Lancaster, PA feels magical in winter. The air is crisp, shop windows glow with string lights, and the scent of cinnamon and cocoa drifts through the streets. As Christmas approaches, the town becomes a living snow-globe full of laughter, carols, and cozy corners that make you slow down and smile.
If you’re planning a winter getaway or family trip, here are three must-do experiences that capture the true Christmas in Lancaster spirit: The 2026 Christmas Show – Winter Wonderland at the American Music Theatre, The Christmas Rush at Bird-in-Hand Stage,
and the nostalgic Strasburg Rail Road Christmas Trains.
American Music Theatre – The 2026 Christmas Show: Winter Wonderland
Each holiday season, AMT’s stage shines brighter than ever.
This year’s theme, Winter Wonderland, takes audiences from a Bavarian village to the North Pole with stunning sets, live orchestra, and of course Santa’s grand entrance!
Families sing along to timeless carols, kids sway in their seats, and parents can’t help but smile.
The show begins in early November, with matinee options perfect for families.
View showtimes & tickets
Bird-in-Hand Stage – The Christmas Rush
Picture a small town on Christmas Eve: people racing to finish shopping, wrapping gifts in a hurry, and hoping for one last miracle.
That’s the heart of The Christmas Rush — a feel-good mix of laughter, music, and that unmistakable holiday warmth that stays with you long after the curtain closes. One of the best parts? You can pair the show with a comforting dinner right on-site.
The Bird-in-Hand Stage offers cozy Dinner & Show packages, turning the night into a relaxed, festive evening instead of just an outing. It feels more like visiting an old friend than attending a theatre.
Check show dates
Strasburg Rail Road – Christmas Trains
If you really want to feel Christmas, board the historic Strasburg Rail Road.
Steam rises into the cold air, the whistle echoes across snow-covered fields, and inside the carriages you’ll smell hot chocolate and pine.
There’s a journey for everyone:
- Santa’s Paradise Express – magical for children.
- The Night Before Christmas Train – nostalgic and story-driven.
- Santa Claus Limited – short, lively, and full of cheer.
This Lancaster County tradition has been running since 1959, filling every November and December with joy.
See train schedules
Dutch Wonderland – Winter Wonderland Lights
For families with young children, Dutch Wonderland turns into a twinkling kingdom during the holidays. Over a million lights decorate the rides and castle, while Santa and his elves stroll through the park spreading cheer. You’ll find festive treats, gentle rides, and warm holiday shows perfect for creating memories with little ones.
Explore Dutch Wonderland’s Winter Wonderland
Kitchen Kettle Village – Holiday Shopping & Local Treats
Just a few miles away, Kitchen Kettle Village invites visitors to stroll through more than 40 locally owned shops filled with handmade gifts, jams, and ornaments.
You can sip hot cider, listen to carolers, and watch local artisans craft holiday treasures right before your eyes. It’s the perfect stop between shows and train rides, especially for last-minute gifts!
Visit Kitchen Kettle Village
Where to Stay – Fulton Steamboat Inn
Among hotels in Lancaster, one of the most distinctive places to stay is The Fulton — Fulton Steamboat Inn. Its steamboat-inspired architecture, warm interiors, and soft holiday lighting make it feel like a scene from a Christmas movie.
After the show, enjoy dinner at Huckleberry’s Restaurant & Huck’s Tavern, then cozy up by the fireplace in the lounge maybe with a cup of cocoa or local wine in hand.
Why it’s perfect:
- Just minutes from both AMT and Bird-in-Hand Stage.
- Ideal for families or couples — plenty of photo-worthy spots.
- Indoor pool, easy parking, and festive décor throughout the winter.
A Cozy Lancaster Weekend Itinerary
- Morning: Start your day with a fresh made hot family style breakfast in Huckleberry’s Restaurant.Hop aboard Strasburg Rail Road’s Santa’s Paradise Express and meet Santa as the snow drifts by.
- Afternoon: Browse Lancaster’s boutiques for handmade gifts and ornaments.
- Evening: Start with dinner at Huckleberry’s Restaurant inside the Fulton Steamboat Inn, then head to either AMT’s Winter Wonderland or Bird-in-Hand’s The Christmas Rush.
- Night: End the day back at your room at The Fulton Steamboat Inn — the soft glow of the steamboat lights outside, a warm drink in hand, and the quiet joy that only a Lancaster winter brings.
Helpful Tips for Your Trip
- Book show and train tickets early, holiday performances often sell out.
- Choose mid-train coaches for more comfort if you’re traveling with kids.
- Look for flexible hotel rates; Lancaster winters are beautiful, but snow can surprise you!