Tried & True (plus one new!) Holiday Happenings in York County, Pennsylvania
York County, PA is ready to welcome visitors with these enchanting holiday offerings.
From traditional favorites to exciting new attractions, this charming destination promises an affordable yet twinkling getaway for families and friends. Check out this year's holiday round-up below.
NEW! Bright Nights York: A Spectacular Addition -- This holiday season, WellSpan Park is transformed into a mesmerizing wonderland with the debut of Bright Nights York. Over three million festive lights illuminate the ballpark, creating a magical atmosphere for all. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including a Ferris wheel, polar bear slide, snow globe selfie station, and children's activities. The highlight is a magnificent 40-foot tree on the infield, surrounded by light displays choreographed to Christmas music. Special guests, including live reindeer, will make appearances on select evenings. Ticket holders may also take advantage of numerous area special discounts, adding to the holiday cheer.
Christmas Magic: A Tradition of Lights -- Rocky Ridge County Park has been hosting the beloved Christmas Magic: A Festival of Lights for over four decades. What began with a few thousand lights during the energy crisis of the 1980s has now grown to feature more than one million twinkling LED lights. As visitors stroll along the half-mile wheelchair- and stroller-friendly walking trail, they will be captivated by dozens of animated scenes and picturesque woods adorned with multi-colored lights. Tickets for this enchanting experience are available online only, and the event runs from Black Friday through December 30 (closed December 24-25).
Santa's Cabin -- Get ready to rock around the Christmas tree in Hanover! The legendary Santa's Cabin in the square has been delighting kids of all ages since 1936. After a visit to Santa in his cozy cabin, explore downtown Hanover, shop small, check out the dazzling window decorations, and more during Christmas in Hanover!
Warehime-Myers Mansion -- The Hanover Area Historical Society invites visitors to explore this historical mansion during December and January. Inside, guests can marvel at more than 40 decorated themed trees while enjoying musical entertainment on select evenings. This festive display is sure to ignite the holiday spirit.
Christkindlmarkt at Dills Tavern in Dillsburg is a traditional German Christmas market, on December 13 and 14. This festive event will feature shopping, food, children's activities, music, and more across the tavern's historic grounds. Attendees will have the opportunity to discover unique, one-of-a-kind gifts.
Aviator Brew Hub Presents the Stewartstown Christmas Market every Friday through Sunday November 29 until Christmas. This recent addition to York County's holiday scene features a rotating lineup of local artisans and crafters in pop-up shops. Visitors can warm up with a Christmas beer or mulled wine, enjoy a carriage ride, and participate in craft workshops. Food and dessert trucks will also be available to satisfy cravings.
Flinchbaugh's Orchard & Farm Market in Hellam invites everyone to their Christmas Market on December 7 and 8. This outdoor market replicates the famous European Christmas Markets and offers a delightful experience. Guests can find the perfect gift, sip hot cider, enjoy mulled wine or brews, all while listening to Christmas music. Santa will be present both days to greet youngsters.
Heartwood Nursery: Natural Beauty for the Holidays -- For those who appreciate the natural beauty of the holidays, Heartwood Nursery is a must-visit destination. Their unique, niche nursery store offers a wide selection of festive wreaths, garlands, and tabletop arrangements. Made with greenery cut from trees and shrubs grown on-site organically and chemical-free, these decorations are fresh and fragrant. Heartwood also provides wreathmaking workshops where participants can enjoy complimentary tea, hot chocolate, cookies, and peppermint sticks while designing their own creations. Sue Hunter, owner of Heartwood Nursery and President of the Holly Society of America, ensures that every visit is filled with holiday cheer.
A Magical Journey on Historic Railroads -- No visit to York County is complete without experiencing one of the three historic railroads. Each railroad offers a variety of themed holiday rides for train enthusiasts and their families, adding an extra touch of magic to the holiday season.
York County, Pennsylvania provides the perfect backdrop for a magical holiday season spent with loved ones. Plan your festive escape at YorkPA.org. Check out our events calendar for more details. Download Explore York's official travel guide and have your holiday memories made here.
More information about Explore York:
Explore York is the official tourism promotion agency for York County, Pennsylvania. Its mission is to maximize tourism expenditures and their economic impact through comprehensive sales and marketing programs. Explore York’s vision is for tourism to be recognized for said impact and its role in raising the profile of York County, PA as a sought-after destination to visit. For more information about Explore York, and the destination, visit YorkPA.org.
