Shopping & Retail
Celebrate the Holidays with Lancaster Central Market
Don't miss all the exciting events happening at Central Market this holiday season!
When it comes to holiday happenings, Lancaster City produces no shortage of exciting events for the whole family! From admiring the gorgeous window displays to enjoying live music at the tree lighting, the city truly is the place to be this season.
A local staple and favorite Downtown destination, Lancaster Central Market has quite the lineup of seasonal fun. Take a peek at these upcoming events and be sure to mark your calendars—you don’t want to miss out!
Extraordinary Give
A country-wide effort and a Lancaster City favorite, ExtraGive is one of those must-do events. Aimed at showcasing and supporting local nonprofits, this 24-hour community extravaganza, happening on November 22nd, raises millions of dollars every year for the incredible organizations making a difference in Lancaster.
Central Market is owned and managed by both the city of Lancaster and the nonprofit Central Market Trust. This year, Central Market is excited to participate in Extraordinary Give as they seek to raise funds for the operation and maintenance of the market hall. ExtraGive celebrations include special activities from 10 am to 1 pm on November 22nd as well as giveaways depending on how much you donate to the cause (prizes are a complete surprise, so you’ll have to donate to find out)!
Typically, once Central Market closes for the day, the ExtraGive activities end as well. Not this year, though. This year, the Central Market Trust will be going into various restaurants around town to feature donation stations on Facebook Live! So, if you can’t make it Downtown, no worries! Give Central Market a like on Facebook, and you’ll get all the updates!
Thanksgiving Hours
The holidays are always the busiest days of the year at Central Market! Leading up to and around Thanksgiving, Central Market will be open it’s typical Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday. They’ll also have special hours Wednesday, November 27th and Friday, November 29th. See the detailed list of Thanksgiving hours below! Be sure to note that not all stand holders will be open on the extra days and hours of the Holiday Season.
Tuesday 11/26 – 6 am – 4 pm
Wednesday 11/27 – 6 am – 2 pm
Thursday 11/28 – Closed
Friday 11/29 – 6 am – 4 pm, 5 pm – 8 pm
Saturday 11/30 – 6 am – 2 pm
Mayor’s Tree Lighting
The cherry on top (or should we say the star on top) of the season is the annual Mayor’s Tree Lighting. This family-friendly event takes place in the heart of Downtown, where businesses and community members gather together to celebrate the holidays and ring in the season with a gorgeous display of lights!
This year, Central Market will be open special evening hours specifically for the tree lighting! In addition to Central Market’s favorite interior stands, select stands will be open 5 pm – 8 pm outside of Central Market on November 29th. Be sure to head Downtown early to enjoy refreshments from your favorite stands and a special new stand coming to town! Come on out November 29th and be the first to know what’s new at central!
One-man band, Ian Carroll will be playing live music through the night and like always, Leads ornaments will be available for purchase. The Mayor’s Tree Lighting truly is a cannot miss event.
Christmas Hours
Be sure to mark your calendar for the Christmas and New Year’s hours!
Tuesday 12/24 – 6 am – 2 pm
Wednesday 12/25 – Closed
Tuesday 12/31 – 6 am – 2 pm
Wednesday 1/20 – Closed
The holiday season can get pretty busy Downtown, but we wouldn’t want it any other way! We’re so grateful to be a part of a city that truly knows how to welcome the holiday season with flair!
