posted Nov 11, 2024

Holidays in Small Towns of Lancaster County, PA

Lancaster is made up of quaint and quirky small towns that have lots to offer this holiday season.

Pictured: Kitchen Kettle Village

Riverlands

Elizabethtown

Explore Elizabethtown during the holidays! The town is home to some special properties that host seasonal events that you won’t want to miss!

Special Events:

Annual Christmas Light Drive-Thru | Stone Gables Estate | November 29 - January 4
Santa Express | Stone Gables Estate | November 29 – December 23
National Christmas Center | Stone Gables Estate | November 29 - January 4
2024 Christmas Dinner and Show at The Star Barn | Stone Gables Estate | December 9 - December 20

See more events!

The town of Columbia is nestled next to the beautiful Susquehanna River, making it the perfect place to experience the great outdoors of Lancaster in the winter as well as it’s fantastic small towns.

Special Events:

Ornament Making Workshop | Columbia Crossing | December 14 | 11am - 3:00pm
Christmas Bazaar | Kinderhook Church | November 2

For more event details on all these special happenings, click here.

Small Towns & Northern Countryside

Ephrata

The quaint and historic town of Ephrata has lots to offer this holiday season. Stroll the streets, peruse the shops, and engage in the brilliant holiday spirit that abound in the town!

Special Events:

Tree Lighting & Santa’s Arrival | Mainspring of Ephrata | November 29 | 5:30pm – 7pm
Santa's House | Mainspring of Ephrata | November 29 - December 21 | 5:30pm – 7pm
Candlelight Open House | Ephrata Cloister | November 30 | 5pm - 8:30pm
Jingle Bell Trolley | Mainspring of Ephrata | December 6 (Family) & 7 (Adult) | Requires tickets
Ephrata Cloister Lantern Tours | Ephrata Cloister | December 27 - 30 | 6:30pm to 9pm
Christmas at the Cloister | Ephrata Cloister | December 9 - 10 | 6:30pm and 8pm
Terre Hill Christmas in the Park | December 6-8 and 13-15
Santa's Workshop Holiday Shopping Bazaar | Garden Spot Fire & Rescue | December 14

For more event details on all of these special happenings, click here.

Manheim

The up-and-coming small town of Manheim might just be your new spot to visit for the holidays. The aesthetic and unique, Prussian Street Arcade, is your one-stop-shop for all things handmade and local treasures located at REO Marketplace. Gaze at the huge Christmas tree illuminating the square and check out the recently opened Glasshouse Wineworks for a cold beverage to cap off your day of exploring.
Special Events:

Yuletide | Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire | November 29 to December 15 | Saturdays & Sundays 11am to 4pm

Mount Joy

Visit Mount Joy for the holidays! Their Main Street has shops, restaurants, and the spirit of Christmas in the air. It’s such a quaint and inviting town, you just might want to stay overnight. Book your peaceful getaway at the Olde Square Inn for a truly relaxing stay in one of Lancaster’s great small towns.
Special Events:

Winterfest | Market Street to Barbara Street | December 2nd | 2pm – 5pm
The Christmas Hope Festival | Faith Bible Church | December 6-7 & 13-14
Visit With Santa | Milanof-Schock Library | December 14

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Lititz

Venture to Lititz for boutique shopping, holiday festivities, and great dining options. As you walk the streets you’ll notice the Moravian Star lights lining the streets and festive storefronts. The town goes all out for its residents and visitors during the holidays.

Special Events:

Community Thanksgiving Meal | Hosanna A Fellowship of Christians | November 28 | 11am - 1:30pm
Christmas in the Park | Lititz Springs Park | December 6 | 6:30pm
Christmas at Cornwall | Cornwall Iron Furnace | 9am to 4pm
Annual Christmas Carol Sing | Lititz Springs Park | December 12 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Annual Christmas Candlelight Tour | Lititz Historical Foundation | December 13 - 14 | 5pm – 8pm
13th Annual Simply Christmas | Lititz United Methodist Church | December 8 | 4pm - 7pm
The Jess Zimmerman Band Christmas Party | Mickey's Black Box | December 14
Screaming Orphans Christmas Show | Mickey's Black Box | December 15
The Belsnickle Experience | Landis Valley Museum | December 21

For more event details on all of these special happenings, click here.

Amish & PA Dutch Countryside

Strasburg

There is so much to do in the historic town of Strasburg this holiday season. Enjoy all things trains in Train Town, USA!
Special Events:

Christmas Trains | Strasburg Rail Road | Various dates & times
Amish Farmhouse Christmas Experience | Old Windmill Farm | November 26 - December 30

Intercourse

Intercourse is the perfect town to do your Christmas shopping or simply get in the holiday spirit with these great holiday activities!
Special Events:

Dinner with Mrs. Claus & Yummie | Kitchen Kettle Village | November 30 - December 21
Holiday Family Fun with Santa & Friends | Kitchen Kettle Village | November 28 - December 21
Holiday Flavors Tasting Tour | Kitchen Kettle Village | November 29

Bird-in-Hand

Venture to the countryside and experience Christmas in Bird-in-Hand!

Special Events:

Christmas Village | Bird-in-Hand Bakery & Cafe | December 13 - 14
The Christmas Candy Caper | Bird-in-Hand Stage | November 1 - December 28
Ryan & Friends: A Comic Christmas | Bird-in-Hand Stage | November 14 - December 28
Late-Night, Last-Minute Shopping | Bird-in-Hand Artisan Village | December 20

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Author

Olivia•

Senior Marketing Manager

Olivia is a Lancaster County native, born and raised in the quaint, small town of Manheim. She fell in love with the impressive diversity of Lancaster, from its vibrant food scene to its endless array of activities, believing there's truly something for everyone here. She hopes visitors experience the warm and welcoming spirit of the local community. Having traveled to five countries and nearly 30 US states, Olivia's appreciation of her hometown grows with every trip. Outside of writing, she enjoys exercising, playing soccer, and reading.

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