The holiday season in York County is full of entertainment, festive fun, and wondrous delights! Make memories with your family and friends as you explore York and partake in our magical holiday events. Below are just a few of our favorites; check our online Calendar of Events for many more great events.

Annual Traditions

The 40th Annual Christmas Magic: A Festival of Lights is a beloved York PA event lighting up hearts young and old and brings a festive glow to the landscape of Rocky Ridge County Park with its half-mile ADA-friendly holiday walking path. Stroll along the candy cane-lined trail as you delight in more than 600,000 twinkling LED lights, animated scenes, and photo opportunities. Please note: Tickets are available online only and must be purchased in advance.

Get ready to rock around the Christmas tree in Hanover! The legendary Santa Cabin has been delighting kids of all ages since 1936 and it’s back again this year. Meet Santa in his cozy cabin to make a magical memory that lasts a lifetime. Don't stop there though! It's time to roam around town and check out the dazzling window decorations in stores and be sure to vote for your favorite in the Christmas Tree Wars. Grab a passport at participating spots or vote online. Psst! Here's some seriously sweet news: You can park for free in metered spots on Fridays and Saturdays through December 30!

Light Up York features a variety of family-friendly activities in downtown York City. The highlight of the event is the lighting of the Christmas tree on Continental Square but you’ll find many other fun happenings all around the area, including a live reindeer, inflatable forest, free movie night at the Appell Center, Keystone Kidspace pop-up, giveaways, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the ballroom at the historic Yorktowne Hotel, and more.

tree and menorah at Continental Square

Trees, Trees, and More Trees

Spruce’d Up: A Celebration of Trees returns to WellSpan Park, home of the York Revolution. View the uniquely decorated trees and vote for your favorite. The top three vote-getters win cash prizes for the non-profit organization of their choice. While you’re there, pick up some stocking stuffers in the team store or snag some tickets for the 2024 season.

The Goodridge Freedom Center’s annual Festival of Trees is open for tours on multiple dates through the end of December. Trees have been beautifully decorated by the Garden Club of York and community organizations, including Explore York.

The Warehime-Myers Mansion in Hanover will again be delightfully adorned for the holiday season with dozens of themed trees decorated by community groups and individuals. Select evenings will also feature entertainment; be sure to stop by the gift shop before leaving.

Warehime-Myers Mansion Christmas trees

Holiday Train Rides

York County is home to three historic railroads with holiday themed rides for your enjoyment:

Railroad buffs will also enjoy the Miniature Railroad Club of York’s annual display, open weekends through early January.

Santa in front of Northern Central Railway train

Holiday Markets and Fairs

Aviator Brew Hub is hosting the Stewartstown Christmas Market on their grounds every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through December 17. Warm up by firepits as you shop outside with a variety of rotating local artisans and crafters. Afterward, head inside to enjoy a local brew or mulled wine and be sure to check in on your Good Libations Trails digital passport. Carriage rides are also available to complete the holiday experience.

The 45th Annual Delta Christmas Fair on December 1-3 involves 40 businesses (including all area restaurants and two breweries) and features light shows, crafts shows, an artist's open house, lighted tractor parades, a scavenger hunt with a cash prize, and much more. The Old Line Museum will serve as the event’s Information Center where you can pick up a brochure listing participating locations and their special offers.

The Outdoor Christmas Market at Flinchbaugh’s Orchard and Farm Market on December 2 and 3 is a festival experience complete with crafts, alpacas, entertainment, and food vendors. Santa will also be stopping by both afternoons.

Dill’s Tavern is gathering 80 vendors and artisans on the tavern’s historic grounds for a Christkindlmarkt on December 8 and 9. You’ll also find delicious food, children’s activities, and musicians to get you in the holiday spirit.

The Markets at Hanover invites you to celebrate the holiday season at their Inclusive Holiday Bazaar on December 9, held in conjunction with the Rainbow Rose Center. You’ll find unique gifts for that special someone no matter what holiday they celebrate this season.

Central Market House hosts Merry in the Market December 9, with vendor specials, photos with Santa, pop-up vendors, story time, crafts, and more. While you’re there, stop by the Explore York visitor information booth for brochures and a York Peppermint Pattie.

Stewartstown Christmas Market

DIY

Feeling crafty? You’ll find several opportunities around York County to get those creative juices flowing:

wreathmaking class at Heartwood Nursery

Concerts and Theater

There’s no shortage of offerings at area theaters to get you into that holiday spirit:

But wait, there’s more! Check out our Calendar of Events to learn about many other events sure to please during this holiday season. Happy Holidays!