Things to Do
Mark Your Calendars: 2018 Lancaster Holiday Events
Explore all the great events happening in Lancaster this holiday season.
2018 Lancaster Holiday Events Roundup
There is so much happening in the City of Lancaster! Every week, you can fill your schedule with intimate readings, world-class theatre performances, or full-scale community celebrations. Whatever your taste, style, or flavor, you can find it here in our thriving City!
We’ve partnered with our friends at Citadel to bring you a sampling of these happenings right here on this page. Find a full curated list at figlancaster.com and follow our social channels for insider information on how to get involved.
The Mayor’s Tree Lighting And Tuba Christmas
What: Kick off the holidays in Lancaster City with the annual Mayor’s Tree Lighting and Tuba Christmas! Join Mayor Sorace for her first Tree Lighting November 23rd at 6pm in Penn Square.
When: Friday, November 23 from 6-9pm
Where: Penn Square, Lancaster PA
Small Business Saturday
What: Support the over 200 local businesses in Lancaster City on Small Business Saturday! #ShopSmall #ShopLocal
When: Saturday, November 24 from 8am-9pm
Where: All around Lancaster City
Christmas Spirit Light Show
What: Christmas Spirit Light Show is teaming up with Clipper Magazine Stadium in Downtown Lancaster, PA to bring a unique holiday experience to a whole new level. In addition to the drive-through light show, you will now be able to walk through a brand new holiday attraction: Christmas at Clipper Magazine Stadium.
When: Various dates from November – December
Where: Clipper Magazine Stadium
Holiday Train Room Open House
What: Railroad enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy HO- and O-gauge model train layouts in a beautiful, interactive, magical landscape.
When: Saturdays between Thanksgiving and New Year’s as well as Thursday, December 27.
Where: Garden Spot Village
Billboard Movie Preview Screening
What: Directed by Pennsylvania native Zeke Zelker, Billboard is inspired by a radio contest from the 1980s where contestants sat on a billboard for weeks—and through it all, found how people, community, and success collide in often fascinating ways. Check out the preview screening of the film here in Lancaster!
When: Tuesday, November 27
Where: Zoetropolis
Irish Christmas In America
What: Produced by Oisín Mac Diarmada of award-winning lrish group Téada, the family-friendly Irish Christmas in America tour brings back the amazing Séamus Begley along with the vibrant vocal talents of Niamh Farrell for an engaging performance rich in history, humor and boundless energy to start the holiday season.
When: Wednesday, November 28 from 7:30-9:30pm
Where: The Ware Center – 42 North Prince Street Lancaster, PA
December First Friday
What: Join in Lancaster’s highly popular arts extravaganza each and every First Friday, 5-9pm. You’ll be swept up in the creative energy that pervades the city.
When: Friday, December 7 from 5-9pm
Where: All around Lancaster City
Gifts That Give Hope Shopping Event
What: There are 30 organizations that serve a variety of local and international needs that attendees can donate to ranging from local nonprofits to global charitable organizations. Then explore the Ethical Marketplace—a space full of vendors that represent a larger movement.
When: Saturday, December 8 from 10am-4pm
Where: Lancaster Farm and Home Center – 1383 Arcadia Road Lancaster PA
Creatively Lancaster Makers Markets
What: At the Makers Markets, you will find a curated assortment of talented makers, creators, artists, hobbyists, crafters, bakers, and the like, showcasing their original creations, unique wares, and beautiful designs. Shop local and shop with intention!
When: Saturday, December 8, Saturday, December 15, and Saturday, December 22 all starting at 9am
Where: The former Bon-Ton space at Park City Mall – 142 Park City Center Lancaster, PA
Piano Men
What: Be the first to experience the first show at Prima’s new venue! Just in time for the holidays, it’s time to “Sing us a song, you’re the piano men!” Your favorite Prima performers will put you in the mood for a melody as they perform holiday favorites in the style of the world’s multi-talented pop singer/ songwriter/pianist virtuosos. Plus you’ll hear hit songs from Elton John, Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles.
When: December 7, 8, 14, 15, 2018 (7:30pm)
Where: Prima Theatre – 941 Wheatland Ave, Suite A Lancaster, PA
Believe!
What: Vocal Harmonix and the Red Rose Chorus, Lancaster’s award-winning a cappella barbershop choruses, invite you to listen anew to the familiar sounds and stories of Christmas, remember the Christmas magic you’ve experienced and Believe again in the hope and meaning that Christmas promises to bring!
When: Sunday, December 9 from 2-4pm
Where: The Ware Center – 42 North Prince Street Lancaster, PA
A Christmas Carol
What: Enjoy an original adaptation of the Charles Dickens’ timeless holiday classic! Based word-for-word on Dickens’ masterpiece and featuring original songs, A Christmas Carol is a faithful rendition of this enduring tale of redemption, charity and the true spirit of Christmas – a fun-for-the-whole family, fantastical journey through Christmas Past, Present and Future!
When: Friday, December 14 – Sunday, December 16, and Thursday, December 20 – Sunday, December 23. Times vary.
Where: The Ware Center – 42 North Prince Street Lancaster, PA
An Allegro Christmas
What: You are invited to the candlelit sanctuary of First United Methodist Church to celebrate the season with a full chorus and over 125 performers. 10% of the proceeds will be donated to First United Methodist Church’s Anchorage Breakfast Program.
When: Saturday, December 15 at 3pm and 7:30pm
Where: First United Methodist Church – 29 East Walnut Street
New Year’s Eve In Lancaster City
What: Ring in 2019, with a free concert, lowering of the Red Rose, and fireworks at midnight!
When: Monday, December 31 from 10pm-12am
Where: Binns Park – 100 Block of North Queen Lancaster, PA
January First Friday
What: Join in Lancaster’s highly popular arts extravaganza each and every First Friday, 5-9pm. You’ll be swept up in the creative energy that pervades the city.
When: Friday, January 4 from 5-9pm
Where: All around Lancaster City
The Fig Event Guide is sponsored by Citadel. For more than 80 years, Citadel has proudly served members with best-in-class service while offering financial products to help them save, plan, and prepare for the future. Proudly serving the Lancaster community and beyond, Citadel offers banking, investments, and insurance services. To learn more about what Citadel offers and the company’s involvement in the community, visit CitadelBanking.com.
