Lancaster’s Best Holiday Events – and Why Locals Love Living Here

There’s something magical about the holidays in Lancaster County. Maybe it’s the way the snow dusts our covered bridges, or how the smell of fresh-baked cookies drifts from Amish farmhouses. Or maybe it’s just that our community knows how to come together and celebrate the season in ways that make you feel like you’re part of something special.

If you’ve ever wondered what makes Lancaster such a wonderful place to call home, the holiday season gives you the perfect answer. It’s not just the events themselves: though they’re pretty amazing: it’s how our whole community embraces the spirit of the season and welcomes everyone to join in.

Why We Love Living Here

Living in Lancaster County means you get the best of both worlds. You’re surrounded by rolling farmland and authentic Amish heritage, but you’re also part of a vibrant community that celebrates everything from traditional German Christmas markets to modern light shows that’ll take your breath away.

What I love most about our area is how every holiday event feels personal. You’re not just another face in the crowd: you’re a neighbor. Whether you’ve lived here for decades or just moved in last month, you’ll find yourself chatting with friendly locals, sharing stories, and creating memories that last long after the decorations come down.

The sense of community here is something you just can’t replicate anywhere else. When you live in Lancaster County, you’re not just buying a house: you’re joining a family of people who genuinely care about each other and love sharing what makes this place so special.

Lancaster City’s Mayor’s Tree Lighting

An annual tradition Thanksgiving Friday night, Lancaster, PA’s annual Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting at Penn Square.  Friends and Families gather as the Mayor  leeds the official Christmas Tree Lighting countdown alongside Santa, with live music, and local vendors. This festive event draws big crowds, filling downtown with holiday spirit and kicking off a favorite Lancaster tradition. A few vendors are open at Central Market across the steet.

Christkindlmarkt at Lancaster Liederkranz: Old-World Charm

If you want to experience authentic German Christmas tradition right here in Lancaster, the Christkindlmarkt at Lancaster Liederkranz is absolutely magical. This isn’t some commercialized holiday market: it’s the real deal, complete with handcrafted ornaments, traditional German food, and that warm, festive atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a Christmas fairy tale.

The German-American club puts so much heart into this event. You’ll find unique gifts you won’t see anywhere else, taste authentic German treats, and maybe even pick up a few German phrases from the friendly vendors. It’s the kind of event that makes you appreciate living somewhere that celebrates its rich cultural heritage.

What makes this event even more special is how it brings together longtime residents and newcomers alike. I’ve watched families start new traditions here, and seen neighbors become friends over shared pretzels and warm Glühwein. Usually held the 2nd Sunday in December – next year it is scheduled for December 13, 2026.

Christmas Light Experiences That’ll Amaze You

Lancaster County doesn’t do anything halfway, and our holiday light displays prove it. The Christmas Spirit Light Show at Penn Medicine Park is a local favorite that transforms the entire area into a winter wonderland. You can drive through the illuminated course, but I recommend taking the walk through Christmas Tree Lane: over 100 decorated trees, each one unique and beautiful.

The best part? You can vote for your favorite tree, meet Santa, and even see live reindeer on select nights. And here’s something I love about our community: the walking portion is completely free. That’s Lancaster County for you, always making sure everyone can enjoy the magic.

If you’re looking for something even more spectacular, the Christmas Light Experience at Refreshing Mountain in Stevens covers eight miles of displays with millions of twinkling lights. You can walk through the glowing forest, or if you’re feeling adventurous, zipline through the lights for an experience you’ll never forget. They even have festive cabin suites if you want to make it a whole weekend getaway.

All Aboard for Holiday Magic

 

The Strasburg Rail Road Christmas trains are a Lancaster tradition that families pass down through generations. There’s something about riding through the winter countryside while Christmas carols play and hot cocoa warms your hands that just captures the spirit of the season perfectly.

They offer several different themed rides: from Santa’s Paradise Express to the Night Before Christmas Train that brings the classic story to life. My personal favorite is the Christmas Tree Train, where you can actually select and cut your own tree during the ride. It’s practical and magical all at once, which feels very Lancaster County to me.

These train rides sell out fast because locals know what a special experience they are. It’s one of those traditions that makes living here feel extra special during the holidays.


Entertainment and Community Celebrations

The American Music Theatre’s “Deck the Halls” show is another reason why living in Lancaster means you don’t have to travel far for world-class entertainment. This isn’t just a holiday concert: it’s a celebration that showcases the incredible talent we have right here in our community.

The Strasburg Rail Road Christmas trains are a Lancaster tradition that families pass down through generations. There’s something about riding through the winter countryside while Christmas carols play and hot cocoa warms your hands that just captures the spirit of the season perfectly.

They offer several different themed rides: from Santa’s Paradise Express to the Night Before Christmas Train that brings the classic story to life. My personal favorite is the Christmas Tree Train, where you can actually select and cut your own tree during the ride. It’s practical and magical all at once, which feels very Lancaster County to me.

These train rides sell out fast because locals know what a special experience they are. It’s one of those traditions that makes living here feel extra special during the holidays.

Entertainment and Community Celebrations

The American Music Theatre’s “Deck the Halls” show is another reason why living in Lancaster means you don’t have to travel far for world-class entertainment. This isn’t just a holiday concert: it’s a celebration that showcases the incredible talent we have right here in our community.

And when December 31st rolls around, our New Year’s Eve celebration at Penn Medicine Park brings the whole community together. There’s music, food, festive entertainment, and our own version of the ball drop: the Red Rose Drop: followed by fireworks that light up the winter sky. It’s the perfect way to celebrate another year of living in this amazing place.

Shopping and Markets That Support Local

During the holidays, our local businesses really shine. Lancaster Shops Late extends shopping hours so you can discover unique treasures from local artisans and business owners. The Ewell Plaza Winter Market features local crafters selling handmade goods with live music and twinkling lights creating the perfect atmosphere.

When you shop local during the holidays in Lancaster County, you’re not just buying gifts: you’re supporting your neighbors and strengthening the community that makes this such a wonderful place to live.

Hidden Gem: Hallelujah Chorus Flash Mob

Lancaster’s Central Market is the oldest continuously operating farmers market in the US. You’ll want to be there the Saturday before Christmas for the Flash Mob of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus.  Volunteers from all over appear throughout the market to sing the chorus. Whle you are there, shop for produce, cheeses, meats, salads, seafood, chocalates, and crafts. It’s truly magical and heralds the start of Christmas week

The Real Magic: Community Connection

 

What strikes me most about all these holiday events is how they bring people together. Whether you’re new to the area and looking to meet neighbors, or you’ve lived here your whole life and want to share our traditions with visiting family, these events create connections that last well beyond the holiday season.

I’ve had clients tell me that attending a Lancaster holiday event was the moment they knew they wanted to make this area their home. There’s something about the warmth, authenticity, and genuine community spirit that just feels right.

If you’re thinking about making Lancaster County your home, or if you’re already here and want to get more involved in the community, these holiday events are the perfect place to start. You’ll quickly discover that living here means being part of something bigger: a community that celebrates together, supports each other, and knows how to make every season special.

Want to learn more about what makes different Lancaster County neighborhoods unique? I’d love to share my insights about the communities that host these wonderful events and help you find the perfect place to create your own holiday traditions. Feel free to reach out:     contact me: joyceherr.com I’m always happy to talk about why we love living here so much!