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, and with the addition of a major new event this year, 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. Wander along a candy cane-lined walkway and past trees adorned with multi-colored lights while trying to spot all the characters hiding among nature. Warm up with hot chocolate and cookies while taking advantage of the various photo opportunities along the way! It's a truly magical experience for visitors of all ages. Tickets available online only.
NEW! More than THREE MILLION festive lights will brighten WellSpan Park this holiday season with this new holiday attraction in downtown York City. Attendees at Bright Nights York will experience a spectacular new version of the ballpark they usually enjoy on a warm summer evening. The Brooks Robinson Plaza will sparkle in lights and feature a polar bear slide, snow globe selfie station, ferris wheel, 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. An array of lights will dance to holiday music, and a 40-foot tree on the infield will anchor the scene. Rotating entertainment will include Santa and his elves many nights, live reindeer, visits from Anna and Elsa of Frozen fame, and much more.
Bonus: Bright Nights York is collaborating with York County’s Christmas Magic event to double the fun for holiday-light fans, offering ticket purchasers of one event a discount offer for the other. In addition, dozens of downtown locations are offering discounts and promotions when you show your Bright Nights York ticket.
The annual Festival of Trees event at the Goodridge Freedom Center and Underground Railroad Museum takes place December 6-28. This year's theme celebrates the 200th anniversary of William C. Goodridge's first business in York. The trees were decorated by the Garden Club of York and community volunteers.
The Hanover Area Historical Society welcomes you to its 14th 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.
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 5-9 p.m., Saturday 2-8 p.m., and Sunday 2-8 p.m. through December 22. 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 7 and 8, Flinchbaugh’s Orchard & Farm Market invites you to The Christmas Market, a festive outdoor market experience to replicate the famous European Christmas Markets. Greeting guests will be local artistic wares; hot mulled cider, wine, and brews; Christmas music at a toasty warm fire pit, entertainment, and flavorful food concessions. Santa will visit with kiddos both days 11 a.m.-2 p.m.! Admission is free. Come prepared to enjoy the atmosphere, good food, music, and local artisans.
Dills Tavern hosts an adaptation of a traditional German Christmas market on December 13 and 14 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 and will give you the opportunity to find unique, one-of-a-kind gifts.
If you love the natural beauty of the holidays, make Heartwood Nursery & Environmental Preserve a stop 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. Heartwood Nursery owner Sue Hunter is an authority on hollies and President of the Holly Society of America. She offers one-hour walk and talks in the fresh air in the grove, decorated by nature’s hand with brilliant red, crimson, and orange holly berries. Heartwood also offers festive wreathmaking workshops where you can create a fresh, fragrant wreath sure to make your front door merry and bright. Enjoy complimentary tea, hot chocolate, cookies, and peppermint sticks while you design.
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.
Start planning your trip to York County, PA, today by downloading the official travel guide.
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Happy Holidays!
