Written by Yana Alderfer
Winter brings falling leaves, chilly air, and long, dark nights. Snow blankets the ground, inviting children to build snowmen and launch snowball fights, their cheeks flushed with excitement. The season is filled with festive gatherings—Christmas with loved ones and the promise of New Year’s resolutions.
Officially beginning on Sunday, December 21, winter is perfect for curling up with a good book or enjoying a movie and hot chocolate. But Lancaster County offers much more than cozy moments—there are countless local events to explore. Here are just a few highlights.
Christmas Spirit Light Show ~ Penn Medicine Park; Lancaster, PA
November 28 through December 31, enjoy a light show through a mile-long track of colors from the comfort of your car. Some lights are even activated and change to the sound of Christmas music. But if you want to enjoy some of the cold air and put on your winter coats, families can experience a walk inside the ballpark with decorated trees, visits with Santa, festive food and a scavenger hunt to find the elves.
Strasburg RailRoad ~ Ronks, PA
Choo, Choo, Choo! That’s the sound of the Christmas train ride. An experience for all ages that lasts 45 minutes through the Amish Country. Choose your type of cart and step right up to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Have your child(ren) write their letters to the North Pole and don’t forget to see the theatrical Christmas revue. On Christmas Eve, families can experience a train ride filled with performers who show the “The Night Before Christmas” poem (by Clement Clarke Moore) while you enjoy a cup of milk and a cookie.
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre ~ Lancaster, PA
Winter is the time for family and friends, but also a time for significant others to spend some time together, just the two of them. November 7 through December 28, couples can have a date night to see Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn, the Broadway musical, on the main stage. Experience dance numbers, comedy and popular music after enjoying some delicious dinner.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr., a child-friendly show, runs November 21 to December 27.
Kitchen Kettle Village ~ Intercourse, PA
This outdoor shopping venue offers events and activities for everyone November 28 through December 20. Enjoy tasting festive food, meeting Santa and the reindeer, watching a Christmas tree lighting and hearing amazing music while starting or finishing your Christmas shopping. A schedule of events can be found here.
To find more heartwarming experiences this winter, visit Discover Lancaster.