ULTIMATE Guide to Holiday Events in South Central PA

There’s a chill in the air, Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and families are getting ready for the holidays. And there are tons of holiday events to take advantage of: parades, festivals, tree lightings, and more! But don’t worry about getting overwhelmed; our guide has you completely covered!

So whenever you’re looking to take advantage of some festive fun and find some holiday events to participate in, check back here for everything going on this holiday season in South Central PA!

READ: Where to See Santa in South Central PA

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Holiday Events in Berks County

• Yuletide Around the World, November 19th – January 7th: Every holiday season, the Museum becomes transformed by the decorations of different community organizations and cultures represented as decorated trees dotted throughout the galleries. Stop by the admissions desk and grab a Yuletide map to follow along as you explore the decorated trees and learn about different holiday traditions and cultures that are celebrated in our own neighborhood.
• Reading Holiday Parade, November 18th: The Reading Holiday Parade will travel down Penn Street on Saturday, November 18th, at 10:00 a.m. We welcome all age participants with floats, or walking, or performing groups. School bands are always a feature in our Holiday Parade.
• Reading’s Christmas On the Mountain, November 24th – December 23rd: This free to enter and free to park display, now with over 2 million led lights, inflatables, vintage and modern decorations, an extended light show set to your Favorite classic and modern holiday music, a “Frozen on the Mountain Area,” a beautiful replica Santa’s workshop, many real life characters in costumes and a few over the top surprises!
• ChristKindlMarkt, December 1st – 3rd: Experience a German Christmas tradition right here in Reading! Join us for some holiday cheer! Enjoy traditional German food and drinks and purchase gifts, crafts, and holiday goodies. There is also an outdoor market, mulled wine, and a bonfire.
• A Very Electric Christmas, December 17th: Follow the story of a young bird, named Max and his family, as they begin their journey south for the winter. When Max gets blown off course and ends up at the North Pole…..his adventure begins! Dancing toy soldiers, caroling worms and performing poinsettias, light up the stage. Audiences of all ages will treasure this magical and captivating tale of family, friendship and hope set to timeless holiday hits, including Nat King Cole, Mariah Carey and Tchaikovsky.
• Christmas In the Air 2023, December 9th: CHRISTMAS IN THE AIR is a public outreach program to promote aviation in our community. For many years the RDG Airport Community has come together to donate time and resources to provide a fun filled day at the Reading Regional Airport. This event is for children of all ages! The event includes music, games, activities, visits from Santa and centered around free airplane rides for children 8-17 years of age. Free flights provided by EAA Young Eagles Program.
• Christmas in Killarney, December 13th: Traditional Christmas Classics! World Class Irish Dancing! Come and join us in the old village of Killarney in Ireland for an evening of Irish traditions and your favorite Christmas songs! Watch Irish dancers leap through the air and tap their feet while you enjoy the music and harmonies of the season. See what it means to celebrate Christmas the “Irish” way – where some of the most iconic Christmas traditions originated!
• Holiday Tree Lighting, December 2nd: Join us at Delaney Circle for 94th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. The tradition began in 1928 when the first tree lighting was held in front of Borough Hall with only a few Council Members present. Little did our forefathers know that they launched what became a tree lighting tradition! The tree lighting ceremony was moved to Delaney Circle in the 1990’s where we can celebrate the night air with music, dancing and warm wishes. Following the ceremony at Delaney Circle join us at St. James Church for an opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs. Clause!
• Koziar’s Christmas Village, Thanksgiving – January 1st: Enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate, view the stunning light displays, and enjoy Christmas music from around the world while you become enriched with the spirit of Christmas. Marvel at the creation of beautiful displays and even use them as backdrops for photos! Perhaps share a special moment on “The Kissing Bridge,” as you tour the grounds. Stop by the country kitchen to enjoy freshly baked cookies and shop for unique gifts, ornaments, toys and souvenirs. Enjoy indoor and outdoor train displays, visit Santa’s workshop, and even have your photo taken with Santa in his headquarters! Voted “Best Outdoor Christmas Display in the World” by Display World Magazine in 2016 and “One of the Top Ten Pennsylvania Attractions” according to Pennsylvania Travel Council, Koziar’s Christmas Village is a stunning attraction. With free parking, wheelchair accessibility, and the ability to tour the grounds at your own pace, Koziar’s Christmas Village is the perfect holiday destination for all ages.
• Holiday Glow On the Avenue, December 1st – 18th: Penn Avenue, West Reading is decked out for its Holiday Glow featuring carriage rides, music, caroling + Santa visits the first three weekends in December! Events are held rain or shine!
• Handcrafted Holiday Market, December 2nd: This one day pop-up shop is centered around artists and makers selling high-quality handmade gifts for the holiday season. The event will be a pay what you wish admission fee. Come join in on the festivities and celebrate the holidays. Handcrafted Holiday Market will also feature Hands-on holiday workshops in a variety of studio art forms, Live demonstrations, Holiday-themed interactives like handmade wreath-making and ornaments, Kids programs and family activities, Live musical performances, Holiday Food and Drinks, Movie Screenings at the Albert & Eunice Boscov Theatre. We hope to see you at the Handcrafted Holiday Market this year!
• Christmas During the Civil War, November 27th: Mike Jesberger will present a program on the customs and traditions of Christmas in the midst of the challenges of the tragic Civil War. Christmas served as an escape but also a reminder of our divided country and separation from loved ones.
• Pops Home for the Holidays, December 9th: Ring in your holiday celebrations in style with the RSO and our new seasonal spectacular. We look forward to welcoming you to the Santander Performing Arts Center for what is sure to become Reading’s newest tradition for all the family!
• Holiday Movie Music, November 30th: Ring in the season with Opus One, the singers of Wilson Middle Schools, and a full orchestra on Thursday, Nov 30 (7pm) as we present HOLIDAY MOVIE MUSIC! The highlight of the evening will be a performance of ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ (original 1966 broadcast), presented by CONCERN. Other selections will include songs from Rudolph/Frosty, Home Alone, Polar Express, and White Christmas. Tickets (purchased at the door) are $15. Children under 12 and CONCERN Families have free admittance. *Concessions and Silent Auction available.
• Holiday Open House, December 2nd: You are cordially invited to Muhlenberg Community Library’s Holiday Open House, Saturday, December 2nd from 11 AM – 2 PM. Enjoy our model train display, musical entertainment, Holiday basket raffle, story time, crafts, refreshments, and a Holiday movie. Our annual holiday open house is free and open to all ages. There is no registration for this event.
• A Homestead Holiday, December 10th:For many families in eighteenth century America, Christmas was a time for celebration, feasting, and frivolity. Join us at the Daniel Boone Homestead and experience Christmas as it was almost 300 years ago with your family and friends. Visitors can learn about English and Pennsylvania German holiday celebrations, enjoy parlor music with Bob Mouland, listen to the Homestead Carolers, visit with Santa and the Belsnickel, and enjoy Christmas crafts and activities. Throughout the historic area, visitors will hear about the different Christmas traditions of the families who lived on the property throughout the eighteenth century as they tour the festively decorated buildings.

  In the Boone House, volunteers will cook a Christmas meal in the hearth and talk about the English Christmas traditions. Visitors will get to enjoy the English and German parlors festively decorated for the season. Visit the Blacksmith Shop and the Homestead Barn as you walk up to the Bertolet Log House. This Pennsylvania German log cabin will be open for tours and visitors can learn about its unique architectural history. Join the Homestead Carolers as they meander throughout the historic area singing joyous, holiday medleys. And of course, make sure to save time for a visit and picture with Santa. There will also be holiday crafts and activities for children, including a Christmas scavenger hunt through the Historic Area. After completing the hunt, children will be able to receive a holiday treat bag. Make sure to keep an eye out for the Belsnickel who will stop by the Homestead for a visit! The Belsnickel, part of eighteenth-century rural Pennsylvania German Christmas lore, is much different from today’s jolly, old Santa Claus.

  Visitors can warm up with complimentary hot chocolate and hot wassail. Don’t miss this great opportunity to take a stroll through Christmas Past and enjoy an afternoon of old-fashioned, good cheer!

• Noon Year’s Eve, December 31st: Join Museum Educators and other community partners as we ring in the New Year. Families will be able to create some fun props and noisemakers that are commonly used for this holiday. Children will also be able to dance the wait away as we count down to the noon hour. At that time we will have balloon drop in the Neag Planetarium. It is sure to be a great time!
• Christmas at Joanna, December 1st – 3rd: The 23rd annual Christmas at Joanna event will take place December 1st – 3rd at Historic Joanna Furnace. This exciting family holiday event offers a Live Nativity, Victorian Decorations, Christmas Craft Market with over 40 vendors, Caroling around a Roaring Bonfire, Old Fashion Wagon Rides, Living History Presentations, Christmas Gift Raffle, a Train Display, Heartwarming Foods and 1,000’s of Luminaries throughout the 26-acre Joanna Furnace site.

  Come celebrate a Victorian Christmas on an 18th & 19th Century ironmaking community! Guests will experience what Christmas was like in this rural community and enjoy caroling with the villagers, learn period parlor dances and meet the iron furnace workers in the Blacksmith Shop, Casting House, Wheelwright Shop and Office/Store. The Iron Master wife be entertaining guests in their Joanna Mansion parlor with family around a traditional 15-foot-tall Christmas tree decorated with 19th ornaments. The Pennsylvania German “Belsnickel” has been known to appear and delight visiting children with sweet treats.

  The Christmas at Joanna event is held at Historic Joanna Furnace, off PA Route 10 three miles north of Morgantown—Friday, December 1st from 5—9 pm and Saturday and Sunday December 2nd & 3rd from 4—9 pm. Bring a flashlight to stroll the grounds. Admission to Christmas at Joanna is $10.00 for adults, Children 12 & under are Free. Parking is free.

• Classic’s Holiday Bash – Christmas Open House, December 3rd: Bring the fam for photos with Santa in front of our holiday backdrop. Spend $50 or more and get a 2023 Lexan – Nightmare at Classic Ornament(while supplies last). Let the Reading Royals Ice Angels help you with your holiday shopping. – Hear about what’s in store for the Christmas Code Breaker Social Media contest leading up to the Christmas Code Breaker Party on Sunday, December 17th. Bring your receipt to the Money Tree and pick a dollar hanging from the tree. If you’re a winner, you could win a prize or $300 CASH! (one receipt per customer per day) Free gift wrapping, games, prizes, and more! Be a Holiday Hero and drop a toy in the Toys for Tots box – and help make 1 of 8,000 families Christmas’ a bit brighter. Collecting bags of dog and cat food for Humane Pennsylvania. If Classic collects the most pet food out of any other location, we will win a Puppy pet party!

Holiday Events in Cumberland County

• Holly Jolly Jubilee, December 2nd, 3pm: Join us in Veterans Courtyard on the Town Square for tons of FREE ACTIVITIES for kids… including visits with Santa and the annual tree-lighting ceremony, plus so much more! Brought to you by the Downtown Carlisle Association and our community partners. Special thanks to our event sponsor Create-A-Palooza.
• Santa & Friends on the Farm, December 2nd, 9am: Join us for a fun and magical holiday celebration at Paulus Farm! Santa and Mrs. Claus are preparing their sleigh to travel from the North Pole, bringing along a reindeer and elves! Frosty and the Grinch will be visiting the farm too! Bring your camera as the above characters will be available for photo opportunities. Every ticket includes admission to the FarmPark with access to the holiday characters. Visit the animals and play while you are here too, various drinks, including hot cocoa and coffee, will be available. Local apples and holiday cookies will also be offered. Everyone will get to make and decorate an ornament to take home. We plan to use a type of dough that will be made from ingredients not containing the FDA 9 major food allergens. We will have one of our tractors pulling hayrides throughout the event. If desired, animal feed will be available for purchase. The market will be open for shopping too!
• Jingle ARRGH the Way! A “How I Became a Pirate” Christmas Adventure, November 11th and 18th: The “Pirate” crew is back! A mysterious message left in the crow’s nest of their ship brings Captain Braid Beard and his pirate mates back to North Beach to seek out young Jeremy Jacob. Together, they help solve a riddle and find the Christmas treasure. Favorite characters, a rollicking story, great songs, and a trip to the North Pole to find “you know who” make JINGLE ARRGH THE WAY! a wonderful holiday show for the whole family.
• Carlisle’s Wonderland Weekend, November 30th – December 3rd: Visit downtown Carlisle for a weekend filled with holiday cheer and seasonal shopping. The weekend begins on Thursday with the Making Spirits Bright holiday parade. More information about other family-friendly activities will be posted as it becomes available. On Saturday, December 2, head to the Carlisle Expo Center to experience the Market of Curiosities, where you’ll find a three-ring-circus of exceptional holiday gifts to stir your imagination, relish the flavorful tastes of fine micro-brews and delicious foods, and be beyond entertained by the fabulous Bindlestiff Family Cirkus.
• Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, December 1st – December 17th: This holiday season discover the perfect gift for everyone on your list! Start with a timeless tale of joy and goodwill, fill it with classic Irving Berlin songs, and top it off with glorious dancing and lots of snow! IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS tells the story of a song-and-dance team putting on a show in a magical Vermont inn and falling for a stunning sister act in the process. Full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written! Give everyone the gift they’re dreaming of with this merry and bright holiday musical.
• Making Spirits Bright Holiday Parade, November 30th: The Making Spirits Bright Holiday Parade will be making its way through downtown Carlisle on Thursday, November 30! Thank you to the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Carlisle, PA, for sponsoring the event!
• Middlesex Township Tree Lighting, December 1st: The event will take place indoors and outdoors. Families will enter the building and visit several stations to receive treats and visit Santa. Afterwards, everyone can enjoy holiday music and visit with neighbors outdoors. Please make sure to dress according to the weather to enjoy treats and music outside.
• Mt. Holly Springs Tree Lighting, December 1st: Join us for a fun kick off into your Christmas festivities. We will be singing carols, drinking hot chocolate and of course…. Lighting the giant beautiful Christmas tree. We would love to see you.
• Black Nativity, December 1st – 3rd: Langston Hughes’ BLACK NATIVITY, a retelling of Christianity’s Nativity Story set to jubilant gospel music, incorporates dialog, folk spirituals, traditional carols, dramatic dance, and biblical narrative. The Christmas story expresses African-American spirituality and the oral traditions of the African-American church.
• Shippensburg Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting, December 2nd: This year’s theme for the annual Shippensburg Christmas parade is “A Gingerbread Christmas.” The parade will feature marching bands, dance groups, churches, Boy and Girl Scouts, businesses and other organizations, and Santa Claus. The parade procession will begin on North Fayette Street to King Street and continue north for several blocks to disperse onto Prince Street. Benchfield Farms is hosting Free Wagon Rides, compliments of Mayor Coy, following the parade. Load and unload will be at the corner of Prince & King Street. Also, join us for the official tree lighting ceremony. The event will take place 15 minutes after the end of the Christmas Parade.
• Camp Hill Holiday Evening Stroll, December 7th: Take an evening stroll along Market Street, where the street will be lit up for visitors to enjoy in between shopping, dining, photos with Santa, live music, a community tree lighting, hot beverages, & fun activities! The alley between Market Street and the Borough parking lot will be lit up with holiday lights to guide guests to take part in the Community Tree Lighting at 6 PM in the Borough parking lot, which will feature the Camp Hill High School Band. Plan to head back downtown after the tree lighting for photos with Santa, as well as more shopping and fun activities!
• Winter’s Night and Sleigh Rides, December 6th: Join us for another fun-filled Winter’s Night & Sleigh Rides event on Wednesday, December 6th from 6:00-9:00pm at the Silver Spring Community Fire (6471 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg). Sleigh Rides, Pictures with Santa, Food Trucks, Vendors, Live Music, Christmas Lights & Much More! This event takes place both indoors & outdoors! Admission is free to this community event!
• In the Christmas Mood with the Glen Miller Orchestra, December 5th: The legendary Glenn Miller Orchestra is touring the world with a special show just in time for the holiday season. “In the Christmas Mood” will dazzle audiences with their indelible big band sound on holiday favorites!

  The legendary Glenn Miller Orchestra rolls out their timeless hits and puts a twist on our favorite songs of the holiday season. “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,” “Let It Snow,” “The Christmas Song,” “(There’s No Place Like) Home For The Holidays,” “Jingle Bells,” and “Frosty The Snowman,” are only some of the classics arranged and performed as only the Glenn Miller Orchestra can. We promise to keep you on your toes with all-time favourites like “Chattanooga-Choo Choo,” “Moonlight Serenade,” “In the Mood,” and “Pennsylvania 6-5000.”

  “In the Christmas Mood” features over 18 musicians and singers performing the songs everyone remembers and the ones we all look forward to at the happiest time of the year. An evening filled with the warmth of the holidays and the legendary sound of the world’s greatest orchestra makes the perfect gift for music lovers of all ages!

• Messiah University Christmas Concert, December 3rd: Begin your Christmas season with this beautiful concert featuring a variety of Department of Music ensembles. Messiah University Brass Quintets, Handbells, Men and Women’s Ensembles and Concert Choir are among the groups featured in this traditional favorite!
• A Stewart House Christmas, December 9th: A Stewart House Christmas event will be another free open house style event. Light refreshments! Explore the historic Stewart House, make candy canes, write an official letter to Santa, make your own ornament and toy, play games, and participate in a scavenger hunt!

Holiday Events in Dauphin County

• Christmas at Fort Hunter December 1st – 23rd: Catch the holiday spirit as you enjoy a guided tour of Fort Hunter Mansion decorated with fresh greens and fruits, dried materials and fresh flowers. Many thanks to the Civic Committee of the Garden Club of Harrisburg for their inspired decorating creations. The lives of the families that lived at Fort Hunter are highlighted on guided tours of the elegant rooms. Reservations are encouraged, walk-in tours are accommodated as available.
• Harrisburg Holiday Parade, November 18th, 10am: The City of Harrisburg will present the Cargill Holiday Parade in Downtown Harrisburg on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 10am. This year’s theme is “Rockin’ Around the Burg.” The parade will feature giant parade balloons, marching band and dance team performances, decorated floats, characters, Santa Claus and more. The parade takes place on Front and 2nd Streets from Market to North. After the parade, head to Strawberry Square to meet Santa, enjoy FREE hot chocolate and cookies (while supplies last) and find out the marching band, dance team, and Best in Theme winners.
• Pennsylvania Christmas & Gift Show, November 29th – December 3rd: Enjoy the shopping event of the season at one of the largest holiday Christmas shows in the country! The Pennsylvania Christmas + Gift Show is completely indoors and all on one floor. Shop more than 600 specialty vendors selling exclusive, and unique holiday gifts, décor, seasonal items, gourmet food, and more for family and friends. You’ll find one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list, including yourself!

  This year’s festive Christmas Tree Lane will greet visitors as they enter the show’s new Cameron Street Lobby entrance, presenting a beautiful holiday scene. Each tree is uniquely decorated by a show vendor, showcasing their creativity and products. The stunning collection offers great ideas for your own holiday tree and a taste of gifts you can find in the show.

  We’re giving Santa a present this year: an enhanced Santaland designed to evoke the North Pole. His new sleigh built by QNC Construction is the ideal setting for your family or group holiday photos! Visit Santaland in the North Hall each day Wednesday thru Saturday, 11am – 5pm and Sunday 11am – 3pm. This new display is fun for all ages! Located in the Equine Arena, the elaborate Christmas Lego Village built by Mark Petrich is simply awesome. You’ll marvel at its 600 square foot size and detailed construction, containing thousands of Lego pieces.

• Light Up Downtown Hershey, December 2nd, 2pm: Kick off the holiday season with the annual tree lighting and the arrival of Santa in ChocolateTown Square Park.
• Hersheypark Christmas Candy Lane and Sweet Lights, November 10th – January 1st: Start a new holiday tradition or cherish an old favorite at Hersheypark Christmas Candylane®. Experience the wonder of family rides & select coasters, and sip a delicious hot chocolate while strolling through more than 5 million twinkling lights! Plus, pay a special visit to Santa and his 9 live reindeer – don’t forget your Christmas list! Also, drive through 2 miles of wooded trails, enjoy nearly 600 illuminated, animated displays and listen to a custom-made holiday radio station on your drive. Download the free iHeartRadio App, search for our station, Hershey Sweet Lights®, and enjoy the lights and music!
• Sarah Brightman in ‘A Christmas Symphony,’ November 30th: The world’s biggest-selling soprano and legendary GRAMMY®Award-nominated artist Sarah Brightman returns with her “A Christmas Symphony” tour to North America for 22 enchanting shows this November and December, including a stop in The Sweetest Place On Earth.
• Pentatonix, The Most Wonderful Tour of the Year, December 6th: Gearing up for what promises to be an unforgettable holiday season, Pentatonix will embark on the 2023 North American Christmas tour, “Pentatonix: The Most Wonderful Tour Of The Year” and release a new holiday greatest hits album, “The Greatest Christmas Hits” (RCA). The album features 23 of the band’s top holiday songs and eight brand new, never-before-heard tracks, including one holiday original!
• Trans-Siberian Orchestra Ghosts of Christmas Eve, December 15th: Prepare for a musical journey like no other this winter as Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) is set to spread rock vibes throughout its spectacular annual holiday tour. Today, the multi-platinum rock group, which has consistently hit the upper-reaches of the touring charts for the past 15 years, unveiled the exciting details of their 2023 winter tour, “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve – the Best of TSO & More.” This year’s tour promises a new and larger presentation of the beloved holiday tradition, “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve,” which has captured the hearts of multiple generations. The tour kick-starts on November 15 with captivating performances in Green Bay, WI, and Council Bluffs, IA. Over the course of the tour, TSO will visit 62 cities, including a return visit to Hershey, Pa., delivering an impressive 104 performances before concluding on December 30.
• Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet in The Nutcracker, December 16th – 17th: Let your holiday spirit soar with this festive family-friendly ballet. As the clock chimes midnight, a brave young girl turns the tide in a battle between toy soldiers and mischievous mice, and a blizzard of ballerinas reveals a wonderful world of confection. The brilliant dancers of CPYB, the only school in the world licensed to perform this production, bring this joyous classic to life, leaving you with cherished memories for years to come.
• Cirque Dreams Holidaze, December 21st: Cirque Dreams Holidaze dazzles with a brilliant and whimsical family holiday spectacular. As lights dim and the music swells, audiences will have visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads as a fantastical cast of holiday storybook characters come to life.
• Decorate with Mrs. Claus, Saturdays in November and December: Ring in the season with a little Hershey heartwarming at this festive, interactive show! Decorate a cookie and ornament alongside the HERSHEY’S Characters and the first lady of Christmas, Mrs. Claus. Held Saturdays during the holiday season at 10:30 AM, 1 PM, 3:30 PM; tickets are $15.95.
• Light Up the Night 2023, November 21st: Join us for Light Up the Night at Whitaker Center on November 21 from 5 to 7 pm!This FREE event will include: Holiday Music, Kids Craft sponsored by Better Homes and Gardens, Holiday Cookies, Appearance by Santa, Free Holiday Movie Viewings, Festive Trees & Tables, Free Entrance to Science Center (including our new Space exhibit), and Science Experiments in our Sunoco Performance Theater!
• Hershey Symphony’s Holiday Spectacular, December 2nd: There’s no better way to get in the spirit of the season than with our annual Holiday Spectacular! A popular tradition and family favorite, this holiday-themed concert will feature both beloved classics and exciting new arrangements. The Lower Dauphin High School and Milton Hershey High School choirs will join the symphony onstage to help us ring in the season. Due to this concert’s popularity, we offer two performances, at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
• Christmas at the Star Barn Village, December 2nd: Joy and magic abound this year at The Star Barn Village! This festive, and annual fundraiser, is a gift from Stone Gables Estate & Food for Thought Catering. There will be exciting activities including a visit from Santa, family photos, games, and more for every member of your family! Breakfast with Santa Admission: 6 Seating Times 7:30 AM – 9:45 AM. Please note, tickets are required and there are no physical tickets sent out for this event. This event will only have Breakfast Admission. There will be NO general admission or walk-on admission.
• Christmas Crafts and Cocoa, December 2nd – 3rd: Join us at our Hummelstown Home and Garden store for Christmas Crafts and Cocoa, a kids friendly event! Enjoy FREE Family Fun, including Make it, Take it Ornaments, Bag up Magical Reindeer Food, Hot Cocoa, Cookies, and Candy Canes, Take Home Coloring Book and Letter to Santa, Food Trucks on Site (Scheduled to Appear). Celebrate the spirit of the season at Stauffers!

Holiday Events in Lancaster County

• Ephrata Tree Lighting, November 24th, 5pm: Can you believe we’re celebrating 100 years of this uniquely Ephrata tradition! Our Ephrata tradition of Santa’s arrival and tree lighting continues. Many families look forward to this special evening and making precious memories each year. We will also welcome the Belsnickel. You won’t want to miss it!
• Lancaster Mayor’s Tree Lighting, November 24th, 5pm: Revel in the magic of the season as the Mayor’s Tree Lighting, a cherished holiday tradition, makes its triumphant return. Gather with excitement as Santa himself graces the event, illuminating the hearts of young and old alike. Delight in the enchantment of the tree lighting ceremony and savor the captivating live entertainment that adds a symphony of joy to this festive occasion.
• Lititz Christmas in the Park, December 1st, 6:30pm: Join us at the band shell inside Lititz Springs Park for our annual Christmas in the Park celebration on Friday, December 1st at 6:30 pm. This event will include unique holiday performances from the Warwick High School Music Department and Encore Dance Center Performance Company, the countdown and lighting of the Lititz Christmas Tree, a community carol sing, and maybe even a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus! This is a free event to the community and usually lasts approximately 50-60 minutes. Donations will be accepted to go towards the upkeep of Lititz Springs Park. Food trucks and restroom facilities available on site. This event is outdoors and fair-weather only. No rain date in case of inclement weather.
• Dutch Winter Wonderland, November 18th – January 1st: Meet the big man himself in true Dutch Wonderland style! Journey to Santa’s cabin and take a one-of-a-kind photo in the little bit of North Pole right here at the Kingdom. Experience all the beauty of the holiday with a light-filled scenic stroll down Illumination Lane, nestled along the park creek. Be sure to stop along the trail to snap that perfect family-holiday photo that you’ll never forget! It’s a traditional holiday meal with all your favorite fixings, and the best part is: you get to dine with the Royal Court! Duke the Dragon and Princess Brooke join Mrs. Claus & Friends to this fun-filed family meal. Located at the Merlin’s inside The Castle. Merlin hosts his brand new magical holiday spectacular! Join our royal friends as he brings thousands of lights to life with holiday magic. This brand new immersive light show is sure to delight all guests and get them in the holiday spirit! The holiday season comes to Melody Meadow as the resident prepare for the big day! Gather your crew and get ready for original songs, holiday drama, and whole lot of fun in our brand new puppet show! Join us in Market Square and dance the night away with Duke the Dragon and Friends! Let’s have a blast showing off those crazy dance moves – all in a snowy winter wonderland! Gather around the Christmas Tree, plus all the holiday lights and decoration and join Mrs. Claus for this story time break featuring all of your favorite holiday tales. Watch the magic of these stories come to live right in front of your eyes. Make spirits bright this holiday season and jam out to live music with the new Dutch WonderBand! All the classic holiday hits with a new twist.
• Marietta Tree Lighting, November 25th, 5pm: Join us at the intersection of Waterford Avenue and Walnut Street on the evening of November 25th for the annual Marietta Tree Lighting. Families will have a chance to greet Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus, have a photo opportunity or two, and hand-deliver their personal letters to Santa. Children that write letters to Santa will receive a jingle bell charm that rings with the spirit of the season. Spud Muffin food truck will be on site for hot bites to eat and Molly’s Cafe will remain open until 5:30pm with their full drink menu, including hot chocolate.
• Christmas Spirit Light Show, November 24th – December 31st: Christmas Spirit Light Show is an exciting, one-of-a-kind Christmas light display that you and your loved ones will enjoy from the comfort of your vehicle. As you journey through our mile-long track, you will be immersed and surrounded by hundreds of thousands of color-changing lights, animated and dancing in harmony with your favorite Christmas classics. Our show is a breathtaking holiday experience that you and your loved ones will never forget.
• New Year’s Eve Family Dance Glow Party, December 31st: Countdown at THE best Family New Years Eve Party Place! Get ready to ring in the New Year in the most toddler friendly way possible! Join us for an unforgettable glow-in-the-dark dance party that’s perfect for the entire family! Toddlers Welcome – No Late Nights!: Worried about keeping your little ones up past their bedtime? Don’t fret! Our New Year’s Eve Glow Party is designed to accommodate families with toddlers and kids of all ages. With sessions throughout the day, you can choose a time that works best for your family. You’ll still have plenty of time to tuck the little ones into bed before the clock strikes midnight. This is an event for all ages, so everyone can celebrate together. The dance floor is open for kids and adults alike! Dance the day away to fantastic tunes that will have you moving. Get your glow on with fabulous face painting that’ll make you shine even brighter. Create luminous masterpieces that will light up the night. Treat yourself to a variety of delicious popcorn flavors that will tickle your taste buds. Sip on our glow punch and build your own hot dog masterpiece with a variety of tasty toppings. Watch the countdown to the New Year on our massive screen and prepare for a thrilling moment of celebration. As the clock strikes midnight (or your session’s end time), get ready for an epic balloon drop that will shower you with excitement! Secure your spot for the ultimate New Year’s Eve celebration! We can’t wait to welcome the New Year with you and your family in the most dazzling way imaginable. Let’s glow, dance, and celebrate the start of a brighter future together!
• Christmas Tree Lane, December 1st – 23rd: Take in over 100 decorated trees, provided by Elizabeth Farms! These trees will be on showcase for attendees of our Christmas at Clipper Magazine Stadium event to see and vote for their favorite 12/1-12/23! Each vote costs $2 with 100% of the voting proceeds will go back to the non-profit! EVERY NIGHT WE’RE OPEN: Free pictures with Santa from 6-9pm. Toy Drive Tuesdays: Toys collected will benefit families across multiple programs within CAP, including Thrive to Five, Teen ELECT, and our DVS Safe House. Wet Nose Wednesday presented by LCM Subaru – bring your dog to see the Christmas Trees and get a free photo with Santa! Take pictures with Live Reindeer from 6-8pm. Fridays: Take pictures with a Holiday Character -12/1: Belle, 12/8: Nutcracker Characters, 12/15: Grinch & Cindy Lou Who, 12/22: Anna & Elsa. Saturdays: Read stories with Mrs. Claus from 6-9pm. Sundays: Free Gift Wrapping by the Lancaster Barnstormers Booster Club 6-9PM (donations appreciated). Plus enjoy Christmas music sung by carolers, festive treats and more.
• Dashing Through the Lights 5K, December 15th: Come in your very best Christmas attire to dash through the Christmas Spirit Light Show! Run the 5k or take it slow with a lite 1 mile stroll. $40 for past participants and $45 for new participants. Open to all ages.
• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – The Musical, November 22nd: The beloved TV classic “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. Come see all of your favorite characters from the special including, Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life in “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical.” It’s an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special. Don’t miss this wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” animated television special adapted from a story by Robert L. May and the song by Johnny Marks, music and lyrics by Johnny Marks. All elements © and ™ under license to Character Arts, LLC.
• Black Friday Holiday Party, November 24th: This is our 3rd year celebrating all things Winter Holidays at the 2nd floor gallery inside Altana! We welcome those visiting for the Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony as well as others who are just looking to continue, begin or finalize their holiday shopping in the City of Lancaster. What can you expect at this Black Friday Holiday Party? Complimentary cookies & hot chocolate bar, face painting by our very own Jain Falcon, plenty of amazing items from our small business vendors, freebies for our guests, mystery discounts AND of course ARTWORK!!! Our featured artists for this event are: Jazmine Gabriel, Steven Georges, Stew Bradley, Joe Montalbano, Denzy Dark, Kyle Whary, Lillian Handler, George Gibson and Sterling Keesey. And when you’re all shopped out go up to the 3rd floor for dinner and your fave cocktail or beer before heading home to begin wrapping presents.
• Family Trees – A Celebration of Children’s Literature, November 25th: Decorated Christmas trees that highlight a children’s book, a Children’s Author, crafts for the children, hot chocolate and cookies for everyone.
• The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, Saturdays in November and December: The Trust Performing Arts Center presents a unique adaptation of C. S. Lewis’ beloved story in which all the roles are performed by two actors. This amazing 45-minute production was created by renowned Broadway actress Le Clanché du Rand and toured by the Lincoln Center. Join the Pevensie children in their fantastic journey through the wardrobe where they meet all of your favorite characters from Narnia.
• Polar Express Movie Experience, November 25th and December 9th: Wear your pajamas and bring your blanket for a special screening of The Polar Express at The Barn at Paradise Station! Guests receive hot chocolate and a cookie with ticket purchase. Venue is climate-controlled and accessible with restrooms and elevator access. State-of-the-art sound system will make you feel like you’re part of the action! Seating is limited. Tickets are $19.95 and can be purchased by emailing [email protected].
• Amish Christmas Experience, November 28th – December 30th: Enjoy the Holiday atmosphere in our kitchen as you make fresh butter from cream from our own cows here on the farm, fresh apple cider, bake fresh bread, and apple sauce and preserve in mason jars, bake pumpkin pies, and of course sit down at the family heirloom table to enjoy. Horse-drawn sleigh ride is included. Our Fall Amish Farmhouse Experience is available Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 1PM and select dates at 10:00AM. The event is 3.5 to 4 hours where you will: Enjoy the Holiday atmosphere on the farm, Churn butter from fresh cream, Press local apples to make fresh cider, Bake fresh bread prepared by the farmer’s wife, Bake homemade pumpkin pies, Preserve fresh applesauce in mason jars. A horse-drawn sleigh-ride will be included and participants will be able to take home butter, pumpkin pie, canned apple sauce, and bread.
• Menorah Lightings, December 7th – 14th: Gather in the heart of Penn Square for a cherished annual tradition as the Jewish Community Alliance of Lancaster illuminates the spirit of Hanukkah through vibrant menorah lightings. Against the backdrop of the historic square, families and friends come together to kindle the lights, symbolizing hope and unity. Join in the joyous celebrations, embrace the rich cultural heritage, and share in the warmth of this communal event that honors the Festival of Lights.
• Terre Hill Christmas in the Park, December 1st – 3rd, 8th – 10th: Join us as we kick off the holiday season at Terre Hill’s annual Christmas in the Park! This fun filled event includes 100+ handmade lighted displays along our signature Christmas themed walking trail, visits with Santa, craft vendors, kids’ activities, live music in Christmas Tree Plaza, and more! Bring your appetite and enjoy a variety of tasty treats from our food pavilion and local vendors. Stop by each night for special events and visit with other community organizations from the area. Parking and admission are free, some activities require a small fee. Transportation through the trail is available at no cost for those in need. Proceeds benefit the Terre Hill Park.
• George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, December 9th and 10th: Whether a holiday tradition or a first-time discovery, ‘The Nutcracker’ is an annual gift every family will want to be part of! Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet has been hosting a Nutcracker performance yearly since 1965. Shortly after starting, CPYB became the only school in the world with the license to perform George Balanchine’s Nutcracker. Since then, ours has been one of the most sought-after Nutcracker performances to attend or participate in. This performance is enjoyable for the whole family.
• Merry Grinchmas E-Town Tree Lighting, November 30th: IV_Etown and The Elizabethtown Area Chamber of Commerce have teamed up to present Merry Grinchmas E-Town Tree Lighting! This will combine all the fun of each event on one fantastic and memorable night! Meet the Grumpy Ole Grinch, visit with Santa as he makes his first appearance at his Cottage on the Square, take a free Trolly ride downtown provided by The Star Barn at Stone Gables Estate, enjoy cookie decorating by the Masonic Lodge, a coloring contest by Mars Wrigley, partake in a Who-E-Town Scavenger Hunt, see live entertainment, take in the sights and sounds of the holidays, shop local shoppes and pop-up vendors, dine at our many amazing food establishments, snack at the food trucks, enjoy caroling and witness the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony hosted by Santa and the Grinch! This event will take place Thursday November 30th from 4pm-9pm… tree lighting is at 7pm at the Elizabeth formerly the Moose Lodge.
• Our Christmas Dinner, running through December 30th: It’s Christmas and times are tough for the Davidsons. George lost his job and Jackie has empty boxes under the tree in hopes that his unemployment check arrives in time to buy gifts to fill them. The check doesn’t—but unexpected guests do: a soft-spoken Amish farmer and his outspoken wife whose buggy is stuck outside in a snowdrift. Add to the mix Jackie’s brother and his new fiancée and things really get interesting. This Amish take on Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner serves up plenty of laughs, holiday memories and a whole lot of football.

  Returning to our stage, this heartfelt and funny 90-minute show from Blue Gate Musicals features an entertaining mix of favorite carols, original Christmas songs and lots of laughter that all adds up to a memorable holiday experience.

  The music and the memories will remind you of the true meaning of Christmas.

• Miracle of Christmas, November 3rd – December 30th: This holiday season, travel back in time to Bethlehem as the original Christmas story unfolds all around you. Journey alongside Mary and Joseph, a flock of surprised shepherds, and three wisemen—along with their camels! There may be no room at the inn, but God has a lowly stable prepared as the angels announce the coming of the Messiah!

  Experience MIRACLE OF CHRISTMAS as it comes to life on stage with massive sets and live animals in this cherished holiday production.

• The First Noel, November 7th – December 30th: Travel with us to an enchanted forest filled with holiday dreams and wonder. From woodland magic and Santa’s Elves, to the awe-inspiring “Story of the First Christmas,” The First Noel highlights the whimsy and beauty of the season – gift-wrapped in beloved sacred and secular holiday music. We are proud to showcase the very best talent from around the globe to bring you this completely original, live musical experience and truly hope you leave the Theatre with a heart filled with Christmas Spirit.
• A Christmas Carol, November 17th – December 30th: A season favorite! With his “Bah, Humbug!,” Ebenezer Scrooge reveals his feelings about the holiday. But even for a grumpy old miser like him, it’s never too late to change. With the help of Tiny Tim and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, Scrooge discovers the true spirit of the holidays – greeting Christmas morning with a newfound happiness and by spreading cheer.
• Holiday Tree Lighting, November 18th: Join us for the annual Holiday Tree Lighting & Santa’s Arrival Celebration! Warm up with a cup of complimentary hot cocoa, enjoy local food trucks, holiday treats and festive sounds of the season from Victorian Carolers during the magical tree lighting at 6:30PM. Event is sponsored by Discover Lancaster.
• Village of Intercourse Holiday Celebration, December 1st – 2nd: Join us for holiday fun throughout Intercourse Village! Friday, December 1st: Center Street will be lined with Christmas luminaries, fire trucks will be on site for demonstrations and ladder truck rides, and many businesses will be staying open later. 6pm: Join us at the Library for refreshments, PV Carolers, the tree lighting, and a visit from Santa! Saturday, December 2nd: Join Pepper Lane Fudge & Sweets for candy making demonstrations all day long. 9:30am to 11am: Keep an eye out for our Strolling Carolers as they visit Smucker Village, The Old Country Store and The Old Barn. 10am to 11am: Brave Sounds Singers will be performing at Kitchen Kettle. 11am to 2pm: Visit with Santa for photos in his special spot beside the Roasted Rooster. 11am to 3pm: Join the Harvest Cafe for a hot chocolate bar and s’mores making. 1pm to 5pm: *Join us for the IMA Lodging Christmas Cookie Tour. 5:30pm Children are encouraged to meet at Ten Thousand Villages, dressed as shepherds, and make their way with their families over to The Old Candle Barn for a Live Nativity. We encourage you to purchase tickets in advance for the Lodging Christmas Cookie Tour. For $12, you’ll get to enjoy holiday decorations at local lodging facilities and sample their unique cookies. You also get to vote on your favorite cookie. See the ticket button to the right to reserve your spot.
• Illumination, December 1st – 23rd: Experience the holiday season like never before with an enchanting theater-in-the-round concert. Let the warm and inviting glow of candlelight surround you as extraordinary musicians and singers perform awe-inspiring renditions of your favorite holiday songs. An elegant piano takes center stage, beckoning you to fully immerse yourself in this magical experience. Don’t miss out on what one patron hailed as “the most refreshing holiday concert I’ve ever experienced.” Create a cherished holiday memory with your loved ones, and book your tickets now.
• Yuletide at Wheatland, November 20th – December 30th: Celebrate the season with Yuletide at Wheatland! A guided, history and holiday-themed tour, Yuletide at Wheatland looks at the holiday season as it was experienced by James Buchanan’s niece and nephew, Harriet Lane and James Buchanan Henry. Guided tours explore the expansion and development of Christmas in the years following Buchanan’s passing in 1868. Discover Christmas as it was celebrated in the early days of the Second Industrial Revolution and its increasing popularity with the arrival of electric tree lights, gift giving, and entertainment.
• Free Community Bonfire, December 8th: Join us on Friday, December 8th for our annual holiday bonfire. From 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, the event is FREE. We ask that participants bring a non-perishable food item for donation to the Lancaster County Food Hub. We will be serving hot chocolate and cookies and the music of The Lititz Moravian Trombone Club! Please join us for an evening of music, carols, refreshment, and good cheer!
• Jingle Bell Trolley Tour, December 8th: For a decade now, the Jingle Bell Tour has been captivating Ephrata with its enchanting charm. Cordially inviting the community, Mainspring of Ephrata has organized a special event that showcases beautifully decorated homes and businesses, all aglow with holiday spirit. The tour begins on Friday, December 8th, with family night and continues on December 9th for adults, offering a guided tour of Ephrata’s finest holiday displays (outside only). It’s a testament to Ephrata’s commitment to spreading the holiday magic.
• Christmas Village at Ironstone Ranch, Saturdays in December: Make it a “Christmas to Remember” at Stone Gables Estate, while strolling through the Christmas Village at Ironstone Ranch! Fun for all to enjoy. Purchase Christmas Gifts and Crafts! Artisans, Food Trucks, Children’s Activities, Photo Ops, and Train Displays in the Millersburg Barn, offered with shuttle transportation to all the fun activities.
• Yuletide at Historic Rock Ford, December 29th: Step back in time this holiday season and experience Christmas the way it was celebrated in the 18th century! Join us at the General Edward Hand Mansion for a festive event filled with traditional Yuletide customs and period dancing. Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit as live music fills the air. This popular annual event is perfect for friends, family, and guests alike, so do not miss out on the chance to celebrate the season in a truly special way! Period dancing by members of the Historic Rock Ford Dance Committee. Cooking demonstrations by members of the Historic Rock Ford Warm Hearth Committee.

Holiday Events in Lebanon County

• Campbelltown Tree Lighting, November 26th: Join Campbelltown Community Alliance for the 5th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting event! Raffles, music, vendors, food trucks, kids games, tree lighting, SANTA and more! This is sure to be the best year yet. RAIN, SHINE or SNOW!
• Christmas at the Expo Holiday Gift Show, November 24th – 26th: FREE admission and parking is free at the Expo Center. This year’s event can accommodate over 300 vendors in the entire Expo Center. There is something for everyone including live holiday music playing throughout the weekend, free bring your own camera photos with Santa Claus, canned food drive for the Lebanon Rescue Mission with prize drawings, kid’s activities and much more! Be sure to check the schedule of events while planning your trip.
• Annville Christmas Tree Lighting, December 2nd: The Washington Band will play and a local choir will lead the group in singing carols. The winners of the Celebrate Annville raffle for gift baskets will be announced. Santa will arrive by fire truck. Tree Lighting and singing of Silent Night led by Pastor and Band. FREE EVENT for all!
• Christmas at Cornwall, December 2nd: The Friends of Cornwall Iron Furnace will host their annual “Christmas at Cornwall” event on Saturday, December 2nd, 2023 at the historic Cornwall Iron Furnace, 94 Rexmont Road. This family-friendly event will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature guided tours of the furnace, seasonal refreshments, and a model train displayed by Brian’s Model Trains under the furnace’s large, decorated tree. The museum store will be open for holiday shopping, and family crafts and visits from Santa will be offered in the 1860s Paymaster’s Building.

  New to this year’s event will be walking tours of Minersvillage led by several local historians. Also, Lebanon Craft Brewery will be offering free tastings as well as sales of their products and merchandise in the Blacksmith Shop, which will be transformed into “Coleman’s Tavern.”

  As in years past, Cornwall Manor will partner with the Friends in providing access to their wonderfully restored buildings. They will be hosting their “Cookies, Carols, Crafts & More” event from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm at Freeman Community Center.

• CLA Holiday Parade, November 18th: The parade will start at 10 am and will be live streamed by ABC27. ABC27 news anchors Alicia Richards and Valerie Pritchett will again emcee the parade. Check back here a few days before the parade for a link to the live stream. The parade will start at Lincoln Avenue and travel west on Cumberland Street to 9th Street.
• Lebanon Christkindl Market, December 2nd: The event will take place on the grounds of beautiful Coleman Memorial Park from 9am-3pm. Proceeds from the Market will be used for the benefit of the park. Lebanon’s Christkindl Market is an outdoor festival inspired by the Christkindl Markets found in Germany. We celebrate Lebanon County’s German heritage on the grounds around the carriage house area of Coleman Memorial Park. The streets are lined with German and Christmas inspired food and craft booths. Enjoy the many sights and sounds as you walk through the market where you will find crafts such as hand crocheted items, handmade jewelry, and festive seasonal wares. Everyone will enjoy a variety of food offerings and hot chocolate. Be sure to stroll by the tables of gift baskets available and waiting for you at our basket raffle. Take a chance at winning that perfect hostess gift or maybe a wine basket for your next dinner party.
• Wreaths Across America at the Lebanon Cemetery, December 16th: Volunteer with us as we honor our 300+ Veterans. This year, National Wreaths Across America Day will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2023. Join the more than two million volunteers and supporters who will gather to Remember, Honor and Teach at more than 4,000 participating locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad. Rain or Shine — We’ll begin at 10:30am near the rear entrance of Lebanon Cemetery (N. Beaver St & Olympia Ave).

Holiday Events in York County

• York Symphony’s Holiday Pops Spectacular, November 25th, 2pm: It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The York Symphony Orchestra and Chorus kicks off your holiday season with the annual Holiday Pops Spectacular. Ample holiday cheer will grab the hearts of all. Don’t miss a special appearance by Santa and a jovial sing along.
• York Township Tree Lighting Ceremony, December 1st, 6:30pm: Join Santa at the York Township Municipal Building for the annual tree lighting ceremony followed by cookies, cocoa and more! Beginning at 6:30 pm, the York Area Home School Choirs will be singing by the tree prior to Santa’s arrival. The tree lighting begins promptly at 7:00 pm. A short Christmas film will be playing, cookies and cocoa will be available beginning at 7:00 pm, along with activities. Don’t forget your camera for a picture with Santa!
• Christmas Elf Express, November 24th – 26th: It’s one month until Christmas, and Santa’s elves are already working hard to prepare for the big day. They visit the Northern Central Railway to enlist some helpers and collect letters for Santa, but everything goes wrong when Finnegan Frost, the mischievous elf, shows up to cause trouble. He interrupts the good elves’ merry holiday sing-along at the platform, using his sing-a-wrong machine to ruin the Christmas cheer. Usually, they use their good-elf-o-matic to keep his behavior in check, but now Finnegan has scattered pieces of the machine throughout the coaches. Guests must search for and conceal the machine pieces on board. If Finnegan catches someone with a piece in hand, they must give it back to him. At the end of the ride, guests will bring all found pieces to the platform to hopefully repair the good-elf-o-matic and save Christmas.
• Glen Rock Carolers, December 10th: The Heathcotes first came to Glen Rock in 1837 from their old home in Cheshire, Northwestern-England. The Heathcotes brought the tradition of caroling from their English roots. The tradition of the carolers has been carried on for 168 years. Now there are more than 128 members that are mostly young/middle-aged. These men are often devoted to tradition and many have caroling relatives. They sing from the very start of Christmas from twelve A.M. until morning. Every Christmas through rain, snow, and the cold, they sing carols, never once canceling. In 1848 there were 5 original members: Charles, Mark, & James Heathcote; Mark Radcliffe; and George Shaw. Some of the songs that they sing include: Christmas Hymn, Hark Hark, While Shepherds, Hosanna, and the doxology which is always sung last at the Glen Rock Christmas tree. The different singers include tenors, sopranos, and bass along with the use of trumpets and trombones.
• Christmastime in Loganville, November 18th: Our 38th annual holiday event generates a warm, festive, community atmosphere and features participants from local churches, businesses and civic organizations in and around Loganville, Pennsylvania, located in the heart of beautiful southern York County. A special Christmas flag identifies each of the 21 locations and guides shoppers to holiday crafts, homemade food, baked goods, demonstrations, gifts, door prizes and so much more. It is truly a holiday event that your whole family will enjoy – and admission is free!
• Ice Princess Special, December 9th: Start your holiday with a wish come true! We invite you to take a train ride with our special guests, the Ice Queen, the Ice Princess and the Ice Harvester. Join along as our special guests sing songs you know and love. Everyone will have time to take photos with all our special guests at no extra charge. Please feel free to dress up as your favorite Ice Princess or in your favorite dress up outfit. Santa will not be on this train ride; he is taking the day off to prepare his sleigh. Lap babies sitting on an adult’s lap ride free. This train ride is about 60-70 minutes long. Times listed are departure times. Please arrive 30 minutes early to pick up your ticket. Our train rides are rain or shine! The holidays are a tough time for some families and individuals facing food insecurity. We ask that you bring a non-perishable food item to help us with our food drive. All food will be donated to a food pantry located in Stewartstown.
• Light Up York, December 1st: A chance to come together, regardless of faith, and celebrate making our city just a little bit brighter by lighting a chonker of a tree in Continental Square. Light Up York is family-focused affair with snow machines, live reindeer, visits from Mr. and Mrs, Claus, an avalanche of holiday inflatables, and plenty of photo opportunities. You may even see a runaway Grinch or Belsnickel as we push the footprint out from Continental Square.
• Light Up York – Colonial Holidays, December 1st: We’ll have guides throughout our 18th-century buildings to highlight holiday decorations, traditions, and more. We welcome all to stop by and walk through! We’ll even have some sweet treats in our Summer Kitchen.
• The Polar Express in Pajamas, November 25th: Local storyteller Beth Rebert will perform a reading of The Polar Express like you’ve never heard before! Kick off the holiday season with ‘The Polar Express’ in Pajamas at Miller Plant Farm! Children ages 3-12 are welcome to wear pajamas and enjoy hot cocoa and donut holes during the performance. We ask that parents/guardians please stay and listen to the exciting story (this is not a babysitting event.) Preregistration is required as space is limited. Admission is $7/child (ages 1+) and includes the storytelling experience, hot cocoa, and donut holes.
• Christkindlmarkt, December 8th – 9th: Enjoy over 80 vendors and artisans, food, children’s activities and so much more across the tavern’s beautiful historic grounds.
• A Charlie Brown Christmas, December 8th – 17th: The classic animated television special A Charlie Brown Christmas comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation in which Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang discover the true meaning of Christmas.
• New Freedom Christmas Parade, December 2nd: As we enter December, our enchanting Annual Christmas Parade takes center stage, presented by Gill Ice. The day commences at 9:00 AM with a delicious pancake breakfast and the chance to capture timeless memories with Santa Claus at the New Freedom Community Center. Tickets for this special experience are just $3.00 per person and can be obtained at Emerald Garden in Shrewsbury or Scizzors Hair and Barber in New Freedom. Don’t delay; ticket sales conclude on November 26. All proceeds benefit Rose Fire and Ambulance. The parade itself launches at 5:00 PM. The parade will wind its way down Main Street to 3rd Street, creating a magical spectacle for all to enjoy. If you’re eager to participate or need more information, call 410-258-0857. To cap off this marvelous day, a festive reception awaits you at the New Freedom Community Center immediately following the parade, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. It’s the perfect ending to a day filled with holiday joy.

  Calling All Residents: Let’s Light Up New Freedom! As we prepare to usher in the magic of the holiday season with our Annual Christmas Parade, we’re extending an invitation to our residents, especially those along the parade route, to join in the festivities and transform our town into a winter wonderland. The goal is to create a picturesque scene that will make our Annual Christmas Parade even more enchanting. Imagine the delight on the faces of children, families, and all those who gather to enjoy the parade as they stroll along streets lined with beautifully decorated homes and businesses.

• The Christmas Market, December 2nd and 3rd: Step into the magic of The Christmas Market at Flinchbaugh’s Orchard – a festive outdoor market experience to replicate the famous European Christmas Markets. Complimenting the quality and unique wares of 75+ local vendors: hot mulled cider, wine, and brews, Christmas music, a toasty warm fire pit, friendly alpaca family from Alpacas of York, entertainment and we’ve added multiple new flavorful food concessions to greet guests. Santa Claus will be welcoming visitors from 11a-2p each day. Admission is free. Come prepared to enjoy the atmosphere, good food, music and local artisans.
• A Motown Christmas, December 13th: A Motown Christmas features a world-class vocal group, assembled from past and present members of Motown’s most legendary groups… Ali Woodson’s Temptations, The Miracles, and The Contours. A Motown Christmas is a powerful family-oriented show combining Motown’s greatest hits with everyone’s favorite holiday classics. This show features those famous Motown trademarks…dazzling choreography and unforgettable harmonies all performed in that memorable, soulful Motown style.​ This is an evening not to be missed, bring the family, dance, sing and enjoy this special, holiday spectacular.
• Cocoa with the Grinch, December 9th, 12th, and 16th: Come out to the farm and meet Mister Grinch! Delightful photo opps for both kids and adults, and complimentary hot chocolate. We will have outdoor activities open, weather permitting. This is a FREE event with a donation of a non-perishable food item, hygiene products, or clothing item. Donations will go to the Blessing Boxes for York County.
• Winter Solstice Holly Celebrations, December 15th – 16th: Refreshments served. Wreathmaking using holly and natural materials. Gentle Yoga to celebrate the solstice led by Elizabeth Scala. Tour the Holly Orchard and learn about seasonal, cultural folklore that has been celebrated for thousands of years. Support your local independent nurseries!
• Pennsylvania Ballet Academy Presents Nutcracker Sweets, December 17th: Pennsylvania Ballet Academy presents Nutcracker Sweets, featuring selections and special choreography inspired by ballet’s signature holiday classic, The Nutcracker. The Academy joins with Lancaster Symphony Orchestra to bring an unforgettable afternoon of ballet and timeless music by Pyotr Tchaikovsky to life, for a magical journey to the Land of the Sweets. Get your tickets now!

Did we miss your favorite holiday events? Let us know in the comments!