A tradition for as long as most folks can remember, the annual Christmas light shows in Lancaster County and the surrounding areas are up and running again! Thousands upon thousands of twinkling lights are glowing in the brisk evenings, dancing to music, and outlining magical shapes and paths.
Some of these Christmas light displays are open every evening through the end of the year and there is sure to be one near you. Whether you are visiting Lancaster County’s shopping centers or spending a few quiet days here to recuperate from Black Friday, there’s a fun lights display nearby.
Here are some of our favorites, large and small. Some have been around for many years and are easy to recognize, while others are newcomers to the Christmas light scene.
– Traditional, memorable, and not hard to find is HersheyPark’s Christmas Candylane. For a much-reduced entry fee, you can walk through the gates of HersheyPark into a wonderland of lights and fun. And the food and rides don’t hurt, either!
– Lancaster County’s answer to Candylane is Dutch Winter Wonderland. Ever wondered what an amusement park looks like in the winter, after the vacation season is over? Visit Dutch Wonderland’s Christmas display to find out. The perfect choice for families with young children, Dutch Winter Wonderland offers children whimsical wintertime entertainment with enough Christmas magic to keep parents happy, too.
– Don’t feel like leaving the warmth of your car, but still want to create some holiday memories? Pile into your heated seats and head for Hershey’s Sweet Lights. You and your whole family can drive through the 2 miles of wooded trails and view over 600 light displays without worrying about frostbite. There is an entrance fee per vehicle, so you’ll want to plan accordingly.
– If you happen to be driving through Elizabethtown this holiday season, be sure to check out the Crimson Lane Lights display! Watch the lights dance to the music broadcasting over the radio and stay as long as you please-after all, this display is free!
– Want to help out the local community while enjoying a spectacular Christmas light show? Messick’s in Elizabethtown puts on a dazzling display and requests only a donation per vehicle. The display is sponsored by Messick’s and Kubota, and each dollar earned goes directly to charities that help local families in need. This musical Christmas light display is a great way to spend time with your family while also contributing to those less fortunate during this season of giving.
If you are looking to spend part of the Christmas season here in Lancaster County with us, be sure to visit the Lancaster County Bed and Breakfast Inns Association website to find helpful information on places to stay, things to do and see, and where to eat. Our innkeepers are always happy to chat and they’re great resources if you are looking for recommendations!
