Get ready for the holiday season with our guide to local businesses and family-friendly attractions. Find out where Santa is going to be and hunt down the best-looking Christmas tree.
Daniel | Sight & Sound Theatres | November 1 - December 31 Taken from his people, Daniel is exiled far from home in the perilous kingdom of Babylon. Now this faithful servant must navigate his new life inside a palace filled with golden statues and shifting empires. As royal pressures mount, Daniel is faced with a dangerous choice. Will his trust in God remain steadfast through every test of faith?
Frozen, The Broadway Musical | Fulton Theatre | November 15 - December 31Bundle up, grab your loved ones, and prepare to be swept away by the unforgettable tale of Frozen. Step into an icy wonderland where magic chills the air and sisterhood burns bright. Discover the power of love, and the magic of letting go in this dazzling musical adventure that will leave you breathless.
Who's Holiday | Fulton Theatre | December 6 - December 29WHO’S HOLIDAY! Is a wildly funny, adults-only comedy that tells the story of Cindy Lou Who as she recalls that Christmas Eve she first met the Grinch and the twisted turn of events her life has now taken.
A Christmas Carol | Fulton Theatre | November 30 - December 28A miserly and miserable man, Ebenezer Scrooge greets each Christmas with a “bah humbug,” until he is visited one Christmas Eve by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Through a restless night, the spirits show him happy memories from his past, cruel realities from the present and the grim future should he continue his cantankerous ways. This musical adaptation retains the emotional power and pure joy of the Charles Dickens story, showing us that it is never too late to change.
Illumination | Prima | November 22 - December 22 Experience the magic of the holiday season like never before with Illumination, an immersive candlelit holiday concert. Captivating renditions of beloved holiday classics will envelop audiences in a radiant ambiance, making it a cherished family tradition each year.
The 2024 Christmas Show: Joy to the World | American Music Theatre | November 5 - December 30 The ringing of church bells in a quaint town square sets the scene for Joy to the World. Evoking the revered holiday nostalgia of hometown America, our stage transforms into a small town winter carnival brimming with family, friends, and entertaining elves. Awe-inspiring music and dance, phenomenal voices, and light-hearted holiday humor are the ingredients for this holiday extravaganza!
The Christmas Candy Caper | Bird-in-Hand Stage | November 1 - December 28 Candy store owner Lydia Miller is a long-time prankster, so when two men try to steal her coveted candy recipe and kidnap her instead, no one believes the ransom note is real. The ensuing exchanges between the kidnappers and the community are hilarious, and the conversations between Lydia and the kidnappers are insightful and enlightening, as each discovers that their lives didn’t turn out the way they expected.
Ryan & Friends: A Comic Christmas | Bird-in-Hand Stage | November 14 - December 28 If you think Ryan & Friends are funny, wait until you meet the family! For the first time ever, Ryan’s daughter Madeline will join the popular comedian and ventriloquist with some heartwarming and hilarious Christmas songs. And you’ll hear from fan favorite characters Harold and Irene, the opinionated grandparents; and 8-year-old Jeffrey, who lives in a suitcase and cracks wise at every opportunity.
Winter Wonderland | Magic & Wonder Theatre | November 7 - December 31 Join Brett and his cast in a heartwarming Christmas show this November and December. Family and friends of all ages will enjoy the illusions, comedy, costumes, and music in this spectacular production. You'll journey to the wonder of the "North Pole", see toys come to life in "Santa's Magical Workshop", all while remembering the True reason for the season. This one-of-a-kind Christmas show fuses together the fun and wonderment of the Christmas season with comedy, dynamic circus arts, and grand illusions.
Holly Jolly Jukebox | Magic & Wonder Theatre | October 25 - December 21 Everybody gather around the yuletide jukebox as we put the "rock" around your Christmas tree!! Get ready to tap your toes, clap your hands, and dance down the aisles to the greatest rock and roll renditions of all of your favorite holiday tunes. This high energy song and dance review is sure to put everyone young and old in the holiday spirit. So grab your quarters and head on down to Shirley's soda shop at the Magic and Wonder Theater this season for Holly Jolly Jukebox!
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas | Dutch Apple Dinner Theater | November 8 – December 29 Based on the beloved movie. Veterans turned song-and-dance men Bob and Phil meet a sister duo and follow them to a Vermont inn. Here, they discover the inn is owned by their old Army General who fell on hard times. The foursome decides to put on a show in an effort to save the inn. Hear your favorites “Blue Skies,” “Sisters,” “Happy Holidays,” “White Christmas,” and more!
Christmas Crooners | Servant Stage Company | December 6 – December 22 Get ready to be enchanted by a heartwarming and nostalgic revue show that will transport you to the golden age of holiday classics. From timeless renditions of beloved carols to modern twists on traditional favorites, Christmas Crooners promises an unforgettable journey through the joys and wonders of the holiday season, leaving you with memories to cherish long after the final note fades into the crisp winter night.
Christmas in Perfect Harmony | The Barn at Paradise Station | November 11 - December 15 An original concert experience that is sure to be an unforgettable part of your holiday season! Half-part musical theater nostalgia, half-part take it to church worship concert, Perfect Harmony sings stunning original arrangements of favorite holiday classics in (of course) three-part PERFECT HARMONY. "Perfect" for the entire family and all ages!
With so many things to do and places to be during the holiday season, it is nice to take a day to enjoy fresh air and hot cocoa with your loved ones and make unforgettable memories. Here's a short list of places to visit:
Family visiting? Feeling festive and looking for an activity to head out to? Check out this list below for where and for things to do this holiday season in Lancaster, PA.
There are more ways than just visiting holiday attractions. You can also start your holiday shopping early by checking out craft markets, outlet centers, and local businesses. Get into the Holiday spirit and pick up gifts early this year by exploring local craft markets and businesses.
The holiday season is a magical time of year, especially for children who dream of meeting Santa Claus. And in Lancaster County, those dreams can become a reality! With multiple opportunities to see Santa throughout the season, your child can experience the joy and wonder of meeting the jolly old man himself.
Indulge in a delicious glass or wine and warm up while partipating in festive holiday activities. Our wineries invite you to come and share the season with them.
Support creatives and one of a kind handmade makers this holiday season at Merry Market. Come and shop one of a kind small businesses right here in Lancaster County.
Your family will enjoy the sparkling lights, festive European village atmosphere, and tasty holiday food! The Christmas Hope Festival is happening December 6 - 7 & 13 - 14 from 5:30pm – 8:30pm.
Join Gifts that Give Hope Lancaster for their 17th Annual Gift Fair. There will be opportunities to give gifts to charitable organizations, shop from social enterprises, business for good, fair trade, ethically sourced products, food trucks and more!
Holidays on the ranch is the theme of this year's Winter Celebration at Greenfield. Head out on December 4 and celebrate the holidays!
Carol your heart out in Lititz with the Lititz Moravian Church for their Annual Christmas Carol on December 12.
On the First Friday of every month, head downtown to Lancaster City to check out the popular arts extravaganza with street performances, art galleries, music, shopping, and more. Take the kiddos with you to check out over 70 interactive and fun exhibits at the Lancaster Science Factoryfor free from 5-7pm on First Fridays! Looking for a night out without the little ones?
Keep up to date with all things Lancaster by signing up for our e-newsletter and requesting a free copy of our Visitor Guide!
PA Dutch Holiday Recipes
Craving the flavors of Lancaster County? Look no further! Our recipes will bring a taste of Pennsylvania to your kitchen. From Pennsylvania Dutch Chicken Pot Pie, Red Beet Eggs, Shoofly Pie, Whoopie Pies, and more!
