

Link to Website

Visit Santa at his North Pole cabin for a photo-op, then join Mrs. Claus for Storytime!

  • Select Nights November 18-January 1

Santa's Trains at Strasburg Railroad

Link to Website

The Strasburg Railroad offers many Christmas-themed trains during the holiday season. You have TWO opportunities to see Santa!

 

Santa Claus Limited

This is their regular 45-minute steam excursion, but with Santa Claus on board! The property is decorated for Christmas.

  • November 1
  • December 1, 6-8, 13-15, 18-22

 

Santa’s Paradise Express

Santa himself will climb aboard the historic steam train to greet families as they travel down the tracks to Paradise, PA and back. As a special treat, children ages 11 and under will receive a gift from Santa and his helper during this 45-minute steam train ride. (multiple cars to choose from, including a brunch car!)

  • November 24-26
  • Saturdays & Sundays, December 2-24

Santa in the City

Link to Website

The Lancaster City Bureaus of Fire and Police will escort Santa through Lancaster City as he visits downtown and the neighborhoods.

  • December 8 , 9, and 16


Festive Fun


 

Stone Gables

Link to Website

 

National Christmas Center (Stone Gables)

Until its permanent home is ready, you can now enjoy seeing over 18,000 square feet of nostalgic Christmas décor in lights, trees, stores, and more at the interim National Christmas Center which is housed a short distance from Stone Gables Estate. Seventeen-foot-tall, real-life buildings with artistic architectural features depict the streets of Columbia, Pennsylvania as they were in the 1950’s. 

  • Tuesdays–Saturdays, starting November 24–December 29
  • 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.


Christmas Dinner and a Show at The Star Barn (Stone Gables)

Add a little more “merry and bright” to the Christmas season and enjoy dinner and live Christmas music in the historic Star Barn. The Star Barn will be festively decorated for the season, showcasing a large Nativity, Christmas trees, and more. 

  • December 5 and 7, 2023 - Husband and wife singing and performing duo from Servant Stage, Matthew and Brianna Wilhelm.
  • December 12, 13, and 14, 2023 - Third Space Theatre presents “Tis The Season” - a beautiful mix of music, theatre, and dance.
  • December 19, 20, and 21, 2023 - World-renowned Irish tenor, Mark Forrest.
  • December 27 and 28, 2023 - Lancaster County’s Perfect Harmony, featuring vocalists and actors Kat Prickett, Sarah Poague, and Ric Zimmerman.
  • Visit website for information about times

The Christmas Village (Stone Gables)

Make it a Christmas to remember at The Christmas Village at Stone Gables Estate. Enjoy the sights, smells, tastes, and sounds of Christmas as you stroll the market and visit historic barns and other structures at Stone Gables Estate, each beautifully decorated for Christmas.

  • Saturdays, December 9, 16, and 23
  • 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

 

Christmas Candylane at Hersheypark

Link to Website

Decorated with over 5 million lights, celebrate the holiday season at the sweetest place on earth. Enjoy select holiday rides and coasters, and visit Santa and his reindeer (November 19–December 24). Learn more about Hershey at a festive tree-lined trail at The Boardwalk.

  • Select dates November 10–January 1
  • 5:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

Winter Wonderland at Dutch Wondeland

Link to Website

Visit the park as it is transformed into a Winter Wonderland! You can enjoy over 20 rides and attractions, meet Santa, and marvel at thousands of holiday lights!

  • Select dates November 18–January 1
  • 3:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.

Christmas on the Farm at The Country Barn

Link to Website

Enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas on the Farm at Barnyard Kingdom! The Country Barn will have giant slides, fire pits, barnyard animals, trikes, a straw pyramid, elf scavenger hunt, hedge maze, and more! Train rides to their Christmas Tree Fields (on a real train!) for U-Cut Trees are included with your admission!

  • November 25, 26
  • December 2, 3, 9, and 10

 

Night Before Christmas at Strasburg Railroad

Link to Website

Enjoy a Christmas story train ride. This special train recreates the excitement and anticipation of Christmas Eve. Clement Clarke Moore’s classic poem, A Visit from St. Nicolas (better known as ''Twas the Night Before Christmas), comes alive as the train rolls along.

  • December 8-10 and 15-23

Polar Bear Express at Middletown and Hummelstown Railroad

Link to Website

Hop aboard the Polar Express and take a trip to remember to the North Pole. The Conductor shares a special Christmas story with the children. At the North Pole, Santa will board the train with a gift for every child (infant through 11 years).

  • November 24, 25
  • Saturdays and Sundays, December 2–18

Christmas Village in Bird-in-Hand

Link to Website

Visit Bird-in Hand for two days of good food and family-fun activities to ring in the Christmas season!

On Friday, December 9, you can meet Santa, visit and take photos with live reindeer, enjoy a s’mores bonfire starting at 5:00 p.m., get a head start on holiday gift shopping at our local stores, and dine onsite or purchase dinner to go from Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord or Bakery & Cafe.

On Saturday, December 10, enjoy visits with Santa in his sleigh, mail letters to Santa, holiday balloons for the kids, kids' glitter tattoos and sand art making, caroling along with the cast of A Christmas Tree Ship, and carriage rides around the village. Enter to win tickets to their holiday show and other local attractions, stay for lunch at the cafe, or purchase items to go.

  • Friday, December 9; 3:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, December 10; 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

The 2022 Christmas Show: Home for the Holidays at American Music Theater

Link to Website

American Music Theatre’s 2023 Christmas Show: The First Noel takes you to an enchanted forest filled with holiday dreams and wonder. From woodland magic and Santa’s Elves, to the awe-inspiring “Story of the First Christmas,” The First Noel highlights the whimsy and beauty of the season – gift-wrapped in beloved sacred and secular holiday music.

  • Tuesdays-Sundays, November 7-December 30

A Christmas Carol: The Musical at Dutch Apple Dinner Theater

Link to Website

A season favorite! With his “Bah, Humbug!,” Ebenezer Scrooge reveals his feelings about the holiday. But even for a grumpy old miser like him, it’s never too late to change. With the help of Tiny Tim and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, Scrooge discovers the true spirit of the holidays – greeting Christmas morning with a newfound happiness and by spreading cheer. 

  • November 17–December 30, selected lunch and dinner shows

Holiday Shows at Fulton Theatre

Link to Website

 

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Experience Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat like you’ve never seen it before! This holiday spectacular brings glitz and glam to the Fulton with influences from cirque, famous magicians, and superstar performances wrapped around a story you know and love. Wrap up the gift of theatre and spend the holiday season at the Fulton!

  • November 17–December 30

A Christmas Carol

The Fulton has reimagined this timeless classic. Coldhearted Ebenezer Scrooge encounters spirits of Christmases past, present, and future to discover loves and lives he has neglected. 

  • November 26–December 23

Holiday Cabaret

Join the Fulton this holiday season for their 2nd annual exceptional cabaret experience, highlighting talented voices and performances and featuring a Special Guest at each show! The Fulton Holiday Cabaret takes place in the 4th Floor Tell Studio Theatre. A festive tradition you won’t want to miss!

  • November 30–December 23

Kitchen Kettle Village

Link to Website

Whether you venture out and brave the cold or prefer the warmth of indoors, winter at Kitchen Kettle Village is a great place to experience the holiday season. Take in the aromas of freshly baked seasonal treats, wander through the Village to see the decorations, and pick up a few Christmas gifts along the way. 

  • Friday and Saturday, November 24 and 25
  • Saturdays, December 2, 9, and 16

Visit their website for a more detailed schedule of their special holiday events.

 

Elizabeth Farms

Link to Website

Visit Elizabeth Farms for all sorts of holiday fun. You can cut down your own tree, take wagon rides, have fun in the interactive animal area, enjoy the junkyard playground, eat delicious homemade desserts, shop the gift shop, snap a photo with Santa, and so much more!!

  • November 24-December 17

Visit their website for a more detailed schedule of their special holiday events.


Amish Christmas Cookie Tour—Amish Farm and House

Link to Website

Experience the warmth of Amish Country during the holidays when you visit Amish homes, savor homemade cookies and learn about their rich heritage during the holidays. Gather recipes, make new friends, and take home memories that will last forever.

  • Fridays and Saturdays, November 24-December 30
  • Departures at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
  • Reservations are required.

 

Oh, Christmas Trees


 

Christmas Tree Train at Strasburg Railroad

Link to Website

For that special Currier and Ives Christmas experience, take a ride aboard Strasburg Rail Road’s Christmas Tree Train! Travel by authentic steam train to Leaman Place Grove, where you can choose a pre-cut Frasier Fir tree and have it delivered back to the station. First-class guests receive complimentary hot cocoa and a cookie. Guests are encouraged to purchase a Christmas tree. 

  • November 24 and 25
  • December 1, 2, and 3

Country Barn

Link to Website

Pick out and cut down your tree! The staff will get it ready for you and assist with transportation and loading it into your car. They do have pre-cut trees if you’re looking for a faster, easier option.

  • November 25 and 26
  • December 2, 3, 9, and 10

Elizabeth Farms

Link to Website

Fresh, pre-cut Fraser and Douglas Fir trees of all sizes will be available for browsing every day with inventory always being updated. Sizes range from 6-foot to 14-foot trees, and each section will be marked according to the size of the trees. Staff onsite will assist with tagging and baling the trees for easy pickup.

  • November 24-December 17
  • Hours of operation change day to day, so visit website for more information
  • Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays

Frey's Greenhouse

Link to Website

Frey’s Greenhouse has what you need to deck your home for the holidays. You will find freshly-cut Pennsylvania-grown Fraser and Douglas Fir trees, ornaments, wreaths, and lush greens in boxwood, pine, and fir.

  • Monday–Saturday; 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. through Christmas Eve

Frog Hollow Evergreens

Link to Website

Frog Hollow Evergreens is a small Christmas tree farm. Their usual selection of trees includes Canaan Fir, Douglas Fir, and Concolor Fir. All trees are priced the same, regardless of size or variety. The total cost per tree is $70.00. That’s it, no hidden costs!

  • November 24-December 17
  • Thursday–Sunday; 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m (Closed on Thanksgiving Day)
  • Closed for rain

Heritage Tree Farm

Link to Website

At Heritage Tree Farm, you will be able to choose and cut down your own tree! They have Fraser Fir, Douglas Fir, Concolor Fir, and Blue Spruce trees to choose from. While you're there be sure to stop in and do some shopping at the Christmas Shop. They also offer wreath workshops, where you can enjoy an evening of wreath decorating, fellowship, and Christmas treat. Due to shortage of trees, choose and cut is by appointment ONLY.

  • Friday and Saturdays, November 25–December 23
  • Wreath workshops: November 27 and 28

Hunt’s Christmas Trees

Link to Website

This family-owned and family-run Christmas tree farm has been helping people find that perfect tree in the Lancaster area since 1979. Once you choose your Christmas tree, you can cut it yourself or their team is always happy to help cut it for you! Hunt’s is pet-friendly, so bring the whole family! They also have a wide selection of fresh-cut trees to choose from in their “indoor forest.”

  • November 18-December 23


We hope this guide to Christmas activities in Lancaster helps you and your loved ones enjoy a festive, memorable, and joy-filled holiday season! Merry Christmas!

New call-to-action

 

Pinterest Blog (6)

 

Written by Amanda Witherow

Amanda is the Marketing Coordinator at McLennan Contracting. She and her husband, Alex, have a son, cat, dog, and another son on the way! Amanda is also a health and fitness coach and enjoys spending time in her gym. When she isn’t working or working out, she enjoys going on family walks/hikes, reading, bingeing TV shows, healthy baking, adventuring to new parks with her little man, and watching him explore and grow.

Previous Post

The Complete Guide to Budgeting for Your Lancaster Home Remodel

Next Post

6 Mistakes You Can Easily Avoid When Renovating Your Lancaster Home