Christmas in Lancaster is one of Pennsylvania’s most festive and heartwarming seasons. From live performances and twinkling lights to family-friendly attractions, the area comes alive with holiday cheer. The town of Ephrata and nearby Lancaster offer culture, tradition, and small-town hospitality that make every visit special. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a family trip, or a girlfriend’s getaway, the Historic Smithton Inn is the perfect home base for your Christmas adventure.
Lancaster, PA, known for its rich history and Amish heritage, blends old-world touches with modern attractions. Visitors can explore local markets, art galleries, and farm stands, or take scenic drives through rolling farmland dotted with covered bridges. Downtown Lancaster offers boutique shops, cafes, and museums, while nearby towns like Lititz and Strasburg host seasonal events that draw travelers from across the state. During Christmas in Lancaster, the entire region glows with joyful decorations and a welcoming community spirit that captures the essence of small-town Pennsylvania.
Our Bed and Breakfast near Lancaster offers comfort, charm, and modern convenience in a historic setting. We offer nine unique guest rooms and suites and are a welcoming alternative to larger hotels. We provide personalized service and cozy spaces that feel like home. Staying here places you close to the best things to do in Lancaster during the holidays, from theater performances and light shows to Amish countryside tours. Book your stay today!
Christmas in Lancaster: Best Things to Do this Holiday Season
Choosing fun things to do during Christmas in Lancaster is all about making the season meaningful and memorable. The area shines with lively events and heartwarming traditions that bring people together. From twinkling light displays and holiday theater shows to cozy markets and Amish country tours, there are endless things to do in Lancaster that capture the true joy of the holidays.
Whether you’re sharing laughter on a Christmas train ride or sipping cocoa by the fire, Christmas in Lancaster is filled with moments that turn into cherished holiday memories you’ll treasure for years to come.
The holiday season brings countless things to do in Lancaster, each offering a unique way to celebrate. Here are some of our favorite ways to celebrate Christmas in Lancaster:
- Attend a festive performance like Deck the Halls, the annual Christmas show at the American Music Theatre. At the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, enjoy a delightful dinner and a performance of Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn from November 7 through December 28.
- Families love visiting the Amish Farm and House for old-fashioned holiday charm. The Christmas Cookie Tour takes place from mid-November through December 20, includes visits to three authentic Amish homes to sample homemade cookies, learn new recipes, and experience Amish culture firsthand.
- Take a scenic ride on the Strasburg Rail Road Christmas Train, one of the most beloved things to do in Lancaster at Christmas. Choose from a variety of Yuletide rides to make your holiday getaway even more special.
- Drive through the Christmas Spirit Light Show at Penn Medicine Park from Thanksgiving weekend through New Year’s Eve. Then stroll through Christmas Tree Lane on the stadium concourse, featuring over 100 decorated trees. Cast your vote for your favorite design, meet Santa, enjoy carolers, and snack on treats.Â
- Join the merrymakers at Yuletide at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, where entertainment, crafts, and food fill the grounds with cheer.
- Walk or zipline through a glowing forest of lights at the Christmas Light Experience at Refreshing Mountain, open mid-November through early January. With hundreds of thousands of lights twinkling across the property, this even feels like stepping inside a Christmas card. Advance tickets are required.
- A short drive away, Hersheypark is transformed into a winter wonderland offering rides and chocolate-themed fun for all ages, surrounded by over five million twinkling lights. Santa and his reindeer will be there until Christmas Eve. Hersheypark Christmas Candylane is open from November 14 through January 4.
- Step back in time at The National Christmas Center in the Barns of Belmont. Home to 18,000 square feet of nostalgic Christmas displays featuring decor, lights, and classic holiday artifacts.Â
- Visit Koziar’s Christmas Village, a Pennsylvania favorite for over 75 years, where more than one million lights create a breathtaking holiday spectacle. What began as one family’s backyard display is now one of the most famous Christmas attractions in the country.
- Round out your Christmas in Lancaster with a night of Christmas carols and readings at the Historic Ephrata Cloister. This special celebration in the 1741 Meetinghouse features lessons, carols, and a dose of holiday spirit!
Holiday Getaways at our Bed and Breakfast near Lancaster
After exploring all the best holiday-themed things to do in Lancaster, return to our Bed and Breakfast near Lancaster to relax and warm up. Sip wine by the fireplace, curl up with a good book, or enjoy the peaceful glow of colorful decorations throughout our Inn. Each evening feels cozy and inviting, a welcome contrast to the excitement of the day’s adventures.
Guests at our Bed and Breakfast near Lancaster love starting each morning with a hearty, home-cooked breakfast made from local ingredients. Special touches like homemade baked goods and our own Weathered Vineyards Wine Bar add to the experience. Seasonal packages and add-ons make it easy to personalize your stay, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply savoring the holiday spirit.
Each of our nine guest rooms and suites features private baths, comfortable bedding, and modern amenities within a historic setting. Some offer fireplaces or sitting areas, perfect for unwinding after a busy day of sightseeing. With an ideal location and welcoming atmosphere, our Bed and Breakfast near Lancaster is the best place to enjoy a magical Christmas in Lancaster. Reserve your room now!