Your Holiday Bucket List Awaits
The Christmas Season has finally arrived in Lancaster, PA, and with it comes the opportunity to embrace some of our favorite holiday traditions! From exploring old-fashioned Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas customs to enjoying festive caroling at the Landis Valley Museum, or even ziplining across winter landscapes lit up with stunning Christmas lights, Lancaster offers a wide range of unique experiences for families and communities to enjoy. With so much to look forward to this time of year, why not make this holiday season extra special by adding a few of these unforgettable experiences to your familyâs holiday bucket list?
Christkindl Market in Lancaster, PA
Kick off the Christmas season this year by gathering your family and friends for a visit to the Christkindl Market this December! This festive event puts a unique twist on the traditional German market, featuring over thirty artisan vendors, authentic German food and drinks, hand-crafted gifts, and live music performances. With its twinkling lights, cozy atmosphere, and festive holiday spirit, the Christkindl Market is sure to become a favorite part of your holiday traditions.
When: December 15th, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Where: 772 S. Chiques Rd Manheim, PA, 17545
Pricing: $10 on-site parking, free admission
Amish Farmhouse Christmas Experience
If youâre looking for a unique way to experience the Pennsylvania Dutch heritage of our area, donât miss the Amish Farmhouse Christmas Experience! From November 26th to December 30th, step back in time and immerse yourself in the rustic, cozy atmosphere of a traditional Amish kitchen. Guests will have the opportunity to churn fresh butter (made from milk gathered right from the farmâs cows), make apple cider, and learn how to prepare and bake bread and pumpkin pies. To complete your Christmas experience, a charming horse-drawn sleigh ride is included in your admission!
When: November 26th, 2024-December 30th, 2024
Where: 262 Paradise Lane, Ronks, PA 17572
Pricing: 86.00/adults, $70.00/children (ages 5 to 12)
Landis Valley Christmas Village/Bonfire Night
On the evening of December 13th, bundle up and head to the charming, old-fashioned Landis Valley Museum for a festive night of music, caroling, bonfires, and Christmas cheer! From 6:00 to 8:00 PM, youâll have the chance to explore their unique gift shop, filled with handcrafted foods from local artisans, sip on hot cocoa, and enjoy cookies in the large meeting barn. Gather around the bonfire for carol singing with the community, and, in previous years, theyâve even opened their historic buildings to give visitors a taste of an old-fashioned Christmas dinner cooked over an open fire. Best of all, this event is completely free, though they do ask for donations to their food drive, such as non-expired canned goods.
When: December 13th from 6:00 PM- 8:00 PM
Where: Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
Pricing: Free admission (donations for food drive appreciated)
Strasburg Christmas TrainÂ
If youâre looking to immerse yourself in the magic of the season, the Strasburg Christmas Train offers the perfect holiday experience! With three affordable options to choose from, this is a fantastic choice for families. Take a scenic ride on a festively decorated, vintage train as it winds through the picturesque Lancaster County countryside, or hop aboard the Polar Express Train Ride to relive the magic of the beloved movie. For a truly special experience, the Night Before Christmas Train Ride features a visit from Santa and is a delightful option for children.
When: Select dates from November 24th, 2024- December 30th, 2024
Where: 301 Gap Road, Strasburg, PA 17579
Pricing: See website for detailed pricing and ticket options
Refreshing Mountain Christmas Light Ziplines
If youâre looking for a truly unique experience to add to your familyâs holiday traditions, look no further than Refreshing Mountainâs Christmas Light Ziplining adventures! With over half a million Christmas lights illuminating the property, youâll have the opportunity to zipline, rappel, and navigate high ropes obstacles all decked out for the season. If ziplining isnât your style, you can still enjoy the holiday magic with our Christmas Light Walk-Through Experience, which includes access to our Wildlife Center and a free kidsâ activity. This is a magical event that gets better every year, and we love seeing families return to create lasting memories!
When: November 29th, 2024- January 5th, 2025
Where: 455 Camp Road, Stevens, PA 17578
Pricing: $14 Walk Through Experience (with donation-based options on select dates), Ziplines starting at $49
Make this Holiday Season Unforgettable đ
Lancaster County offers an incredible array of hidden treasures, and our area and history is rich with special and unique traditions- especially during the holidays! Whether youâre from out of town and are looking for the inside scoop on what to do when youâre visiting us for the Christmas season, or youâre a local looking to do something different this year with your family, we hope these suggestions make it onto your list. No matter which tradition you choose to experience, we hope that your Christmas season is merry and bright.