Visitors to Lancaster, PA looking for things to do in the winter are sure to find many options for a winter getaway with family and friends. Winter in Lancaster County, PA is more than just snow-filled landscapes, thickening skies, and radiant fireplaces to warm the holiday spirit. Come armed with layers, wools, and warm footwear, and prepared for ice sculptures, hiking, holiday treats, live theatre, events, and more. Right now is the perfect time to check out our list of our favorite things to do during winter in Lancaster, PA and plan your holiday season the right way!
Winter Activities in Lancaster, PA
The Lititz Fire & Ice Festival is the perfect fun event for all ages
1. Observe ice artists in action
Shake off the doldrums of the winter months at Lancaster County’s most energizing, annual outdoor event of the holiday season, Lititz Fire and Ice. Each February, visitors can explore the vibrant downtown Lititz, eat delicious food, enjoy live music. Best of all, watch local artists create impressive, masterful ice sculptures. Other events coordinated around the weekend-long festival include a chili cook-off, carnival, and vendor fair. This fabulous community event is family-friendly and all proceeds go back into the community.
Join Amish Farm and House for a Christmas Cookie Tour.
2. Go on a Christmas cookie tour
Step away from the holiday season stress and get yourself a cookie. Build a new tradition with your family and join Amish Farm and House for a Christmas Cookie Tour! You’ll explore the 15-acre farm and interact with Amish families, learning about their heritage, and sampling homemade cookies. There’s nothing better than slowing down and relaxing into the festive season with your loved ones while learning.
Enjoy the light displays and ziplining (you read that right!) at Refreshing Mountain
3. Unique outdoor winter adventure
Are you looking for a Christmas activity you’ve never done? Try ziplining through the woods full of thousands of Christmas lights at Refreshing Mountain Retreat and Adventure Center. After you tackle the ziplining or the elevated obstacle course, warm up with free hot chocolate and sing carols by a roaring fire. The fun doesn’t have to end there. Make a weekend of it, and reserve an overnight stay in one of Refreshing Mountain’s cabin suites.
Kitchen Kettle Village is the perfect stop to shop and explore
4. Shop Kitchen Kettle Village for a treat
Whether you’re shopping for the ideal holiday gift or treating yourself post-holiday, the shops at Kitchen Kettle Village are sure to have something on your list. With over 40 unique shops, restaurants, and lodging options, you can enjoy the variety of baked goods and other remarkable gift items available in the village. Be sure to check the event calendar for things to do this winter in Lancaster with special events, such as live music on select evenings to help you get into the spirit.
Watching snow geese migrate in Lancaster County, PA at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area is a free winter activity.
5. Catch the majestic snow geese migration
From late February to early March, the lake at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area fills with 50,000 to 70,000 beautiful snow geese and tundra swans. The birds use the area surrounding the 400-acre lake as a resting place during their migration back north. While at Middle Creek, be sure to explore some of the hiking trails as winter means you’ll find fewer bugs and no crowds.
Enjoy one of the many shows by American Music Theatre. Or, check out a holiday production by Sight & Sound Theatres, Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, Fulton Theatre, or Bird-in-Hand Stage.
6. Watch a live show in a cozy theatre
It’s cold outside, but there’s nowhere cozier and warm than a theatre. Whether it’s one of the annual Christmas shows or a lively post-holiday production offered by American Music Theatre, Sight & Sound Theatres, Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, Fulton Theatre, or Bird-in-Hand Stage. Winter is the perfect time to catch a show. Lancaster County is well known for its Broadway-caliber musical productions.
It’s fair to say you have probably never seen a light display like Koziar’s Christmas Village!
7. Walkthrough a spectacular display of lights
Entertaining visitors for over 70 years, Koziar’s Christmas Village puts on a magnificent display your entire family and friends will never forget. Walk through train displays, explore scenes depicting Christmas stories, visit unique shops, and visit with the big man himself, Santa. With over a million lights on display, it’s fair to say you will never experience anything quite like Koziar’s Christmas Village.
Dutch Winter Wonderland is an outdoor extravaganza of entertainment, themed rides, holiday drinks, plus thousands of twinkling traditional lights.
8. Enter a Winter Wonderland
Looking for an outdoor winter adventure the entire family will enjoy? Every year, the Dutch Winter Wonderland is an ideal place to feel the holiday magic for your family during the holiday season. Every night the kingdom is transformed with thousands of twinkling lights featuring The Royal Lights Show. There’s so much to do, from themed rides and exciting entertainment to warm holiday drinks and tasty treats! A Dutch Wonderful season is about to begin!
Conclusion: There’s Snow Place Like Winter in Lancaster, PA!
Throughout Lancaster County, there are many things to do in the winter to make memories with your family and friends. From witnessing spectacular Christmas light displays and exploring an Amish farm, to ziplining and hiking its beautiful trails, everyone can enjoy the beauty of Lancaster County before and after Christmas. If you need more ideas, be sure to explore the many other things to do during the winter season in Lancaster, PA.
