Make The Season Extra Bright

November 2, 2015

When guests are looking for unique ways to become
inspired and get excited about the holiday

season, I recommend visiting a few
Lancaster County museums and historical sites.

Here are a few holiday-themed events at two of my favorite local spots to consider sharing
with your friends and family:

Ephrata Cloister

Christmas at the Cloister – December 14 & 15, 2015 at 6 p.m., 7:15
p.m. and 8:30 p.m. each evening

Featuring music and merriment sure to get you into the
spirit of the season.
Call 717-733-6600 or visit the Ephrata Cloister website for more information about the event and to get tickets.

Lantern Tours 2014 – December 26-29; tours begin every half hour starting at 6:30pm until
8pm.

Experience these tours that take you back in time. Reservations
are required, call 717-733-6600 (beginning December 1). Visit the Ephrata Cloister website for
more information and ticket prices.

Landis Valley Museum

“Days of Belsnickel” Lunch Tour – December 12, 2015, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Enjoy some good humor and laughs as you’re heckled by the
cranky PA German Christmas Character, the Belsnickel. A guided tour of the
holiday-decorated village of Landis Valley starts your day and is followed by
lunch in the historic 1856 Landis Valley House Hotel. After that, your tour
will move to the Firehouse for a visit from the Belsnickel. The fun day will
conclude with some time to shop at the Landis Valley Museum Store for unique
wares made by local artisans. For more information about the event and pricing,
or to make a reservation, call 717-581-0590.

Country Christmas Village –
December 5, 6, 12, & 13 2015

Experience Pennsylvania German contributions that have enhanced celebrating
Christmas while you tour decorated buildings and a Civil War winter camp, watch
traditional holiday food being made, and meet “der Belsnickel.” This
event also offers wagon rides, and kids can make crafts to collect as keepsakes.
You can even bring your letter to Santa (in an unsealed
envelope) and drop it off at the Landis Valley Post Office in the back of
the Country Store. (Dec. 5 & 6 only).
For hours of operation and admission rates. See their website

Holiday At Landis Valley Bonfire – December 11, 2015, 6 – 8:30 p.m.

It doesn’t get more festive than this free event celebrating
a Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas. You can take a wagon ride, tour historic
buildings that are decorated for the holidays, and warm up by the bonfire as
you sing carols while the Lititz Moravian Trombone Choir accompanies you. Then top
off the evening at the Yellow Barn for cookies and hot cider.
Bring a few non-perishable food items to the event as a
donation to the Lancaster Food Bank to help ensure those in need won’t go
hungry this Christmas.
To find more Lancaster County holiday events and attractions, visit the Discover Lancaster website. Which will you experience with your loved ones
this season?

Need A Place To Stay During Your Lancaster County Visit?

We’ve got a room and a warm breakfast for you here
at the Historic Smithton Inn. Just give me a call at
717-733-6094 to make a reservation!

 

By Rebecca Gallagher
Image courtesy of Feelart at FreeDigitalPhotos.net