The Best Events in Lancaster, PA for You to Enjoy This Year

Almost nine million people visit Lancaster every year to enjoy the festivities and take in the sights because there is so much to do. If you are planning to join them, you might want to know what options you have when you visit so you can make the best use of your time. So, how do you pick from all the events in Lancaster, PA, to find the most exciting ones?

We have listed several of the most exciting events you might want to look out for throughout the year in Lancaster. This way, you can pick when you want to visit to make the best use of your time.

Whoopie Pie Festival

In mid-September, you can look out for one of the best events for those with a sweet tooth. The Whoopie Pie Festival allows you to learn all about this unique delicacy and what makes it special.

You should not expect to try only one pie and be done, though. The region often uses this opportunity to show off different flavors and styles of pie. The whole event is also filled with activities, games, and opportunities to peruse local crafts.

From traditional chocolate whoopie pies with cream filling to more unusual flavors like key lime or s'more, you'll be sure to find a flavor to fit your fancy.

Fire and Ice Festival

Between the 16th and 25th of February, something magical happens in the county of Lancaster. The air gets cold, but everyone wants to snuggle up around a fire. There is no better time to celebrate the nature of Lancaster itself through its expertise in ice carving and making great food.

The market stalls fill with bright baubles to buy, while expert ice sculptors share their expertise in the surrounding area. Expect to see many ice angels, carved local buildings, as well as ice craft competitions. It is a sight to behold as you see so much beautiful artwork throughout the area.

When the night gets to its coldest, the fire performers come out, and things start to heat up. Expect to see spectacles of flame to amaze and stun both adults and children as you experience the extremes of heat in one event.

Hot Air Balloon Festival

Once a year, balloon enthusiasts and thrill-seekers descend on Lancaster to check out this celebration of a unique form of air travel. Balloons of every shape, size, and color are on display. You can even expect a great many to be in the air as you check out some of these beautiful modes of transport.

When the evening comes, make sure to watch the balloon glow. This is when all the balloons activate their burners at the same time, lighting up the whole location in all the colors of their balloons. It is a sight to behold, and one you do not want to miss.

Lancaster Quilt Show

If you are looking for slower things to do in Lancaster and enjoy crafts, the quilt show might be the thing for you. This is more than a simple exhibition and market, though, and as such you can expect people to be celebrating the joy of quilting.

During the event, join in on workshops, take part in lectures, or immerse yourself with quilting personally. With the wide range of quilting supplies on-hand, people are ready to try something new here all the time.

Even if you are new to the concept of quilting, never fear. People here are always ready to help. There are beginner-friendly activities and even things for children to do. So, jump on in and learn more about this practical and endearing skill.

Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire

Lancaster is no stranger to fantastical events, and the most fantastical of all is the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. Every weekend between August and October, you can visit here to celebrate some of the more eccentric sides of Lancaster. Bring your family, enjoy the sights, and meet large numbers of other exciting people.

Between the music, stunts, and magic shows, expect to get caught up in the ambiance. Check out the site for some of the more specific events hosted there throughout the rest of the year, too, including a Highland Fling and Brewfest.

The Ren Faire creates an open environment where all ages can embrace their adventurous side.  While attendees are always welcome to dress for the occasion, there are even specific dates you can come and join the festivities as pirates, Vikings, or even wizards!

Dutch Winter Wonderland

If you visit Lancaster, PA, in the winter you will likely see many notices of events for kids. One of the biggest of these is the Dutch Winter Wonderland at Dutch Wonderland Park. This magical and enchanting celebration can help you get into the holiday spirit and thaw the iciest Grinch heart.

There is so much to do, the park itself won awards in 2021 and 2022 for putting on the best theme park holiday event of those years. As such, you can expect many different seasonal activities for you and your family to take part in.

With a grand light show long into the evening, the fun never has to stop. You can even have a chance to meet Santa as he stops off in the park. Then, catch an evening show to mark the occasion.

More Events in Lancaster, PA

These are only some of the events in Lancaster, PA for you to enjoy throughout the year. Most of these are daytime activities, though, so you might want to check out something to enjoy in the evening. This is why a dinner and a show at Magic & Wonder Dinner Theater might be the perfect thing for you to try out.

We can turn your evening into a night you will never forget, with magic and mystery, music nights, or special Christmas events. All you need to do is check out our showtimes and choose something perfect for you and your family today.