Editor’s Note
We are officially in the "how many days until break?" portion of the calendar.
The holiday energy is in full swing, which usually means a mix of magical moments (seeing the lights!) and absolute chaos (trying to find a parking spot at the outlets). It gets dark so early now that 5:00 PM feels like midnight, and dinner routines are getting a little loose.
This weekend, we’re focusing on festive outings that don't require a massive amount of planning. Whether you need a place to buy a unique gift or just want to stare at twinkling lights with a hot chocolate in hand, we’ve got you covered.
Take a deep breath. You’re doing a great job. Here is what’s happening in Lancaster.
THE WEEKEND PLANNER
🌎 Paradise Express
Santa’s Paradise Express
When: Saturday & Sunday, Trains depart 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Where: Strasburg Rail Road, Ronks
Cost: Ticket prices vary by car class
Ages: All ages (Best for 2-8)
The Takeaway: It’s the classic Lancaster holiday experience—a steam train ride through Amish country with Santa on board to greet the kids, plus carolers at the station.
Creatively Lancaster Makers Market
When: Saturday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: Spooky Nook Lanco (check specific venue for holiday pop-up location)
Cost: Free admission
Ages: Parents (stroller friendly)
The Takeaway: Skip the big box stores and grab unique, handmade gifts from local artisans while supporting small businesses in our community.
Christmas at the Cloister
When: Friday & Saturday evenings (Check times)
Where: Ephrata Cloister
Cost: Ticketed entry
Ages: Elementary and up
The Takeaway: Step back in time for a quieter, lantern-led tour that focuses on history and atmosphere rather than loud, flashing lights.
Family Movie Night: The Polar Express
When: Saturday, 3:00 PM
Where: Zoetropolis Cinema Stillhouse
Cost: Ticketed
Ages: 5 and up
The Takeaway: Watch a holiday classic in a cool, independent theater venue that serves great food and drinks for the parents, too.
WORTH THE DRIVE
Koziar's Christmas Village
Located about 45 minutes north in Bernville, this is the heavy hitter of holiday light displays. It is an outdoor walkthrough attraction with more than a million lights reflecting off a lake. It feels a bit like walking through a vintage Christmas card.
Know before you go: It is entirely outdoors, so dress warmer than you think you need to. The pathways are paved but can be hilly, so bring a rugged stroller or a carrier for babies. Weekends get very crowded; arriving right at opening (usually 5 PM) helps beat the longest lines for hot chocolate.
LOCAL HIGHLIGHT
Building Character
If you are panic-buying gifts and want to avoid the mall, head to North Queen Street. Building Character is a massive warehouse marketplace filled with independent vendors selling vintage clothes, handmade jewelry, upcycled furniture, and quirky art.
It’s a great spot to find something for the "hard to shop for" person on your list. Plus, you’re right downtown, so you can easily walk to Central Market or a nearby cafe to refuel after shopping.
LOCAL HIGHLIGHT
The "Experience Gift" Shift
If the thought of more plastic toys entering your living room makes you anxious, pivot your answer when relatives ask, "What do the kids want?"
The Fix: Create a pre-made list of "Experience Gifts" to share with grandparents.
Zoo memberships
Movie theater gift cards
Ice cream shop vouchers
A "date" with the grandparent (no parents allowed)
Tool of the Week: Artkive. A service (and app) that solves the "what do I do with all this school art?" problem. You send them a box of your kid's artwork, and they photograph it and turn it into a hardcover book.
Until next week,
The team at Parents of Lancaster