posted Jan 03, 2025

Things to Do this Winter in Lancaster

•Updated: January 8, 2025•

Find things to do this Winter in Lancaster County.

Winter brings a wonderful mix of self reflection indoor adventures, and fun events that are enjoyable for families and couples alike. From excursions in the countryside and hands-on adventures, to exploring local shops and tasting locally grown foods, there's an adventure to be had in Lancaster, PA this winter! Keep up to date with Lancaster County by signing up for our e-newsletter and start planning your trip by requesting your free copy of the visitor guide.

Things to Do

Events

Mud Sale

Lititz Fire & Ice

Shopping

Catch a Show

Trails

Try New Things

Outdoor Adventure

Things to Do

All aboard for a beautiful ride through the countryside. Strasburg Rail Road takes families and train-lovers alike on a 45-minute ride on their steam locomotive, and it’s just as beautiful in the winter. If you’re in town for the holidays, their holiday-themed trains add an extra dose of holiday cheer to your visit.

For kids that are into science, hop on over to Lancaster Science Factory and North Museum of Nature & Science. Lancaster Science Factory focuses on physical science and chemistry, while North Museum is all about nature, space, and animals. Spend some time outdoors at the Lancaster County Park for one of their nature activities!

Make your way to a museum when it’s too cold to be outside. Lancaster is home to museums for every interest – from trains and cars to art, clocks & watches and industry.

Roll away the winter blues with a round of bowling. Whether with friends or family, bowling at Leisure Lanes makes for a great winter afternoon out.

Explore the many tours offered by LoKal Experiences and Unique Lancaster Experiences; or explore Lancaster County the authentic way, on a buggy ride. AAA Buggy Rides, Aaron & Jessica's Buggy Rides or Abe's Buggy Rides.

Ready for a round of laser tag or to tear around a go-kart track? Gather the family and head to Go ‘N Bananas (perfect for the little ones). Both spots feature arcade games galore, along with activities like laser tag, bumper cars, ropes courses, and go-karts. Check out Laserdome for an array of thrilling activities like verse holographic theater, laser tag arena and arcade games!

Events This Winter

Feb 20 to Apr 19

Hershey Bears

Giant Center 550 Hersheypark D Hershey, PA 17033 (717) 508-1753 Website

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Mar 7

First Friday at Lancaster Science Factory

Lancaster Science Factory 454 New Holland Ave Lancaster, PA 17602 (717) 509-6363 Website

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Mar 1

Lancaster History & Breakfast Tour

Lancaster Welcome Center 38 Penn Square Lancaster, PA 17602 (719) 722-5070 Website

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Mar 4

String Art craft workshop

Horst Arts 17 North Main Street Manheim, PA 17545 (717) 419-4025 Website

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Feb 20 to Apr 4

Riverside Reads: Author Talks by the Susquehanna

Zimmerman Center for Heritage 1706 Long Level Road Wrightsville, PA 17368 (717) 449-5607 Website

January 9, March 7, and April 4

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Apr 8

Worship Night in The Barn at Paradise Station

The Barn at Paradise Station 312 Paradise Lane Ronks, PA 17572 (717) 687-5000 Website

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Mar 20

Lancaster Symphony Orchestra FREE Open Rehearsal

Gardner Theater 725 Hamilton Road Lancaster, PA 17603 (717) 291-6440 Website

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Feb 20 to Feb 22

Murder For Two

510 Centerville Road Lancaster, PA 17601 (717) 898-1900 Website

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Feb 24

Open Studio Artist Meetup

Horst Arts 17 North Main Street Manheim, PA 17545 (717) 419-4025 Website

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Feb 24

Maker Monday

The Felted Fox 2029 Miller Rd East Petersburg, PA 17520 (717) 487-3204

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Mud Sales

Mud Sale season begins at the end of February – perfect for your end-of-winter getaway to Lancaster. Grab your boots and head to one of these annual auctions, where you’ll find everything from quilts and antiques, to shrubbery and lawn equipment. If you’re just there to spectate, there’s plenty of tasty PA Dutch cuisine to enjoy as well.

Lititz Fire & Ice

The 2025 Lititz Fire & Ice will take place towards the end of February. Instead of one weekend, the event will be spread out over a week and a half, with rotating sculptures placed throughout the town! Stop by the event and order at one of the local restaurants, peruse the quaint shops and boutiques and enjoy the masterfully crafted ice sculptures!

Shopping

Now what's is better than warming up in stores and shopping all day long to beat the cold? In our opinion, there's no better place to do this than Lancaster County.

Head out to the outlets where you can dip in and out of stores while staying warm. Tanger Outlets offers a great selection of name brand stores for low prices. Don't miss out, the Shops at Rockvale is just down the roads and offers some great deals too!

Shop small and find local business owners at our many vendor markets across Lancaster County. BUiLDiNG CHARACTER is located in Downtown Lancaster on the 300 Block of Queen. Shops 10,000 square feet of small businesses and then head out down Queen Street to more local businesses like, MadCap & Co, Sweetish, PA Guild of Craftsmen and more.

Across the county, there's Prussian St Arcade, Artisan Mill and Bird-in-Hand Artisan Village.

Prepare for colder days ahead with a handmade Lancaster County quilt. They’re both warm and beautiful, making for a great gift as well.

While you're out shopping hit up some coffee shops. Lancaster is home to over 70 coffee shops to choose from, including one that’s serving up the best coffee in Pennsylvania (according to Food & Wine Magazine), Passenger Coffee. Many are also serving up tasty café bites to pair with your latte of choice.

Try New Restaurants

Warm up by the fire as you indulge in a tasty dinner. For those chilly nights, make a reservation at one of Lancaster’s restaurants with fireplaces for a memorable, cozy dinner. If you want to brave the cold then grab a bite to eat with outdoor dining on a heated patio or in an igloo this winter.

After dry January, kick off February with locally made spirits. Stoll & Wolfe in Lititz and Thistle Finch Distillery in Downtown Lancaster are concocting craft cocktails made with their locally made whiskey, gin and vodka. Swing by for taste after a day of holiday shopping or while catching up with friends post-holiday.

If you prefer crafted brews, we have them too. Lots of l ocal breweries have winter ales on tap stop by to try a few of our favorites.

Fun can be tasty, especially in Lancaster. Get the scoop on ice cream making at Turkey Hill Experience, and even get the chance to create your own ice cream flavor. If salty snacks are more your style, head to Julius Sturgis for a pretzel twisting tutorial and to learn more about the oldest commercial pretzel bakery in America.

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Catch a Show

See unforgettable shows like,

Murder for Two | Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre | January 17 - February 22
A zany blend of a classical musical comedy and madcap mystery. A small town policeman dreams of becoming a detective. One night, a great American novelist is murdered and the nearest detective over an hour away.
Six: Teen Edition | Ephrata Performing Arts Center | February 7 - 16
SIX: Teen Edition is an exhilarating, high-energy musical that reimagines the lives of the six wives of Henry VIII as a dynamic pop concert. Each queen takes the stage to share her unique story, from Anne Boleyn’s sassy defiance to Catherine Parr’s wise resilience.
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown | Prima | February 7 - February 23
Step into the whimsical world of the Peanuts gang as they embark on a journey of self-discovery, complete with lively baseball games and adorable crushes. This professional musical production breathes new life into the beloved characters, promising a joyous experience for all ages. J
The Irish and How They Got That Away | Fulton Theatre | February 7 - March 16
The Irish… And How They Got That Way is an irreverent history of the Irish through the tumultuous 20th and 21st centuries through the eyes of Pulitzer Prize winning author, Frank McCourt.
Jesus Christ Superstar | Fulton Theatre | February 14 - March 9
A timeless work, the edgy rock opera is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally known series of events but seen, unusually, through the eyes of Judas Iscariot.
Aladdin | Fulton Theatre | February 22 - March 8
Aladdin is a poor street urchin who desperately wants to be a prince so that he can marry the beautiful Princess Zenovia.

Lancaster County Experience Passes

The new year is for starting new hobbies. The Lancaster County Experience Passes could offer exciting opportunities, deals, and discounts that are sure to elevate your visit to Lancaster.

Join one or all of our mobile passports:

Join Now

Try New Things

Get in touch with your artistic side with pottery painting or a canvas painting class.

The PotteryWorks offers pottery pieces that can be painted any way you please. Order your pottery and paint online to create a masterpiece from the comfort of your home. If you prefer more of a class setting, sign up for a session at Horst Arts or Painting with a Twist!

If you're looking to learn how to throw clay to make beautiful pottery or wanting to learn how to blow glass, try taking a 6 week class at Lancaster Creative Factory. You'll be able to get an in-person experience and learning session on how to create various works of art you'll be proud to display.

Take an Art Class

Wander the aisles of our great farmers markets for fresh produce and delicious handmade delicacies. Even in the winter, there are vegetables and fruits being harvested, especially hearty root vegetables.

Warm up your winter blues at one of our four seasons greenhouses. Visiting a Greenhouse in the winter is like walking onto a tropical island on a cold day.

The cold, dry air can do a number on your skin, so it’s the perfect time to treat yourself to a spa day. Your skin and nails with thank you as you pamper yourself this season.

"Nature is the therapist --the Guide just opens the doors.” In the fast-paced world, slowing down can seem daunting but is vital. Come enjoy the peace of wild things. One With Nature Forest Therapy helps relax and reconnect you with nature, yourself and your group or team members. The Walk concludes with a traditional tea ceremony and light refreshments.

Outdoor Adventure

Hit the slopes, or glide across a winter wonderland and indulge in winter fun at AvalancheXpress! Climb high at Refreshing Mountains ropes and obstacle course through Holiday lights.

Brave the cold, bundle up and head out onto a trail or hit a local park. There are plenty of beginner-friendly trails across the county.

Experience Lancaster's Amish Heritage on a road trip around the county, to find all of 25 covered bridges. This is great for those who love the sense of adventure but prefer the comfort of a vehicle this time of year. These historical bridges are an amazing site and a great photo opportunity.

More Adventure

Find Adventure in 2025!

Get ready! Find all the best things to do, places to stay, where to eat, an events calendar, and exclusive coupons! Order the FREE 2025 Lancaster County Visitors Guide today!

ORDER NOW!

Pictured: Hot Air Balloon Ride