Top 5 Reasons to Visit Lancaster, PA for the Holidays

While Lancaster is an amazing place to live and visit year round, it’s extra special during the holiday season. Experiences, shops, and restaurants get in the holiday spirit, and share in the celebration. Joy and good cheer fill the streets of Downtown Lancaster and our charming towns, while shoppers find the perfect gifts.

1. Holiday Cheer & Community Spirit

Lancaster comes to life during the holiday season with cheer and community spirit! The beautifully decorated shop windows, small town streets, and the community gatherings; from tree lightings to events to ring in the New Year are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

• Holiday Events
• Things to Do This December
• Drive Thru Light Shows

We love how Lancastrians come together to share the spirit of the season, and we want to share the cheer and traditions with you.

2. Special Seasonal Treats

What would the holidays be without sweet treats to share? Whether it’s a homemade whoopie pie or a decadent dessert like shoo fly pie, the holidays are the perfect time to indulge just a little in Lancaster.

• Guide to Farm-to-Table Dining
• Coffee Spots & Cafes
• Classic PA Dutch Food
• Photo-worthy Ice Cream & Desserts

We love the bakers and makers whipping up treats for the season, ready to be picked up and shared at your Christmas celebration. Once you've picked up your sweet to-go, plan to sit down at one of the restaurants or bakeries with delicious sweets to enjoy.

3. Full of Family Time

Quality time together is another one of the reasons we love the holidays in Lancaster - from holiday events to chances to meet Santa Claus himself. Cheerful train rides, holly jolly light displays, and even old-timey horse-drawn carriage rides are just a few of the family-friendly festivities that will put everyone in the holiday spirit.

• Things to Do with Family from Out of Town
• Free Things to Do
• Things to do with Kids during the Holidays
• Indoor Things to Do

Bond together during your time at the Amish Farmhouse Christmas Experience, on the Old Windmill Farm. Where you'll be able churn butter from fresh cream, bake fresh bread and pumpkin pies, press fresh apples to make cider, and preserve some homemade applesauce.

4. One-of-a-kind Gifts

The perfect gift is hard to find, but with so many passionate makers and business owners in Lancaster, the possibilities are endless. Makers are creating quality items that can be found in boutiques, farmers markets, and locally owned shops.

• Black Friday Shopping & Small Business Saturday
• Lancaster County Gift Guide
• Independent Retailers
• Where to Find Hand-Crafted Furniture

Walk the quaint streets of Downtown Lancaster or our many small towns while browsing wares and crossing people off our gift shopping list – all while supporting local business.

5. Stunning, snowy scenery

There are few things lovelier than snow-covered farmland. If we’re lucky enough to get a dusting of snow around the holiday season, we love hitting the backroads (once they’re safe to travel) to capture and take in the beauty around us.

• Top 30 Things to Do this Winter
• How do the Amish Celebrate Christmas?
• Outdoor Adventure during the Winter
• Covered Bridges

The crisp air and surrounding winter wonderland is so refreshing, and is just another reason why we love the holidays here in Lancaster.

When you’re in need of a hefty dose of holiday cheer, come see why we love the holidays in Lancaster for yourself.