Replenish your holiday spirit in Lancaster County

12-02-2008

Christmas season full of distinctive delights

(Lancaster, PA)  Holiday traditions we all know and love trace some of their earliest beginnings to Lancaster County, including the first public documentation of a decorated Christmas tree and the engaging character of Der Belschnickle – the Pennsylvania Dutch version of Santa Claus who introduced the concept of dropping a lump of coal in the stockings of kids who’ve been naughty rather than nice.

This December, why not experience those and other Lancaster Christmas traditions in person, with a holiday getaway to the heart of PA Dutch Country.  You can enjoy the walk-through attractions of the National Christmas Center, lace on some skates at Clipper Magazine Stadium’s Ice Park, explore the Country Christmas Village at Landis Valley Museum, or catch the true spirit of the season with the Theater of the Seventh Sister’s unique Pay-What-You-Wish production of A Christmas Carol.

Yes, you read that right.  The theater is making all of its Carol tickets available on this basis to ensure that no one is financially-excluded from this wonderful holiday event, as well as to encourage patronage of Downtown Lancaster businesses who promote the show and to hopefully move the audience to support the nonprofit organizations who’ll be set up in the theater lobby after each performance.

It’s just such moments that make a holiday trip to Lancaster County something out of the ordinary.  Visitors can create additional seasonal memories with activities and events like:

The Christmas Show – Nov. 1 thru Dec. 30. The American Music Theatre’s seasonal extravaganza has become a holiday tradition in Central Pennsylvania.

Sleigh rides – when the ground turns white with a blanket of snow, the folks at Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides and Ed’s Buggy Rides switch from buggies to sleighs. Enjoy a peaceful ride through snow-covered Amish farmlands.

Amusing Winter Fun – enjoy great rides, entertainment, and other seasonal festivities with Dutch Winter Wonderland (from Nov. 21) and Hersheypark Christmas Candylane (from Nov. 14).

Christmas at Central Market – Nov. 29 and Dec. 6, 13, & 20. America's oldest farmers market - continuously operated since the 1730s - adds holiday spirit to its unique ambience with live Christmas music.

Simply … Old Fashioned Christmas – Nov. 28 & Dec. 5, 12, & 19 at Kitchen Kettle Village. Marshmallow roasting, s’more making, holiday entertaining demonstrations, dinner with Mrs. Claus and Yummie, music, carolers and village shopping.

Santa’s Paradise Express – Dec. 12-14 & 19-21 at Strasburg Rail Road. 45-minute journey with Santa on an authentic steam train, featuring a pot-bellied stove and strolling musicians.

Lancaster County is a wonderful blend of urban style and rural splendor, and the PA Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau is dedicated to promoting its many rich cultures, from the Amish to the arts. Travelers can take in our vibrant downtown city life – featuring galleries, great dining, specialty shops, and live music – or explore some of the surrounding towns and villages to get a sampling of the heritage, food, craftsmanship, and hands-on activities for which Lancaster is famous. Visit us today at www.discoverlancasterpa.com.  

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