Since living in the area for over a year, we’ve created some holiday traditions, although we’re still finding new things to do! Here are some local activities that put our family in the holiday spirit:
- Storytime with Santa (and Mrs. Claus!) at the Palmyra Public Library.
- Taking an evening stroll in our neighborhood all bundled up, looking at lights on the houses and even looking way up in the sky — we’ve seen some amazing views of the stars here!
- Shopping at local businesses, especially antique and thrift stores, to find special gifts and inexpensive holiday decor.
- Attending the tree lighting in Elizabethtown with Santa and the Grinch, and shopping small at Copper Fern and The Tatted Toy Guys.
- Visiting Santa at the Allen Theatre in Annville and watching a free holiday movie on the big screen.
- Driving around the area during the day and seeing the homes decorated, as well as enjoying the homes lit at night. The Milton Hershey School campus dome and lawns are also impressive.
- Listening to 103.3 Christmas music non-stop in the car.
- Going on a night-time hayride, seeing the farm animals, and playing on the playground under a clear night sky at Patches Family Creamery in Lebanon.
- Taking a train ride with Santa on the Strasburg Railroad, and also at Stone Gables Estate on the Harrisburg, Lincoln, and Lancaster Railroad.
- Donating a gift to those less fortunate.
- Shopping for food at Grocery Outlet in Palmyra – they have an ‘interactive’ Santa and Rudolph in their entryway, and have been playing Christmas music since Thanksgiving!
This list is clearly not exhaustive of all of the fun holiday options in the area (there are simply too many!) – what do you recommend we add to our Christmas traditions for next year? From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
