Skip Navigation

Visiting in Winter

During your stay in December, our common rooms and halls will be decked for Christmas, and the toasty warmth of our fireplaces will drive away the chill.
During your stay in December, our common rooms and halls will be decked for Christmas, and the toasty warmth of our fireplaces will drive away the chill.

Winter is a magical time and we can’t wait to have you stay with us and join in the fun. During your stay in December, our common rooms and halls will be decked for Christmas, and the toasty warmth of our fireplaces will drive away the chill.

Right here in New Holland, the last Saturday in November is Christmas on Main. Main Street decks out for the holiday with a winter market, tree lighting, carolers, and food vendors.

The Strasburg Railroad will have its Le Train Cabaret: Christmas Candlelight Concerts on December 6, 7, 13, and 14. Other special train rides for Christmas include a recital of The Night Before Christmas, picking out pre-cut fir trees, or visiting with Santa.

Create a new Holiday tradition and participate in the Amish Christmas Cookie Tour, which runs Fridays and Saturday fromNovember 24 to December 30. You’ll get to visit several Amish homes, sample cookies and learn more about Amish culture. And walk away with recipes and cookies!

The Ephrata Cloister hosts several holiday events starting with the Candlelight Open House on November 25, Christmas at the Cloister (Dec. 11 & 12), and Lantern Tours December 27 to 30, 2023. These events let you experience the history and arts of the cloister in unique ways.

The nearby city of Lancaster hosts its First Fridays event on the first Friday of each month. You can catch the Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday, Nov. 24. In Ewell Plaza, catch Tuba Christmas at 8 p.m. Friday, December 1, 2023.

Celebrate the Christmas season musically with AMT’s The First Noel between Nov. 7 and Dec. 30, 2023. Or check-out Magic & Wonder: Winter Wonderland for a unique variety show (with optional dinner).

February 16–25 is the annual Lititz Fire & Ice. Watch live ice sculpting by ice carving artists, pyrotechnic shows, a chili cook-off, a hometown carnival, and the shops of Lititz.

OK, so a train ride isn’t exactly outdoors, but if you take a ride in one of their open-air cars you’ll get the best of both worlds!
The Strasburg Railroad features a 45 minute ride through the countryside.
The passenger car interior feels like stepping into the past. Informational signs dot the platform while you wait to board. Seats are reversable, which is great for the return trip.