10 Ways To Celebrate Christmas In Lancaster Pa

The charming city of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is a wonderful place to spend the holiday season. With its rich history, cultural attractions, and festive atmosphere, Lancaster offers a unique and memorable Christmas experience. Whether you're a local or just visiting, here are 10 ways to celebrate Christmas in Lancaster, PA.

From festive light displays to holiday-themed events, Lancaster has something for everyone during the Christmas season. Here are a few ways to get into the holiday spirit:

1. Visit the Lancaster Central Market

The Lancaster Central Market is a must-visit destination during the holiday season. This historic market offers a wide variety of local produce, meats, dairy products, and handmade crafts, making it an ideal place to find unique gifts or ingredients for your holiday meal.

2. Take a Holiday Lights Tour

Lancaster is famous for its beautiful holiday light displays, and there's no better way to experience them than on a guided tour. Several companies offer holiday light tours of the city, which take you through some of the most festively decorated neighborhoods and streets.

Top 5 Neighborhoods to See Holiday Lights

• Strasburg
• Lititz
• Ephrata
• Manheim
• Willow Street

3. Attend a Christmas Show or Concert

Lancaster is home to a thriving arts scene, and during the holiday season, there are plenty of Christmas shows and concerts to enjoy. From traditional holiday performances to modern twists on classic favorites, there's something for every musical taste.

Top 5 Christmas Shows and Concerts

• "A Christmas Carol" at the Fulton Theatre
• "The Nutcracker" by the Lancaster Ballet
• "Handel's Messiah" by the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra
• "A Christmas Celebration" at the American Music Theatre
• "The Polar Express" at the Strasburg Rail Road

4. Go on a Sleigh Ride or Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

For a truly festive and old-fashioned holiday experience, consider taking a sleigh ride or horse-drawn carriage ride through the Lancaster countryside. This is a great way to enjoy the beautiful winter scenery and get into the holiday spirit.

Top 5 Places for Sleigh Rides and Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

• Strasburg Rail Road
• Lancaster Central Park
• Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area
• Speedwell Forge Lake
• Landis Valley Farm Museum

5. Visit Santa at the Park City Center

Every year, the Park City Center mall in Lancaster hosts a special visit from Santa Claus. Kids of all ages can come and sit on Santa's lap, tell him their holiday wishes, and take part in fun holiday activities.

Top 5 Things to Do at the Park City Center

• Visit Santa's workshop
• Take a photo with Santa
• Make holiday crafts
• Enjoy holiday treats and snacks
• Browse the holiday market

6. Take a Holiday Cooking Class

If you're looking to try something new and delicious this holiday season, consider taking a holiday cooking class in Lancaster. From traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dishes to modern twists on classic favorites, there's something for every culinary taste.

Top 5 Holiday Cooking Classes

• Pennsylvania Dutch Cooking Class at the Lancaster Culinary School
• Holiday Baking Class at the Kitchen Kettle Village
• Christmas Cookie Decorating Class at the Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant
• Holiday Entertaining Class at the Hotel Lancaster
• New Year's Eve Cooking Class at the Strasburg Rail Road

7. Go Ice Skating at the Clipper Magazine Stadium

For a fun and festive holiday activity, consider going ice skating at the Clipper Magazine Stadium in Lancaster. This outdoor ice rink offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and is a great way to enjoy the winter weather.

Top 5 Tips for Ice Skating in Lancaster

• Wear warm clothing and gloves
• Bring a helmet and knee pads
• Take a lesson from a certified instructor
• Skate during off-peak hours for smaller crowds
• Enjoy the holiday music and decorations

8. Attend a Holiday Festival or Event

Lancaster hosts a wide range of holiday festivals and events throughout the season, from traditional Christmas markets to modern twists on classic favorites. Here are a few events to consider:

Top 5 Holiday Festivals and Events

• Christkindlmarkt at the Lancaster Central Market
• Holiday Festival of Lights at the Clipper Magazine Stadium
• Christmas in the Country at the Kitchen Kettle Village
• Winter Wonderland at the Landis Valley Farm Museum
• New Year's Eve Celebration at the Strasburg Rail Road

9. Take a Holiday Wine or Brewery Tour

For a more adult-oriented holiday activity, consider taking a wine or brewery tour in Lancaster. The city is home to a thriving wine and beer scene, with numerous vineyards and breweries offering tours and tastings.

Top 5 Holiday Wine and Brewery Tours

• Wine Tour at the Lancaster Valley Wine Country
• Brewery Tour at the Spring House Brewing Company
• Wine and Cheese Tasting at the Kitchen Kettle Village
• Beer and Food Pairing at the Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant
• Vineyard Tour at the Mount Hope Estate and Winery

10. Give Back to the Community

Finally, consider giving back to the community this holiday season by volunteering at a local charity or organization. Lancaster is home to numerous non-profits and charities, and there are many ways to get involved and make a difference.

Top 5 Ways to Give Back in Lancaster

• Volunteer at the Lancaster Food Bank
• Donate to the United Way of Lancaster County
• Participate in a toy drive or charity event
• Visit the elderly at a local nursing home
• Help out at a local animal shelter

We hope this article has given you some ideas for ways to celebrate Christmas in Lancaster, PA. Whether you're interested in festive light displays, holiday shows and concerts, or giving back to the community, there's something for everyone in this charming city.

Please share your favorite holiday activities and traditions with us in the comments below. Happy holidays from Lancaster, PA!