Holiday Celebrations in Central Pennsylvania

Central Pennsylvania offers countless opportunities to make lasting memories throughout the holiday season!

From the historic Christmas charm of southern Lancaster County to the twinkling lights in York and Harrisburg, this entire region comes alive this time of year. And these special holiday events help showcase why central PA is perfect for year-round living.

Let’s dive in and see what’s happening in the area this holiday season!

Holiday Events Near Southern Lancaster County

Strasburg Rail Road is the nation’s oldest continuously operating railroad – winding through 2,500 acres of Lancaster County’s Amish County.

The rail road offers several Christmas train experiences throughout December, including Santa’s Paradise Express, the Night Before Christmas Train, and the Santa Claus Limited.

Families can also enjoy a special Christmas Dinner aboard the train with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

If you’re looking for a quaint holiday experience, Kitchen Kettle Village in Intercourse welcomes visitors with live music, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and s’mores stations around open fires. The village has 40+ unique shops which makes it easy to find handcrafted gifts and locally made products.

Take a short drive south to Kennett Square in Chester County, and you’ll find one of Pennsylvania’s most spectacular holiday experiences at Longwood Gardens.

A Longwood Christmas draws tens of thousands of visitors each holiday season. The gardens feature the Festival of Fountains with illuminated water displays set to music, elaborate indoor Christmas displays, and festive outdoor light installations.

Longwood also offers unique dining experiences including a holiday season menu at the newly-renovated 1906 restaurant.

Central Lancaster County Celebrations

On Black Friday, downtown Lancaster kicks off the season with the Mayor’s Tree Lighting at Penn Square. This cherished Lancaster city holiday event brings the local community together for Santa’s arrival and festive entertainment.

The city’s vibrant holiday vibe extends throughout December with decorated storefronts and special holiday shopping events. And don’t miss a holiday show at Fulton Theatre – elf the Musical, It’s a Wonderful Life, and The Nutcracker are happening this month.

Just outside Lancaster city, Penn Medicine Park, home to Lancaster Stormers baseball, offers the Christmas Spirit Light Show. This drive-through holiday display features hundreds of thousands of color-changing lights that families can enjoy from the comfort of their vehicle while listening to classic holiday songs.

Dutch Winter Wonderland at Dutch Wonderland turns this popular Lancaster, PA amusement park into a holiday destination with festive decorations, seasonal shows, and activities tailored for younger children.

York County Holiday Traditions

York County, PA shines during the holidays with two spectacular Christmas light displays.

Christmas Magic: A Festival of Lights is located at Rocky Ridge County Park – a popular spot that welcomes visitors year-round with 750 acres of trails, scenic observation decks, and pavilion rentals.

Christmas Magic features over one million twinkling holiday lights along a half-mile, ADA-accessible walking trail through the woods. Families can warm up with hot chocolate and cookies while enjoying animated holiday scenes and lots of photo opportunities.

WellSpan Park, home to the York Revolution baseball team, offers Bright Nights York – a newer holiday experience that’s quickly become a local favorite. This downtown York attraction blankets the entire York Revolution ballpark with over three million festive lights. The event also features attractions for younger children including a polar bear slide, walk-in snow globe, ornament making. On select nights visitor can see Santa and his elves, live reindeer, and Elsa and Anna from Frozen.

Harrisburg Area and Dauphin County

The Harrisburg region offers its own unique holiday experiences, led by the very popular Hersheypark Christmas Candylane.

Running from mid-November through early January, parkgoers can stroll under five million twinkling lights, take in a holiday show, and ride over 40 amusement rides. Don’t miss a visit with Santa and his nine live reindeer!

After Candylane, check out the Hershey Sweet Lights experience. From the comfort of your car, you’ll enjoy two miles of decorated trails featuring Hershey Christmas lights and illuminated holiday displays.

Every December, The Pennsylvania Christmas & Gift Show takes place at the PA Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. With more than 600 specialty vendors spread across six acres on one floor, the show ranks among the largest holiday shows in the country. The PA Christmas show just wrapped up for the 2025 season, so mark your calendar for 2026 – it’s a must-see!

Mechanicsburg and Cumberland County

Mechanicsburg and the entire Cumberland County region is filled with holiday events for people of all ages.

The Mercantile is a popular multi-vendor shop that has a calendar of holiday events you don’t want to miss. Visitors will enjoy pop-up vendors, a window decorating contest, Santa photo opps, an ugly sweater contest, and extended shopping hours.

Throughout December, downtown Carlisle hosts the Nutcracker Stroll, where local merchants create unique four-foot tall nutcrackers displayed in shop windows and throughout businesses. Families can explore downtown while hunting for all the creatively designed nutcrackers – you can even enter for a chance to win one of the holiday creations.

Ready to make central PA your home for the 2026 holidays? Explore our available neighborhoods and get to know the local communities where these holiday traditions come to life every year.