A- Overview:
Wilkum! to Lancaster County and the scenic Pennsylvania Dutch Country. This is an area that visitors have grown to love. Here, they discover Amish communities where life moves at a slower pace and centers upon time-honored traditions and values. The scenery is breathtaking. Rolling hills of rich farmland dotted with one-room schoolhouses and wooden covered bridges, modern farm machinery pulled behind four-and six-mule teams, homemade clothing and quilts gently blowing in the breeze, and the sound of the clip-clop of horses’ hooves echoing down quiet country roads.
The relaxed atmosphere, the peaceful scenery, and the variety of the many unique attractions and family activities have made Lancaster, Pennsylvania one of America’s favorite vacation destinations.
The extensive Amish and plain communities give this area a tranquil ambience. The Amish as a whole place value not on the materialistic concerns of our modern society, but on an adherence to a more traditional way of life. Their emphasis is on the value of the family and the community. This influence is apparent throughout the local society. Visitors are welcome to glimpse the community’s lifestyle first hand by visiting an actual Amish farm and house. There is one conveniently located on Route 30 (east) in Lancaster, which is appropriately called The Amish Farm and House. This is one of the most intimate ways to learn about the Old Order Amish of Lancaster County. Visitors experience life on a 25-acre farm where they learn about the simple lifestyle of the Amish people, their farm animals and various crops, and view a variety of farm buildings. During and after such a visit, visitors gain a perspective on the life and values of the “plain people,” and have an opportunity to reflect on the values that make them so “different”. There is much to be said for the slower-paced lifestyle of the Amish.
There is no shortage of amusements and attractions for all ages in and around Lancaster. They are nestled in and among the Amish farms and the country villages, just waiting to be discovered! Where else can visitors ride in an Amish buggy, whip around on a roller coaster, ride an historic steam locomotive, play a round of championship golf, tour an operating farm, enjoy a peaceful hot air balloon ride, and take in a Broadway play all in the same day? Lancaster has all of this and much more.
Summer tends to be the busiest time of year due to the tranquil beauty of the region as well as its proximity to world famous Hershey, Pennsylvania. A visit to Hershey is worth the calories. With the daytime temperatures during the summer reaching the mid 80’s F and the evenings dropping to the pleasant 60’s, it’s a perfect time to take advantage of the many enjoyable outdoor activities available in the area. Spring and fall are simply beautiful and quite comfortable. In the daytime a light sweater is all that is needed and at night, it’s a perfect time to enjoy a fine meal while sitting by a warm fire at one of the many excellent restaurants in the area. Winters can be cold at times and snow is quite likely, and heavy at times. Although the temperatures are low during this time, getting wrapped up in a warm blanket while take a local buggy ride is something that won’t be forgotten. Add a little falling snow, and it’s a Rockwell-like picture. Whatever the season and whatever the reason for visiting, beautiful and tranquil Lancaster is waiting.
B- City Information:
Population: 56,348
Elevation: 368 feet above sea level
Land Area: 7.4 square miles
Location: Located in the south central section of Pennsylvania, approximately 80 miles west of Philadelphia and 65 miles southeast of Harrisburg
Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (when it’s noon in Lancaster, it’s 11am in Chicago and 9am in Los Angeles). Lancaster observes Daylight Savings Time from April – October.
Weather:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average temp. (°F)
29.1
31.5
40.7
50.8
61.2
69.8
74.4
72.9
65.3
53.7
43.4
34.1
High temperature (°F)
37.5
40.6
50.5
61.7
72.1
80.2
84.7
83.1
75.9
64.7
52.9
42.3
Low temperature (°F)
20.8
22.4
30.8
40.0
50.1
59.2
64.1
62.6
54.8
42.6
33.7
25.9
Precipitation (in)
3.4
2.5
3.5
3.3
4.3
4.0
4.3
3.4
4.4
3.6
3.4
3.2
Climate:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Days with precipitation
11
10
11
13
13
11
10
9
9
9
10
10
Wind speed (mph)
8.6
9.3
9.8
9.4
7.9
7.1
6.6
6.2
6.4
7.0
8.1
8.3
Morning humidity (%)
73
72
72
70
74
77
79
83
85
82
77
74
Afternoon humidity (%)
58
55
52
49
52
53
52
55
56
54
57
58
Sunshine (%)
49
54
58
58
59
65
67
66
62
58
47
44
Days clear of clouds
7
7
7
6
6
7
7
8
9
10
6
6
Partly cloudy days
7
7
8
9
10
12
12
11
9
8
8
8
Cloudy days
17
14
16
15
15
12
12
12
12
13
15
17
Snowfall (in)
9.1
8.6
5.5
0.4
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
1.8
6.1
Local Seasons:
Summer tends to be the busiest time of year due to the tranquil beauty of the region as well as its proximity to world famous Hershey, Pennsylvania. With the daytime temperatures reaching the mid 80’s F and the evenings dropping to the pleasant 60’s, it’s a perfect time to take advantage of the many enjoyable outdoor activities available in the area. Spring and fall are beautiful and quite comfortable. In the daytime, a light sweater is all that is needed and at night, it’s a perfect time to enjoy a fine meal while sitting by a warm fire at one of the many excellent restaurants in the area. Winters can be cold at times and snow is quite likely, and heavy at times. Although the temperatures are low during this time, getting wrapped up in a warm blanket while take a local buggy ride is something that won’t be forgotten. Add a little snow falling, and it’s a Rockwell-like picture. Whatever the season and whatever the reason for visiting, beautiful and tranquil Lancaster is waiting.
How to Get There:
By Air
Harrisburg International Airport
208 Airport Drive
Middlestown PA 17050
717- 948-4642
Located approximately 60 miles northwest of Lancaster, the airport is served by many of the national carriers as well as center local and regional airlines as well.
Philadelphia International Airport
8000 Essington Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19153
215-937-5499
The airport is located approximately 2 hours east of Lancaster and is one of the largest airports in the United States. It is served by many of the national and international airlines as well as certain local and regional carriers.
Ground Transportation:
All of the major car rental companies, as well as taxi and limousine service is available at both airports.
By Car
Lancaster is easily accessible by car as all of county’s major highways (US Routes 30, 283, and 222, and PA Routes 501, 462, 272 and 23) meet in Lancaster City with the exception of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (US Route 76), which travels in an east-west direction across the northern part of Lancaster County.
By Train
Amtrak
53 McGovern Avenue
Lancaster, PA 17602
800-USA-RAIL
By Bus
Greyhound
53 McGovern Avenue
Lancaster PA 17602
717-397-4861
How to Get Around:
With so many things to see and do, both in Lancaster as well as throughout the entire region, the best way to get around is by car, either personal or rental.
National Holidays:
New Year’s Day Jan. 1
Martin Luther King, Jr., Day 3rd Mon. in Jan.
President’s Day 3rd Mon. in Feb.
Memorial Day last Mon. in May
Independence Day July 4
Labor Day 1st Mon. in Sept.
Thanksgiving Day 4th Thurs. in Nov.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dec. 24 and 25
New Year’s Eve Dec. 31
C- Attractions/Things To Do:
Amish Farm & House
2395 Route 30 East
Lancaster, PA 17602
717-394-6185
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
The Amish Farm and House is one of the most intimate ways to learn about the Old
Order Amish of Lancaster County. A visit to this 25-acre farm begins with a guided tour through the house where visitors learn about the simple lifestyle of the Amish people. Next explore the farm complete with animals, various crops, and a range of farm buildings.
Bethel Harambee Historical Services
450-512 East Strawberry Street
Churchtowne of Lancaster
Lancaster, PA 17602
717-509-1177
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
“Living the Experience” is a creative, living history production of the Underground Railroad in Pennsylvania. Individuals such as Eliza Parker, Rev. Stephen Smith, Rev. Jarena Lee, and Lydia Hamilton Smith tell their courageous stories about their work on the Underground Railroad.
Historic Lancaster Walking Tour
100 South Queen Street
Lancaster, PA 17603
717-392-1776
Hours: Call for further information
Admission Charged
Mennonite Information Center
2209 Millstream Road
Lancaster, PA 17602
717-299-0954
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Free
Knowledgeable staff and exhibits interpret the faith and the practices of Amish and Mennonite peoples, explain the meaning and purpose of the original Old Testament Tabernacle, and help area visitors to better understand the background and origins of the people of the Lancaster County, Pennsylvania area.
Dutch Wonderland
2249 Rt. 30 East
Lancaster, PA 17602
717-291-1888
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
An amusement park for the whole family that includes a water park and a museum!
Hands on House, Children’s Museum
2380 Kissel Hill Rd.
Lancaster, PA 17601
717-569-5437
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
The museum is designed for children ages 2-10 years. At Hands-on House, adults and children play and learn together. The philosophy of childhood learning is simple: it lasts longer if it’s more fun, and it’s more fun if it includes doing. The exhibits, classes and programs are short on lectures, and long on interactive, participatory activities.
Heritage Center Museum of Lancaster County
13 West King Street
Lancaster, PA 17603
717-299-6440
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
The Lancaster Cultural History Museum collects, preserves and interprets Lancaster County’s history and decorative arts through its permanent collection, annual exhibitions and education programs.
James Buchanan’s Wheatland
1120 Marietta Ave.
Lancaster, PA 17603
717-392-8721
Hours: Open daily from April 1 through October 31 and Friday through Monday in November.
Admission Charged
During his lifetime, James Buchanan welcomed numerous visitors into his home. Visitors are invited into his home today to learn more about Pennsylvania’s only President and the times surrounding his life at Wheatland. Wheatland is situated amid four landscaped acres where Buchanan’s outbuildings, the smokehouse and the privy, can still be seen. Guided tours begin in the Carriage House Visitors Center with a video and introduction and continue in the mansion. Visitors will want to take a few minutes to enjoy Wheatland’s two museum shops, as well as strolling through the Victorian herb garden.
Landis Valley Museum
2451 Kissel Hill Rd.
Lancaster, PA 17601
717-569-0401
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Landis Valley Museum is a nationally significant living history museum that collects, conserves, exhibits, and interprets Pennsylvania German material, culture, history and heritage from 1740 through 1940.
North Museum of Natural History & Science
400 College Avenue
Lancaster, PA 17601
717-291-3941
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
From the foundations of our earth to the wonders of space, dinosaurs to Native Americans, hands-on discovery for children to live snakes and turtles, the North Museum offers a universe of fun learning experiences about science and the natural world.
Lancaster Newspapers Newseum
28 S. Queen St.
Lancaster, PA 17603
717-291-8600
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Nearby
Strasburg Rail Road Company
Route 741 East
Strasburg, PA 17579
717-687-8421
Hours: Call for train schedule
Admission Charged
Enjoy the 45-minute ride while relaxing to the rhythmic clickety-clack of the wheels rolling down the rails at a leisurely pace through the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
The People’s Place Quilt Museum
3510 Old Philadelphia Pike
Intercourse, PA 17534
800-828-8218
Hours: Jun.-Oct: 9am – 8pm, Nov.-May: 9am – 5pm, Closed Sundays
Admission Free
The People’s Place Quilt Museum features exhibits of antique Amish and Mennonite quilts (usually pre-1940) and other decorative arts. Recommended by The New York Times and many others.
Amish Village
Route 896, 1 mile south of Route 30
Strasburg, PA 17579
717-687-8511
Hours: Spring, summer, and fall, Mondays – Saturdays – 9am – 5pm, Sundays, 10am – 5pm
Admission Charged
Take a guided tour through an authentically furnished Lancaster county Old Order Amish farmhouse. Learn about the history and customs of the 18,000 Amish living in Lancaster County today. Discover why the Old Order Amish live as they do.
Aaron and Jessica’s Buggy Rides
3121a Old Philadelphia Pike
Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505
717-768-8828
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
At Aaron and Jessica’s you can have your own private buggy. As couples
or families you may have your choice of buggies or open wagons.
Choo Choo Barn
Rt. 741 East,
Strasburg, PA 17579
717-687-7911
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
See Lancaster County in Miniature…bring your camera.
National Toy Train Museum
Paradise Lane
Strasburg, PA 17579
717-687-8976
Hours: Open weekends in April, November and December; Daily May – October, 10am – 5pm
Admission Charged
Toy trains are presented in a colorful and exciting turn-of-the-century setting. The Museum’s vast collection of floor toys, electric trains and train-related accessories includes those from the mid-1800s through the present. See Lionel, American Flyer, Marx, Marklin, LGB and many, many others.
The National Watch & Clock Museum
514 Poplar St.
Columbia, PA 17512
717-684-8261
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Take a tour through the history of timekeeping, from early non-mechanical devices to today’s atomic and radio controlled clocks. With over 12,000 items in its collection, this museum is purportedly the largest and most comprehensive horological collection in North America.
Hershey Park
800 Hershey Park Dr.
Hershey, PA 17033
717-534-4900
Hours: Open rain or shine daily! If rain dampens your day stop by the Guest Services Building for details on the “Come Back Guarantee.”
Admission Charged
You’ll want to ride the coasters and water rides first because the lines for these popular rides are much shorter at the beginning of the day. The park has several drenching water rides. If you’d rather not walk around in wet clothing, be sure to pack a spare T-shirt and shorts. Changing rooms and lockers are available.
Zoo America
100 West Hersheypark Drive
Hershey, PA 17033-0866
800-HERSHEY
The Zoo is located just across the walking bridge from Hershey Park.
Hours: Open year-round, call for exact hours of operation
Admission Charged
Zoo America is an 11-acre walk-through zoo home to animals and living plants native to five regions of North America. Over 200 animals, representing 75 species, serve as ambassadors to provide us with a new perspective on our natural environment and to teach us about preserving our wildlife.
D- Family Fun Attractions:
Amish Farm & House
2395 Route 30 East
Lancaster, PA 17602
717-394-6185
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
The Amish Farm and House is one of the most intimate ways to learn about the Old
Order Amish of Lancaster County. A visit to this 25-acre farm begins with a guided tour through the house where visitors learn about the simple lifestyle of the Amish people. Next explore the farm complete with animals, various crops, and a range of farm buildings.
Dutch Wonderland
2249 Rt. 30 East
Lancaster, PA 17602
717-291-1888
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
An amusement park for the whole family with a water park and a museum!
Hands on House, Children’s Museum
2380 Kissel Hill Rd.
Lancaster, PA 17601
717-569-5437
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
The museum is designed for children ages 2-10 years. At Hands-on House, adults and children play and learn together. The philosophy of childhood learning is simple: it lasts longer if it’s more fun, and it’s more fun if it includes doing. The exhibits, classes and programs are short on lectures, and long on interactive, participatory activities.
James Buchanan’s Wheatland
1120 Marietta Ave.
Lancaster, PA 17603
717-392-8721
Hours: Open daily from April 1 through October 31 and Friday through Monday in November.
Admission Charged
James Buchanan welcomed numerous visitors into his home. Visitors are invited into his home today to learn more about Pennsylvania’s only President and the times surrounding his life at Wheatland. Wheatland is situated amid four landscaped acres where Buchanan’s outbuildings, the smokehouse and the privy, can still be seen. Guided tours begin in the Carriage House Visitors Center with a video and introduction and continue in the mansion.
Nearby
Strasburg Rail Road Company
Route 741 East
Strasburg, PA 17579
717-687-8421
Hours: Call for train schedule
Admission Charged
Enjoy the 45-minute ride while relaxing to the rhythmic clickety-clack of the wheels rolling down the rails – at a leisurely pace – through the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
Amish Village
Route 896, 1 mile south of Route 30
Strasburg, PA 17579
717-687-8511
Hours: Spring, summer, and fall, Mondays – Saturdays – 9am – 5pm, Sundays, 10am – 5pm
Admission Charged
Take a guided tour through an authentically furnished Lancaster county Old Order Amish farmhouse. Learn about the history and customs of the 18,000 Amish living in Lancaster County today. Discover why the Old Order Amish live as they do.
Aaron and Jessica’s Buggy Rides
3121a Old Philadelphia Pike
Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505
717-768-8828
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
At Aaron and Jessica’s you can have your own private buggy. As couples
or families you may have your choice of buggies or open wagons.
Hershey Park
800 Hershey Park Dr.
Hershey, PA 17033
717-534-4900
Hours: Open rain or shine daily! If rain dampens your day stop by the Guest Services Building for details on the “Come Back Guarantee.”
Admission Charged
You will want to ride the coasters and water rides first because the lines for these popular rides are much shorter at the beginning of the day. The park has several drenching water rides. If you’d rather not walk around in wet clothing, be sure to pack a spare T-shirt and shorts. Changing rooms and lockers are available.
Zoo America
100 West Hersheypark Drive
Hershey, PA 17033-0866
800-HERSHEY
The Zoo is located just across the walking bridge from Hershey Park.
Hours: Open year-round, call for exact hours of operation
Admission Charged
Zoo America is an 11-acre walk-through zoo home to animals and living plants native to five regions of North America. Over 200 animals representing 75 species serve as ambassadors to provide us with a new perspective on our natural environment and to teach us about preserving our wildlife.
E- Events & Entertainment:
Events
February
Annual Honeybrook Fire Co. Auction & Sale – Honeybrook Fire Company
Location: Honeybrook, PA.
610-273-2688
Call for additional information
March
Charter Day
Held in mid March
Location: Railroad Museum
Route 741
Strasburg, PA 17579
717-687-8628
Admission Free
Observe the birthday of the Commonwealth – amid Pennsylvania made and operated historic rolling stock at the Keystone State’s official railroad museum. Open to the public free of charge.
April
Quilters Heritage Celebration
Held in early April
Location: Lancaster Host Resort and Conference Center, Lancaster
800-233-0121
Call for additional information
Shakespeare & A Classic – Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
Held in mid April
Location: Route 72, Cornwall, PA 17016
717-665-7021
The excitement and imagery of Shakespeare plus the riveting drama of a literary classic unfold in Victorian Mount Hope Mansion.
Art Walk
Held in late April
Location: 120 N. Duke Street
Lancaster, PA 17608
717-291-4711
Admission Free
A free two-day walking tour of 25 arts organizations, artist’s studios and businesses in downtown Lancaster.
May
Herb & Garden Faire
Held in early May
Location: Landis Valley Museum
2451 Kissel Hill Road
Lancaster, PA 17601
717-569-0401
Admission Free
This is one of the East Coast’s largest sales of heirloom varieties of herb, vegetable, and ornamental plants. Over 90 vendors of plants, seeds, garden equipment, and outdoor art and crafts are featured.
Season Opener – Mud Bog / Tuff Trucks
Early May
Location: Buck Motorsports Park
Route 272, Lancaster, PA 17604
717-859-4244
Call for additional information
June
Wachovia Cycling Series
Held in early June
Location: Lancaster
717-859-4244
91-mile cycling race through the streets of Lancaster and the adjacent Lancaster County Park. Race starts at 4:30 pm on Queen Street in center city Lancaster.
Dave Martin’s Championship Rodeo Presents The Buck-A-Roo Bull Ride Mania
Held in early June
Location: Buck Motorsports Park
Route 272, Lancaster, PA 17604
717-859-4244
The Wild, Wild West Comes to the Buck! Bronc Riding, Cowgirls barrel racing, wild cow milking contest, bull hockey, rodeo clown act and America’s most dangerous sport – bull riding…plus Little Buck-A-Roo rodeo events.
Lucas Oil East Coast Series – Smoke & Thunder Nationals
Held in mid June
Location: Buck Mototsports Park
Route 272, Lancaster, PA 17604
717-859-4244
Super Stock/Pro Stock Smoker Tractors, Wheelstanding 2WD Trucks, Multi-engine Modified Tractors, S.S. 4WD Trucks.
Annual Berry Festival
Held in mid June
Location: Kitchen Kettle Village
Rt. 240, Intercourse, PA.
717-768-8261
No one goes away hungry at this turn-of-the-century community social complete with down-home banjo music and old fashioned family festivities. Indoors and out, guests will find all types of food displays and cooking ideas featuring berries – from great beverages and tempting sweets to colorful side dishes and barbecued meats grilled with berry sauces.
Celtic Fling – Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
Held in late June
Location: Route 72, Cornwall, PA 17016
717-665-7021
Enjoy the sounds, scents, sights and tastes of Ireland and Scotland, both traditional and new.
July
Musser Park Old Fashioned 4th of July
Held on the fourth of July
Location: 120 N. Duke Street, Lancaster, PA 17608
717-291-4711
Food, games, crafts, entertainment and fun. An Independence Day celebration held in Musser Park.
August
Annual Heritage Day
Held in early August
Location: Hans Herr House & Museum
1849 Hans Herr Drive, Willow Street, PA.
717-464-4438
Heritage Day is a fun-filled farm festival featuring demonstrations of farm life and activities from the 18th century through the early 20th century. Watch demonstrations of plowing with oxen, hay making, threshing, 18th century gardening, broom making, carpentry, meat smoking, home textile manufacture, quilting, hearth cooking, blacksmithing, and much more!
Lucas Oil East Coast Points Series Summer Truck & Tractor Pulling Championships Fan Appreciation Night
Held in early August
Location: Buck Motorsports Park
Route 272, Lancaster, PA 17604
717-859-4244
Multi-engine modified tractors, hot rod 4WD trucks, limited pro-stock tractors and diesel pick-up pulling.
Lancaster Fest
Held in mid August
Location: 120 N. Duke Street, Lancaster, PA 17608
717-291-4711
Admission Free
Celebration of cultures in music, dance, food and crafts with an international theme right in the heart of downtown Lancaster. Over 100 craft vendors, 25 musical acts and food!
Annual Art in the Park
Held mid – late August
Location: 120 N. Duke Street, Lancaster, PA 17608
717-291-4711
Admission Free
A celebration of art featuring free hands-on projects of all ages.
Lancaster Airport Community Days Airshow
Held in late August
Location: Lancaster Airport
500 Airport Road (off Rt. 501), Lititz, PA 17543
717-569-1221
See a variety of civilian, military, and vintage aircraft, the US Army Special Operations Command Parachute Team the “Black Daggers”, and military and warbird flybys. Helicopter and aircraft rides are available and many of the aircraft are open for display. Talk with the pilots, tour the planes, and see them in the air as they perform.
September
The Amazing Maize Maze
Held all of September – October
Location: Cherry-Crest Farm
150 Cherry Hill Rd., Ronks, PA 17572
717-687-6843
Described by Discover Channel as the “world’s biggest free standing mind bender…”
Annual Long’s Park Art & Craft Festival
Held in early September
Location: Long’s Park Amphitheater
Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA 17608
717-295-7054
Call for additional information.
Anniversary Labor Day Weekend Demolition Derby Finals Plus Spectacular 3-D Fireworks Display!
Held in early September
Location: Buck Motorsports Park
Route 272, Lancaster, PA 17604
717-859-4244
Call for additional information
Christian Family Fest
Held in mid September
Location: Dutch Wonderland
Plenty of Christian music and loads of fun riding the great rides at Dutch Wonderland.
Heritage Folk Art & Crafts Festival
Held in mid September
Location: Landis Valley Museum
2451 Kissel Hill Road, Lancaster, PA 17601
717-569-0401
Admission Free
Heirloom-quality traditional handcrafts will be demonstrated and offered for sale at this unique craft show. The Reading-Berks Guild of Craftsmen and Landis Valley Museum are proud to present traditional crafts of the finest quality displayed in the museum setting. Meet the artists and watch as their work is created as it was in the past.
Keystone International Balloon Festival
Held in late September
Location: Lancaster Central Park, Lancaster, PA.
717-299-2274
The festival features hot air balloon teams from the U.S. and the international balloon community, hot air balloon launches, hound & hare races, tethered hot air balloon rides, night time balloon glow, entertainment, ethnic food court, antique car show, crafts, children’s activity center, carnival rides, and contests.
October
JazzFest, Art Sunday, and Outdoor Restaurant Fair
Held in early October
Location: 120 N. Duke Street, Lancaster, PA 17608
717-291-4711
Admission Free
Music, art and food combine to make a great afternoon in Downtown Lancaster. Well-known national and regional musicians perform, art presented by 30 regional non-profit organizations, businesses and artists and area restaurants also participate.
Snitz Fest
Held in early October
Location: Hans Herr House & Museum
1849 Hans Herr Drive, Willow Street, PA.
717-464-4438
Snitz Fest celebrates the apple and its part in everyday Lancaster County history. Apples constituted an important part of early Pennsylvania settlers’ diets. Watch cider being pressed and snitz being “cut and dried”. Sample some 18th century recipes using apples in the Küche of the 1719 Herr House. Take a wagon tour of the Museum’s orchard of historic apple varieties, and afterwards taste and compare the apples that came from these trees at the apple tasting table.
Harvest Days
Held in mid October
Location: Landis Valley Museum
2451 Kissel Hill Road, Lancaster, PA 17601
717-569-0401
The annual celebration of Pennsylvania German Life! Come see over 80 demonstrators participating in activities that date back as far as the mid-1700s, such as threshing, food preserving, cider and apple butter making, as well as open hearth cooking and traditional craft demonstrations.
Autumn’s Colors
Held early – late October
Location: Longwood Gardens
Route 1, Kennett Square PA 19348
610-388-1000
Glowing shades of yellow, orange, purple, and red illuminate the trees and flower gardens throughout the former du Pont estate.
Pennsylvania National Horse Show
Held in mid October
Location: PA Farm Show Complex
2300 North Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110
717-787-5373
Call for additional information
November
A Dickens of a Christmas – Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
Held late November – late December
Location: Route 72, Cornwall, PA 17016
717-665-7021
Experience a fun-filled, turn-of- the-century Christmas celebration as Master Charles Dickens, luminaries of the times and even a few fictional favorites from Dickens’ novels welcome guests to a joyous and festive Holiday celebration.
December
Days of the Belsnickel
Held in early December
Location: Landis Valley Museum
2451 Kissel Hill Road, Lancaster, PA 17601
717-569-0401
Start the holiday season with the Pennsylvania Dutch tradition of a visit from the Belsnickel. Luncheons with tours that bring to life holiday traditions of the past.
Mayor’s Tree Lighting
Held in early December
Location: 120 N. Duke Street, Lancaster, PA 17608
717-291-4711
Admission Free
The official kickoff of the holiday season begins with the Mayor’s Tree Lighting in Penn Square. Carolers and the infamous “Tuba Christmas” lend to the festivities.
Christmas Spectacular
Held in late December
Location: Village Greens Gold
1444 Village Road, Strasburg, PA 17579
717-687-6933
Admission Charged
Come feel the warm and exciting holiday spirit radiating from over 100,000 lights as you stroll through 10 acres of holiday displays!
Countdown Lancaster
Held on New Year’s Eve
Location: 120 N. Duke Street, Lancaster, PA 17608
717-291-4711
Admission Charged
New Year’s Eve celebrated in the good old-fashioned Lancaster County way. Family-oriented entertainment features over 100 performers with fireworks and a grand finale to usher in the New Year. All events are within easy walking distance. Shuttle service provided
Arts & Entertainment
American Music Theatre
2425 Lincoln Highway East
Lancaster, PA 17602
717-397-7700
American Music Theatre is all about the music and there’s enough of it to suit any age and every taste. During the spring and summer the theatre presents a show hailed by reviewers as remarkable and equal to any Broadway production. In this unique and entertaining tribute, favorite songs are brought to life by an incredible cast of singers and dancers accompanied by the amazing AMT band. When the holidays arrive, the sounds of the season are always at American Music Theatre. Combining heartwarming family humor with the very best in traditional and contemporary holiday music, AMT Christmas is a Lancaster County tradition.
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
510 Centerville Rd.
Lancaster, PA 17601
717-898-1900
Sizzle, romance, surprise, intrigue, spirit, and joy.
Fulton Opera House
12 North Prince St.
Lancaster, PA 17608
717-394-7133
The Fulton offers another year of nourishing the heart and soul of its patrons. The National Historic Landmark Theatre proudly serves as an artistic home – entertaining, educating, and inspiring audiences, both young and old, from Central Pennsylvania and beyond.
Theatre of the Seventh Sister
31 S. Duke St.
Lancaster, PA 17602
717-396-7764
Call for performance schedule
The Theater of the Seventh Sister continues to explore the human connection by providing heartfelt, diverse, thought provoking theater.
Lancaster Opera
Performances at the Fulton
12 North Prince Street
Lancaster, PA 17608-1865
717-397-7425
Fifty years after the first production of the Lancaster Opera Workshop in 1952, Lancaster is still watching as the Lancaster Opera Company continues to delight critics and audiences alike with its professional quality productions, mounted by one of the oldest and most unique amateur opera companies in the country.
Lancaster School of Ballet
214 W Grant St.
Lancaster, PA 17603
717-393-9221
Call for performance schedule
Pennsylvania’s’ premier dance studio and home of the Ballet Theater of Lancaster follows the Cecchetti method and also provides training in tap, jazz, modern, Middle East, Irish and others.
Lancaster Symphony
44 North Queen St.
Central Market Mall
Lancaster, PA 17608
717-291-6440
Call for performance schedule
The core purpose of the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra is to enrich, entertain, and educate the Central Pennsylvania Community through unique live musical performances and to provide opportunities for music education and appreciation to area school students.