Holidays in Small Towns of Lancaster County, PA

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Ephrata

Lititz

Manheim

Mount Joy

Elizabethtown

Columbia

Strasburg

Bird-in-Hand

Intercourse

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.

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.

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 and ARTifice Ales & Mead 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

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!

Columbia

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: