Many know Garden Spot Village is a community for people 55 and older who thrive on purpose, connection, opportunity and living life to the fullest.

But do you know that they also are bursting with events and exciting holiday happenings perfect for the whole family to visit?

Garden Spot Village is truly about community—and looks to invite the greater area through its doors to explore a the beautiful holiday decor that dons the hallways, towers in the common areas, and shimmers in the windows, while also inviting guests to discover a unique gift shop with gifts that give back.

And, of course, don’t miss the ever-popular Train Room Open Houses in December that delights people of all ages with fully functioning train layouts carving through little mountaintops, past Lancaster favorites (like a tiny Lancaster Central Market!), and throughout a magical land perfect or the whole family to enjoy. There is even a camera on one of the trains where guests can view from a Trains-Eye-View of the journey on the big screen!

Check out our guide below to mark your calendars for special events hosted at Garden Spot Village and explore the meaning behind the on-site gift shop (and take a peek of some great gift ideas!) offering options for everyone on your shopping list.

Holiday Happenings You Don’t Want To Miss

There are so many events happening at Garden Spot Village over the holiday season.

Throughout the month of December, the team invites the public to stop in and enjoy the festive decorations that will be on display in the Village Square and throughout the public spaces. Refresh Coffee Bar, The Harvest Table, The Coop, The Creamery, and Terrace Dining Room are all open and available to the public for dining as well.

Explore the guide below (and also keep updated on their website)!

Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, December 8 from 8-9:30 am at The Harvest Table

Children and accompanying adults can enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet plus photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus and a private tour of the Garden Spot Village Train Room. $14.95 per adult; $9.95 children 3-10; children 2 and under are free.

Train Room Open House

Saturdays, through 12/29 and Thursday, 12/27 from 1:30-4pm

The Open House will delight visitors of all ages. The HO-gauge train layout includes Thomasville and the ever-popular “Talk with Thomas” event. The O-gauge train layout includes waterfalls, a drive-in movie theater, a Ford dealership showroom and more. Both layouts provide plenty of train action complemented with heavily detailed scenery.

Check out the below video spotlighting the Holiday Train Room!

A Christmas Carol

Saturday, December 8 at 7pm in The Chapel

Servant Stage will perform “A Christmas Carol.” A word-for-word dramatic interpretation of Charles Dickens’ classic novella, this performance is guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit. This performance is pay-what-you-will.

Saturday Evening Concert Series: Mainliners Chorus Saturday

December 15 at 7pm in The Chapel

Mainliners Chorus, an award-wining ensemble from Bryn Mawr, will perform a holiday show in their popular barbershop style.

Christmas Eve Service

Monday, December 24 at 3pm in The Chapel

Piercing Word will perform “Christmas Through the Ages.” The show shares the story of Christ’s birth as experienced through the ages. Scripture taken from Luke 1-2 as well as other passages. Includes original scripture music as well as songs from Handel’s Messiah. Refreshments and carol singing are also planned.

Shop Gifts That Give Back

At Garden Spot Village you will find a special kind of gift shop called Refresh Gifts & Essentials. The shop has a variety of goals, all helping the Garden Spot community truly thrive.

“All profits of the gift shop support the Garden Spot Village Benevolent Fund, which assists residents whose funds have been depleted by unanticipated major expenses,” said Deborah Fast, Director of Volunteer Services. “Refresh is also a source of basic food and toiletry items for residents, particularly those who cannot easily get out to the grocery store.”

The intentionality behind the gift shop ensures residents at Garden Spot Village are cared for and are offered opportunities, but it also welcomes the broader area to shop and further create a seamless community at Garden Spot Village.

“We want Refresh to be a destination gift shop not only for the one thousand residents of Garden Spot Village, but also for our staff, friends and family members, and for the broader community,” added Deborah. “We welcome anyone to come in and shop, take advantage of the Refresh coffee shop serving Starbucks drinks, and just enjoy the seating areas, fireplace, and friendly atmosphere.”

“Refresh offers a wide variety of clothing, accessories, jewelry and gift items,” said Deborah. “We do have some locally handmade items, as well as fresh flower arrangements, cards, toys and books.  This time of year we also offer a rich selection of Christmas décor, from wreaths and swags to ornaments and nativities.  Something for everyone!”

“Every item in Refresh is chosen to provide distinctive, high quality, and affordably priced options for discerning shoppers,” assured Deborah. “You’ll enjoy browsing the beautifully displayed merchandise, and interacting with the welcoming volunteers who serve our customers.  And you can be sure that your purchase helps to support older adults in need of assistance.”

By choosing to shop for gifts that give back, shoppers can celebrate the season while also knowing their intentional buying helps those in need. And what better time to do that than during the holidays?

“Christmas is a magical time at Garden Spot Village,” said Deborah. “The Refresh store, located just inside the main entrance of our Visitors’ Center, faces out to our atrium space adorned with Christmas trees, holiday planters, and a 12-foot chandelier wreath suspended above a welcoming seating area. Our coffee bar offers special seasonal coffees, as well as a variety of bakery treats, salads, and sandwiches. Plan to spend several hours—shop, relax, and enjoy!”

Check out the hours, and more, for Refresh on the website.

Welcome the holidays with our friends at Garden Spot Village! Don’t miss your chance to experience the holidays in a warm, unique way—all while celebrating community.

What You Need To Know:

• Explore: Check out the website for even more Garden Spot Village events and information
• Follow: Discover Garden Spot Village on Facebook and Instagram to keep up-to-date on new events and more
• Where: Visit Garden Spot Village and celebrate the season at 443 S. Kinzer Avenue New Holland, PA.