YoCo Twist Blog
Looking for a road trip this month? The holiday season in York County, Pennsylvania, has always been a bright and colorful destination, but now there are even more reasons to visit!
Lights, Lights, Lights!
Christmas Magic: A Festival of Lights has been a beloved York County tradition for more than four decades. At Rocky Ridge County Park, you’ll enjoy more than one million twinkling LED lights and dozens of animated scenes as you venture down a half-mile stroller- and wheelchair-friendly walking trail surrounded by picturesque woods. Warm up with hot chocolate and cookies while taking advantage of the various photo opportunities along the way! Tickets available online only.
More than three million festive lights will brighten WellSpan Park this holiday season with the return of Bright Nights York. The Brooks Robinson Plaza will sparkle in lights and feature a polar bear slide, snow globe selfie station, and more. Entering the ballpark, guests will make a circuit, including circling the field itself, viewing not just the building coated in lights but encountering a series of scenes in holiday lights. Rotating entertainment will include Santa and his elves many nights, live reindeer, character visits, and much more. Bonus: Bright Nights York is collaborating with downtown merchants who are offering discounts and promotions when you show your Bright Nights York ticket.
The Hanover Area Historical Society welcomes you to its 15th Annual Christmas Tree Tours where you can delight in more than 40 decorated trees inside the historic Warehime-Myers Mansion during December and January. Musical entertainment is planned for several evenings.
The annual Festival of Trees event at the William C. Goodridge Freedom Center and Underground Railroad Museum takes place on select dates in December. The trees are decorated by community volunteers.
Shop ‘Til You Drop
Aviator Brew Hub is hosting the Stewartstown Christmas Market again this holiday season. The Vendor Village will be open every Friday 4-8 p.m., Saturday 3-8 p.m., and Sunday 3-7 p.m., November 22 through December 21. Grab a Christmas beer or warm mulled wine from inside the brewery, then stroll the decked-out village of Christmas Hauses filled with local business pop up shops. You’ll find new vendors every weekend along with carriage rides, craft workshops, and food and dessert trucks.
On December 6 and 7, Flinchbaugh’s Orchard & Farm Market invites you to The Christmas Market, a festive outdoor market experience replicating the famous European Christmas Markets with local artistic wares; hot mulled cider, wine, and brews; Christmas music at a toasty fire pit, entertainment, and food. Santa will visit with kiddos both days 11 a.m.-2 p.m.! Admission is free. Come prepared to enjoy the atmosphere.
Dills Tavern hosts an adaptation of a traditional German Christmas market on December 12 and 13 with Christkindlmarkt. Visit Dillsburg for two days of Christmas cheer, ambience, shopping, food, children's activities, music, and so much more across the tavern's beautiful historic grounds. This event is sure to propel you into the Christmas spirit!
If you love the natural beauty of the holidays, visit Heartwood Nursery & Environmental Preserve for decorating and gifting in addition to special events. You’ll step into a unique, niche nursery store filled with festive wreaths, garlands, and tabletop arrangements. Fresh and fragrant, they’re made with greenery cut from the hundreds of trees and shrubs grown on-site organically, without chemicals.
Fun Fact: Heartwood Nursery owner Sue Hunter is an authority on hollies and President of the Holly Society of America. She offers walk-and-talks in the fresh air in the grove. Heartwood also offers festive wreathmaking workshops where you can create a fresh, fragrant wreath. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, tea, cookies, and other cozy treats while you make a festive wreath to take home
All Aboard!
York County is home to three historic railroads and each one offers a variety of themed holiday rides for train buffs and families. Strasburg Rail Road in neighboring Lancaster County also has some great options for holiday rides.
Take in a Show!
You’ll get right in that holiday spirit at any one of the holiday shows on our calendar: York Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops, The Nutcracker, Motown Christmas, Wizards of Winter, Valencia Wonderland, Christmas in the Air, Elf Jr. Musical, Deck the Halls, Holiday Inn, and more!
Start planning your trip to York County, PA, today by downloading the official travel guide. Keep up with the latest happenings by signing up for our twice monthly Getaway Guide email.
With its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant culture, York County, PA, is the perfect destination for your next adventure. Whether you're exploring the charming streets of downtown York City or immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the countryside, you'll find something to captivate your senses at every turn, during this festival season and all year long.
Happy Holidays!
