2025 Holiday Guide
Looking for the best Christmas events in Lancaster, PA to make the season extra magical? Every year, our family searches for festive activities that help us slow down, make memories, and enjoy the holiday spirit right here in Lancaster County. When I asked my kids which Christmas tradition they love most, their answer was immediate—and it’s the very first event on this list. Whether you’re planning a fun family outing, starting new traditions, or exploring what makes our area shine during the holidays, I hope this guide helps you discover the perfect local Christmas celebration.
Best Christmas Events
Christmas Spirit Light Show: This is our favorite tradition by far! We pack up our favorite Christmas cookies and drive through the light show. It’s simple, but my kids still love it! You can also purchase food and drinks concession style on your drive into the Light Show.
Cavod Christmas Ballet Performance: My daughter and I absolutely love dressing up to attend a local ballet performance for Christmas at Cavod. This year they are performing White Christmas and we can’t wait to go see it!
Terre Hill Christmas in the Park: This is fun, very local event with a walk through light display, food, free kid’s crafts, vendors and so much more!
Other ideas we haven’t tried yet:
Dutch Winter Wonderland: I’ve taken my kids to Dutch Wonderland in the summer, but haven’t been there for the holidays. There are lights, carols, shows and some rides open. Check out the link above to find out more.
American Music Theatre Christmas Show: Years and years ago I attended a Christmas show here with my husband and his work. There was lots of Christmas music to go around!
Strasburg Railroad Christmas: You can hop aboard a train car to enjoy the scenery of the Lancaster countryside and experience all your winter wishes come true!
Servant Hearted Projects
If you want to avoid the glitz and crowds, you can simply just find a chance to serve others in your community for Christmas with your family. Show them what the true spirit of Christmas really is. You could volunteer at a soup kitchen, volunteer to drive food for Meals on Wheels, or just drop off some groceries on the doorstep for a family in need. I’m sure many of us know others in need at this time of year. You could also contact a local nursing home to find out if you and your family could go play games with the elderly or sing carols for them. I have many fond memories of singing in nursing homes when I was younger. The older folks there love it!
Simple Christmas at Home
There is also nothing wrong with simple Christmas activities at home too. We do many of these ourselves. Often we choose a few outings, budget for them and then enjoy the rest of the season with simple pleasures at home. Baking cookies, decorating, reading our stash of Christmas stories, watching our favorite Christmas movies… these are truly some of our favorite memories to make!
Document the Memories
If you would like for me to document your Christmas memories, I have limited availability this year. I would love to come photograph you snuggling together with a good Christmas book, baking cookies together or decorating your tree. Contact me HERE for more information on booking your session.
filed under
