Celebrate Christmas in Lancaster County

Key Takeaways for Planning a Christmas Getaway to Lancaster

• Lancaster County hosts dozens of festive Christmas activities each year, including AMT’s Winter Wonderland spectacular (November through December) featuring singers, dancers, and holiday songs.
• Family highlights include Dutch Wonderland’s Christmas at the Park with puppet shows, light displays, Santa, and New Year’s Eve Diamond Drop; Stone Gables Estate’s Santa Express train, Christmas Village, and lights show (Thanksgiving to New Year’s).
• Train lovers enjoy Strasburg Railroad’s 45-minute Christmas Express with stories, musicians, treats, Santa gifts, and market (Nov–Dec); drive-thru options like Clipper Stadium’s mile-long light show with radio-synced music and walk-through Christmas Tree Lane.
• Cultural events feature Ephrata Cloister’s candlelight tours with a cappella carols, Landis Valley Farm Museum’s old-fashioned PA German Christmas with Belsnickel, Lititz Historical Society’s Candlelight Tour of the 1792 Mueller House, and Nutcracker Ballet (1st Weekend in December).
• Shop for unique gifts like Amish quilts and wall hangings at The Quilt Shop at Miller’s, shippable pies/jams from The Shoppes at Miller’s, or nostalgic antiques; stay at AmishView Inn & Suites for farmland views and proximity to all events.

16 Fun Christmas Activities in Amish Country

Lancaster County is home to a number of exciting Yuletide events that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit. From Christmas light displays to train rides, there is sure to be something that will appeal to every member of your group. Plus, don’t forget all the wonderful shopping and holiday decorations. Take a look at some Christmas activities and events that you can expect:

Christmas Events in Lancaster PA

1. AMT Christmas Show – Each year, American Music Theater puts on a larger-than-life Christmas Spectacular show, starting in November. This year’s show, Winter Wonderland, is full of incredibly talented singers and dancers from all over the country, beautiful sets and costumes, and is full of all your favorite Christmas songs. This heartwarming musical holiday adventure is filled with awe-inspiring performances the whole family will love. Don’t miss this fantastic show that is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit, running November 3 – December 30!
2. Sight and Sound – Sight and Sound will not be offering their Christmas Show until after 2026. However, they will be offering the story of Joshua in 2026. So come see their amazing productions with live animals, amazing sets and more.
3. Dutch Wonderland Christmas at the Park – Be sure to visit Dutch Wonderland this winter as it transforms into a sparkling wonderland full of holiday fun! Be sure to check out their new puppet show, and magical forest light show and stop by to meet Santa himself! Visit on New Year’s Eve for their Diamond Drop, where kids of all ages are welcome to ring in the new year! Also, consider visiting HersheyPark’s Christmas Candylane.
4. Intercourse Village Christkindlmarkt – This festive European-style Christmas market brings the charm of the season to the heart of Lancaster County. Visitors can browse handcrafted gifts, holiday décor, and locally made goods while enjoying the warm glow of lights and the sound of carolers. The market features seasonal treats, hot beverages, and family-friendly activities that make it a perfect stop for holiday cheer. With its quaint village setting and old-world atmosphere, the Christkindlmarkt offers a delightful way to celebrate the spirit of Christmas. Takes place the first Friday and Saturday in December and is just minutes from AmishView.
5. Stone Gables Estate – It’s “all aboard” the Santa Express at Stone Gables Estate this winter, when their 1868 replica steam locomotive takes off for a journey around the estate full of Christmas Carols, treats, and a visit from Santa! Running select dates between Thanksgiving and Christmas, this train ride is sure to bring plenty of holiday to the young and old alike! Be sure to also visit their Christmas Village and the National Christmas Center for a whole day of shopping and family fun! Check out their Christmas lights show, running from day after Thanksgiving to the Saturday after New Year’s Day. More information on dates and ticketing can be found on Stone Gable’s website.
6. Clipper Stadium Christmas Light Show – Hop in the car and tune your radio to the Christmas station as you drive through the mile-long Light Show at Clipper Stadium that dances along with the music. During the weekends, park your car and take a walk-through Christmas Tree Lane, which is full of trees decorated by local organizations to raise money for non-profits! This event takes place annually from day after Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, and is sure to make a great tradition for your family! For additional information on Christmas Lights in Lancaster County, visit Discover Lancaster.
7. Strasburg Christmas Train – For nearly 65 years, the Strasburg Railroad has been bringing holiday joy to everyone who steps foot aboard their Christmas Express. This 45-minute train ride is full of stories, live musicians, treats, and a visit to the Christmas Market, a visit from Santa who has gifts for everyone on board! This tradition is a local favorite, along with their various other Christmas train offerings. The holiday trains will be running from November through December, specific dates for each train offering can be found on their website.
8. Ice Cream with Santa – Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Turkey Hill Experience! Make your own Christmas ornaments and holiday cards, enjoy cookies and milk, and experience the holiday themed taste lab while making memories that will last a lifetime! Visit the Turkey Hill Experience website for ticketing information.
9. Christmas Candlelight Tours – In December, the Lititz Historical Society will be holding its Candlelight Tour of the 1792 Johannes Mueller House, where you can learn the customs and history of the Moravian community in Lititz. This tour is 40 minutes long, and attendees are welcome to visit the Lititz Museum for holiday treats and a gift shop with a large selection of items! Tickets can be purchased online and in person.
10. Christmas Down on the Farm – With crafts, train rides to the Christmas tree farm, scavenger hunts, fire pits, mazes, and so much more, you are sure to have a day full of fun at Christmas Down on the Farm, located at Barnyard Kingdom at Country Barn. Be sure to stop by on select dates to take in the sights and sounds of the holidays on the farm!
11. Christmas in the Village at Landis Valley Farm Museum – Stop by the Landis Valley Farm Museum for a real Old-Fashioned Christmas with lots of Christmas decorations. Learn how early PA German families celebrated Christmas here in south central PA. Fun for all ages. It’s a great way to start out the Christmas season. But watch out for the Belsnickel. See their calendar for exact dates. 
12. Christmas at Ephrata Cloister – During Christmas, the Cloister shines with Moravian stars and greenery, while candlelight tours transport you to the past, guided by interpreters sharing its history and the significance of Christmas. Don’t miss the a cappella music by the Ephrata Cloister Chorus, featuring traditional hymns and carols, creating a serene and reflective atmosphere. Be reminded of the more meaningful aspects of the holiday, while revisiting history and traditions. Make sure to check out their Christmas at the Cloisters and Lantern Tours events. See their website for dates.
13. Dutch Apple Dinner Theater – Iving Berlin’s Holiday Inn – The beloved movie comes alive on stage as the foursome work to put on a show to save an old inn. The musical is running from November 7^th – December 28^th at Dutch Apple Dinner Theater! Experience this tale in a new way, with original songs and incredible performances. Tickets to the show include a delicious meal, which will occur prior to the show. This show is sure to provide a day of Christmas cheer for the whole family!
14. Magic & Wonder Winter Wonderland – Starting November 5^th, join Brett and his talented cast in a heartwarming holiday show, Winter Wonderland, that blends illusions, comedy, costumes, and music for all ages to enjoy. Travel to the enchanting “North Pole,” witness toys coming to life in “Santa’s Magical Workshop,” and remember the true meaning of the season. The show is 1 hour and 45 minutes (with dinner it is 3.5 hours). Or, starting October 27^th, rock around the Christmas tree and dance down the aisles to Holly Jolly Jukebox which features the greatest rock and roll renditions of all of your favorite holiday tunes. Holly Jolly Jukebox is also 1 hour and 45 minutes (and with meal it is 3.5 hours).
15. Nutcracker Ballet by Viktor Yeliohin International Ballet Academy – The Annual Nutcracker Ballet featuring professional dancers from Ukraine will happen December 4th to 6th. Join our young heroine, Clara, through a magical journey where she battles an evil rat king, travels through the snowy forest, and encounters new friends of all kinds in the land of sweets.
16. Yuletide at Wheatland – Take a tour of US President James Buchannan’s house, Wheatland, while it is all dressed up for the holidays. From Yuletide menus and meals to how Christmastime was celebrated during the Civil War, viewers will learn how Buchanan and his family experienced Yuletide in the mid-1800s.

Fun Holiday Shopping and Unique Christmas Gifts

Lancaster provides amazing opportunities to find unique Christmas gifts for those on your list. So make sure to join us in Lancaster for your holiday shopping.

We recommend you visit The Quilt Shop at Miller’s, where you’ll find beautiful Amish Quilted Wall Hangings, ranging in size from 20” x 20” to 45” x 45”. These colorful wall hangings are handmade from plain fabrics. They are often made of cotton, but The Quilt Shop at Miller’s also carries the wool wall hangings, which are more difficult to find, and gorgeous handmade quilts. The shop is less than a 10-mile drive from our boutique hotel.

Also, consider sending the taste of Lancaster to friends and family from pies to jams, The Shoppes at Miller’s can ship those homey flavors. Shop here.

Lancaster County is well-known for its antiques shops and what better place to find those nostalgic toys you once owned (or listed on your childhood Christmas Wish List)? TripAdvisor lists numerous antique stores near us, and our guest services staff would be more than happy to help you decide which ones to visit.

Read Giving Lancaster County Gifts for more gift giving ideas.

Where to Book a Weekend Winter Stay in Lancaster, PA?

As you plan your magical Christmas Getaway to Lancaster County, don’t forget to book your stay at AmishView Inn & Suites here at Plain & Fancy Farm where you can relax with beautiful farmland views and enjoy a hearty breakfast each morning. AmishView is just minutes from all the Christmas fun that Lancaster has to offer. For those looking for a bit quieter evening to wrap up your Christmas outing, be sure to book a stay in one of our adults-only Grand Kings!