Lancaster County, home sweet home. With the holidays soon approaching and family celebrations about to commence; it's time to start thinking of your yearly migration home to the people you love. Whether you're originally from Lancaster, or have family that has made this county their new home. Soon you'll be driving through that beautiful rolling farmland to enjoy your holiday dinner with family.
In honor of all those traveling during this season, we've wanted to take the time to highlight our beloved home with a Holiday Travel Guide to Lancaster County!
Places to Visit
1. Lancaster Central Market
Established in 1730, Lancaster Central Market is the oldest continuously run farmer's market in the country. Step inside the beautifully restored 1889 market building and see all that Lancaster County has to offer. With over 60 vendors offering fresh local produce, locally sourced meats and cheeses, freshly baked breads, delectable desserts, fresh squeezed juices, bouquets of flowers, and much more! Open 3 days a week, Tuesdays, Fridays, & Saturdays 7am-3pm.
2. The Town of Lititz
Dubbed "The coolest small town in America" Lititz PA is a treasure spot in the heart of Lancaster County. With a vibrant downtown filled with unique shops, trendy restaurants, cute coffee shops, a farmers market and the Wilbur Chocolate museum; this small town packs a big punch! Every second Friday of the month, all year long from 5-9pm local merchants stay open late and the streets fill up with musicians, dancers, artists and entertainers for a fun filled night. For a fun holiday inspired activity, make sure to join the Annual Christmas Candlelight Tour December 10th to tour the historic Johannes Mueller House.
3. Longwood Gardens
One of the worlds greatest gardens, Longwood Gardens showcases more than 9,000 species of plants spread out across over 1,000 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and elaborate indoor displays. This holiday season stroll through half-a-million lights that dazzle and delight, cozy up to inviting fire pits, sip a cup of hot chocolate or cider, enjoy a choreographed light show at the Main Fountain Garden, and meander through the dramatically beautiful displays in the conservatory at Longwood Gardens!
Activities
1. Flower Workshop at Flourish Flowers
Looking for a fun & creative ladies day activity? Head over to the Flourish Flower workshop for a wreath making class to construct your own unique winter themed wreath. Or just in time for your holiday feast, create your own centerpiece to adorn your table or to bring as a hostess gift! Flourish's specialized floral design classes are a great way to get into the holiday spirit all while learning a new skill.
2. Visit Koziar's Christmas Village
With more than one million Christmas lights adorning buildings, gift barns, and landscape, Koziar's Christmas Village is THE place to see holiday lights with your family! An extraordinary seasonal attraction drawing visitors from great distances as well as local families who have made Koziar’s part of their Christmas tradition for three generations; this village truly captures the magic of the season.
3. See a Show at Sight & Sound Theatres
A spectacular entertainment experience for the whole family; Sight & Sound takes theatre to a whole new level! With a 300 ft. stage that surrounds the audience on three sides, you'll feel as though you are actually in the show. Boasting a cast of 50 talented local actors & musicians, plus state-of-the-art technology, Sight & Sound spares no expense in creating their productions. Aside from the incredibly talented human cast, they also employ a cast of trained live animals to make this a completely immersive experience! Imagine sitting in the audience enjoying the show, and a camel walks down the aisle right beside you! Or a beautiful white horse gallops across the stage. Every little detail of this incredible show comes together to transport you right into the heart of the story.
Restaurants
1. Agape Cafe & Grill
A local fan favorite, Agape Cafe is one of Lancaster County's newest trend setter restaurants. This little cafe has been a hit since the day it opened its doors, somedays with lines stretching out to the parking lot! One taste of their AMAZING food and you'll soon understand the hype. Featuring gourmet charcuterie boards & breakfast platters (including a PANCAKE breakfast board 🤩) to smoked meats, loaded sandwiches, gourmet desserts and specialty coffee drinks. This place has something for everyone! Our personal favorites are the smoked meat boards; from homemade smoked pastrami and brisket, to their smoked burnt pork ends, our mouths are watering just thinking about them! While you're there make sure to check out their home decor store, Beautiful Home Interiors next door and pick up a unique Christmas gift for someone special.
2. John Wright Restaurant
Situated along the Susquehanna River, The John Wright Restaurant offers casual dining with a breathtaking view. This restored warehouse restaurant with a farm to table concept offers delicious meals made using food only sourced from local farmers. With entrees ranging from Hickory Smoked Ribeye with mashed sweet potatoes & Pepper Crusted T-Bone with a brandy cream sauce, to Seafood Manicotti & even a delicious Pesto Salmon Burger. The John Wright team is dedicated to creating a fresh and unique dining experience with exceptional service, and it really shows.
3. The Whip Tavern
While not "technically" in Lancaster County, we would be remiss if we failed to mention this little gem. Located in the heart of horse country, this Chester County restaurant is a local hidden treasure. An equestrian themed English Pub with a charming ambiance, delicious gourmet food & imported specialty beers. Offering authentic British fare like Bangers & Mash (our personal favorite) Scotch Eggs and Fish & Chips to chefs specials like Luxury Pie, a medley of butter poached whitefish, Gulf shrimp, bay scallops, crab, and Atlantic salmon in a shrimp & brandy cream sauce under garlic whipped potatoes! With new chefs specials every weekend and a seasonally evolving menu made using produce, beef and cheeses exclusively from Lancaster and Chester County; the order options are endless! One visit to The Whip and you'll know why so many locals love it and why hundreds of visitors travel miles to experience it. P.S make sure to try the award winning Sticky Toffee Pudding for dessert, you won't regret it! A warm, moist date cake, topped with a heavy cream filled carmel/toffee sauce and fresh whipped cream. It's what dream are made of.
4. Beiler's Doughnuts
Though Beiler's is technically not a restaurant, we just had to include it on the list of places to stop, simply because a trip to Lancaster is not complete without eating a one of their doughnuts We love doughnuts around here and we may be biased, but Beiler's Doughnuts are THE BEST doughnuts in the world! Made fresh every morning by a team of bakers/magicians using a recipe that has been passed down though the family for generations; they hand-roll each doughnut with care and ice to perfection. From traditional flavors like Boston Creme, Glazed, & Vanilla with Sprinkles, to unique flavors like Key Lime Pie, Maple Bacon and the Elvis Delight, a peanut butter filled doughnut topped with bananas and sprinkled with bacon. Beiler's has a doughnut flavor for everyone!
