24 Nights of Christmas in Lancaster and Around

**Updated for 2020**

kids in pajamas on train
The Night Before Christmas Train, Strasburg

This is now our second Christmas in Lancaster County. We love to hit every parade, catch every holiday event, walk through every well-lit neighborhood, and soak in every sign of the season. Instead of an advent calendar with chocolates or toys that will soon be broken, why not give your kids a calendar full of activities together, opportunities to connect, and time to focus on the reason for the season?

So, the following are our 24 nights/days of advent activities. Not everything is in Lancaster County, but it’s all within an easy drive. A lot of events have been paused this year, and I’ve added it some at-home or outdoor replacements. Some of these are things I’ve done since I was a kid, and some of them have been discovered since we moved to the area. Each is a tried and true winner. As always, all suggestions are family friendly and wheelchair accessible.

Free

1. Messick’s Light Show. It’s on for 2020!! The most festive tractors you will ever see. It’s a drive up and park to listen and watch show. BRILLIANT.

2. 153 Crimson Lane, Elizabethtown. It’s just someone’s home… but they go all out. The kids enjoy watching the show from the car.

holiday light show
Light show at Calvary

3. Christmas Parade. We did Elizabethtown last year, but I’m told Mt. Joy’s is the best. I love that many towns are still finding creative ways to make holiday parades work. It may look a little different… and you may be the one parading

4. The Christmas Barn and then the light show at Calvary. This is a tradition I’ve passed on from my own upbringing. The kids each pick out an ornament to represent their year… or themselves. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a neat store to explore. Since it’s a bit of a drive for us, I added on the light show to our tradition. The light show is fantastic and there are free crafts and treats.

kids at chocolate world
Chocolate World

5. Chocolate World. Of course you can also do Christmas Candylane, but that’s pricey for a family of five. The lights around Chocolate World and leading up to the park are beautiful, Chocolate World runs all kids of Christmas themed activities, and you get free chocolate. There’s no losing here.

6. Unfortunately, the spectacular Holiday train display at the Elizabethtown Library is cancelled for 2020. The Choo Choo barn is also cancelling their holiday display. Instead, stick with the outdoors this year and catch some extra lights shows.

kid at train display
Train Display at Etown Library

7. Christmas Eve Services. These are all over the place and any one of them will help you celebrate. If you don’t have a church family, you’re more than welcome to meet mine at Crossroads in Mt. Joy.

8. Christmas Tree Lane. Is spread out this year. Instead of having all the trees at the ballpark, they’re going to be spread out across malls and shopping centers. Still, there will be beautiful trees scattered all over the place! Hunt some down when you’re in the area, and cast your vote for a cause.

9. Sweet Holiday Celebration at Bird-in-Hand Bakery and Cafe. Unfortunately, this one is off for 2020. Instead, what about caroling to friends and neighbors who aren’t going to be getting as much family time this year? There’s no health risk from standing outside and singing, and it’s so important for them to know someone’s thinking of them.

family with santa
Visiting Santa at Bird-in-Hand Bakery and Cafe

10. Friday. Downtown Elizabethtown does the second, Mt. Joy does the fourth, Lancaster City does the first. In all of them, shops are decked out for the holidays special holiday events are taking place November-December.

11. Santa with Goats. Baby goats and hot cocoa. WIN. December 19th you can take pictures with baby goats in Santa’s sleigh and then enjoy holiday activities on the farm.

12. Kitchen Kettle Village. The holiday events look a little different this year. In addition to the family fun events, they’re doing a self guided Holiday tasting tour. Yum!

Kitchen Kettle Village

13. Masonic Village Train Display … Obviously off… If you have ideas on open model train exhibits for this year, please let me know! I’m sure this is one my kids will miss. To fill the void, why not build a track around your tree this year? We’ll just be using our wooden tracks, but it will be a fun activity, and a new play area in the living room for the season.

14. Krasley Christmas. This is someone’s front lawn display, set to music. If you’re local, it’s worth catching.

15. Head up to Christmas City. Whether you’re shopping the market (admission fee) or strolling the town and taking in the lights – we’re close enough that it makes sense to hit Bethlehem. The market is only open through the end of November this year and advanced admission is required. You can still drive up to see the lights and walk the steel stacks any time.

16. Hunts Christmas Trees. While the trees aren’t free, the experience is. Enjoy a hayride to the field, a campfire, and treats. Weekends only.

holiday light display
Krasley Christmas

Worth the Admission

17. Catch a show. Elf is showing at Dutch Apple Dinner Theater, or you can catch the Magic and Wonder of Christmas.

18. Christmas at the Star Barn. (December 5th) With magical guests, train rides, s’mores, cookie decorating, games, portraits, and more… and all the proceeds going towards Brittany’s Hope… you can’t go wrong! They’re also running a Santa Express train ride the three Saturdays leading up to Christmas.

19. Koziar’s Christmas Village. I’m told it’s the best in the world. Whether that’s true or not, it’s still impressive.

kids with christmas trees
Longwood Gardens

20. Christmas at Longwood. Catch the outdoor train display then head inside for the warmest display you’ll catch this season. There’s nothing like flowers in winter to warm your soul.

21. Ride a Christmas train. This is my favorite. We do the Night Before Christmas Train. A gentleman in a nightcap reads the classic story while the kids snack on milk and cookies in their PJs. Everyone carols on the way back. It’s amazing. They also do Santa trains. If you’re in Strasburg, check out the other train stops – everyone does something festive!

22. Star Barn Christmas Light Drive-Thru. Hershey also has their Sweet Lights drive-thru. Both are beautiful and they’re about the same price. I like Star Barn because the money goes to orphans… and one of those orphans is now a part of our family.

23. Midnight Gladness at Shady Maple. Is off this year, but why not stay up late making gingerbread houses, instead? You can get pre-fab kits at the grocery store or $5 Below if you’re not up for the baking AND decorating!

24. Hershey Park Christmas Candy Lane is still on this year! Dutch Wonderland will be paused for 2020.

2 Comments

    1. Author

      Yes! Longwood is brilliant for us because the youngest are both still free. My whole family can go for $6! There’s also Museums 4 All – which is a similar program but nationwide. Thanks!!

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