The holiday season is much more than scouring the mall for great deals, speeding to office parties and the haste of just keeping up with the flurry of holiday revelry. Passing through York County gives many opportunities to pause and absorb the glow of the season. Throughout the county, the chilly air gives warmth to good times and seasonal festivities. From brilliant light displays and a caroling train ride to holiday musical performances, York County is full of exciting holiday spirit.
Christmas Magic – A Festival of Lights at York County’s Rocky Ridge Park
This half-mile stretch through Rocky Ridge County Park is not to be missed. Complete with over a half-million holiday lights, train displays, animatronics and live entertainment, the adventure meanders through an oak forest as well as park buildings. The mountain-top event has been recognized on the national level in the Wall Street Journal. Christmas Magic – A Festival of Lights is destined to become one of your favorite family traditions. The festival runs November 25 through December 31 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). Rocky Ridge County Park, 3699 Deininger Rd., York, (717) 840-7440
Santa Sing-a-long Caroling Express
There is a certain charm to riding a Civil War-era train through the rustic surrounds of New Freedom, PA. Even more exciting is inviting Santa Claus to join in the festivities. The hour-long Sing-a-long Caroling Express includes a rendition of “The Night Before Christmas” and plenty of singing. Enjoy hot chocolate, music and cookies in the station during the Saturday and Sunday journeys. To round out the trip, meet Santa for pictures following the ride. 2 West Main St., New Freedom, (717) 942-2370
Santa also rides the Stewartstown Railroad on December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18. Trains leave the station at 1:30 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 3 p.m., and 3:45 p.m. each day. 21 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Stewartstown, (717) 654-7530
Christmas Day with the Glen Rock Carolers
Starting at the stroke of midnight on Christmas Day, the Glen Rock Carolers—a group of caped singers with roots that go back to the borough’s founding family—will stroll this small borough in York County, just as they’ve done since 1848.
The carolers will spend six to eight hours walking the town and singing Christmas carols, while a crowd gathers at each stop along the way. This home-spun Christmas celebration is chock-full of nostalgia and steeped in tradition. Fill up your Thermos, throw on your warmest coat (or cape, if you have one!) and sing in Christmas with friends and family.
Can’t make it to Glen Rock for the big day? Steam Into History will be hosting a ride with the Glen Rock Carolers on December 11. Find out more on the Explore York website.
Shows at the Strand Capitol Performing Arts Center
The Strand Capitol Performing Arts Center, located in downtown York is Central Pennsylvania’s premier venue for live entertainment, offering a variety of Broadway productions, comedy performances, live music and family shows all year long in its five buildings, which include The Capitol, built in 1906, and the Strand, which opened in 1925.
During the holidays, take in films like Miracle on 34th Street and White Christmas, a free showing of holiday classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, a performance of The Nutcracker by Greater York Dance/Midstate Ballet and more. Visit the Strand Capitol’s online calendar for a complete listing of shows and showtimes. 50 N. George St., York, (717) 846-1111
A Christmas Carol
The Strand Capitol Performing Arts Center is also presenting the iconic and timeless classic A Christmas Carol on December 13. The Charles Dickens holiday tale comes to life in the quaint theater just in time for the winter holidays. 50 N. George St., York, (717) 846-1111
New Year’s Eve
Say goodbye to 2016 and celebrate 2017 in downtown York’s Continental Square with the white rose drop, fireworks and more! The event includes fun for young and old alike: complimentary hats and noisemakers for youngsters, family-friendly entertainment, inflatables, face painting and a balloon drop children’s countdown from 6–8 p.m. at Central Market.
WARM 103.3’s Liz Bell and Chris Tyler will host the event, and select Central Market vendors will be open with pay-as-you-go food and beverages for sale. Meet you in the Square!
- Train photo: Steam into History
- Remaining photos: York County Convention & Visitors Bureau
