December 8, 2025Enjoy December in Lancaster City with these Upcoming Events
December in Lancaster City is nothing short of magical. From festive markets to vibrant community events, the city comes alive with holiday spirit. Whether you’re a local looking to make the most of the season or a visitor ready to soak in small-city charm, Lancaster offers plenty to do, see, and savor. Here’s your guide to celebrating December in the heart of the city!
Festive Succulent Tree Happy Hour Workshop
Wednesday, Dec 10th | 5:30-6:30pm | Gallery Grow
Get into the holiday spirit and craft your own succulent Christmas tree—a living, long-lasting centerpiece perfect for the season! Enjoy a fun, hands-on evening surrounded by plants, friends, and festive vibes.
✨ $55 per person — all materials included
Lancaster Shops Late
Friday, Dec 12th | Times Vary by Business | Lancaster City
Lancaster comes alive with festive enchantment during Lancaster Shops Late, the eagerly awaited annual holiday shopping extravaganza. As twilight descends, the heart of the city transforms into a bustling wonderland, with local businesses extending their hours into the night. Stroll through charming streets adorned with twinkling lights, revel in the joyful ambiance, and explore a curated selection of shops, each offering unique treasures that make for perfect holiday gifts.
Lancaster Shops Late is presented by the City of Lancaster and the Lancaster City Alliance.
Julia Kamanda & Cabbage Hill
Friday, Dec 12th | 7:30-9pm | The Ware Center
Name a more iconic pairing! Beloved Lancaster music icon Julia Jordan Kamanda, a singer/songwriter and teaching artist, brings her natural R&B soul to jazz and folk-inspired tunes. Up-and-coming band Cabbage Hill has blazed onto the local music scene with funky progressive drums, chord-bending guitar, stank face bass, and space jazz keyboard, delivering a fusion of R&B, jazz, and prog rock. Join us under the stars in our stunning, glass-topped atrium for a night that delivers the best of Lancaster’s original music scene.
Tickets are available online.
Dashing Through the Lights 5K
Friday, Dec 12th | 10pm-12am | Penn Medicine Park
Participate in a jolly fun 5K or take it slow with a lite 1 mile stroll. Your best Christmas attire is encouraged! You’ll dash through the hundreds of thousands of twinkling holiday lights at the Christmas Spirit Light Show at Penn Medicine Park under the night sky!
Prizes will be awarded for the most festive holiday attire and fastest runners!
$50 for Returning Participants & $55 for New Participants Starting 12/2
Registration includes a special Dashing Through the Lights gift and a festive drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic).
Introduction to Acrylic Painting with Jason Ward
Saturday, Dec 13th | 10am-4pm | Lancaster Art Vault
This workshop is for anyone who wants to begin working with acrylic paints. This basic class will serve as an introduction to the paints themselves, and what makes acrylic painting different from oil or watercolor painting. We’ll cover strategies for setting up a palette, and how to organize and mix colors. Most of our time will focus on application and technique. To achieve this we will be working with a simple single object still life. Students should have their materials ready to work at the beginning of class. Class will begin with an introduction, then move to a brief demonstration, and the remaining time will be spent painting. The still-life reference will be provided by the instructor.
Cost is $100 per attendee.
Wheatland Chorale Presents ‘A Rose in Winter’
Sunday, Dec 14th | 3-4:30pm | Lancaster Church of the Brethren
Through a beautiful blend of traditional carols and evocative works by composers from a variety of styles and backgrounds, the music will explore the enduring light and hope that blooms even in the quiet of winter. Feel enveloped by the reverent awe of the sacred traditions of the Renaissance as the choir surrounds the audience. Smile and sway to the four hands dancing across the piano at heart-pumping speed. Hear fresh arrangements of familiar carols like “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “Mary, Did You Know?,” and “What Child Is This?” that will surely put you and your family in the holiday spirit.
Tickets are available online.
2026 Vision Board Workshop
Tuesday, Dec 16th | 5-7pm | Inspire Wellness Collective
Looking for a perfect way to close 2025 and launch 2026 with clarity and intention, join certified Life & Mental Health Coach Christiane Drew at Inspire Wellness Collective for a powerful 2-hour Vision Board Workshop.
In just two hours you will:
– Identify your true core values
– Create a beautiful, personalized vision board that actually inspires you
– Experience a guided visualization to lock your goals in place
– Leave with clear next steps and a comprehensive digital workbook to keep the momentum going all year
Only $35 | Small group | Materials & workbook included.
Tickets are available online.
Music for Everyone Bingo
Wednesday, Dec 17th | 6-9pm | Tellus 360
Join Music For Everyone at Tellus360 on the 3rd Wednesday of each month for BINGO! This event will be located on the 2nd floor of Tellus360, with card sales starting at 6 pm. Calling starts at 7 pm, featuring 10 regular rounds and a blackout jackpot! Come support Music For Everyone and play for a chance to win cash prizes!
27th Annual MS Benefit Concert with QuintEssentially Brass
Friday, Dec 19th | 7:30-9pm | First Reformed Church
The historic 1854 domed sanctuary of First Reformed Church, 40 E. Orange Street, Lancaster, will be the site for the 27th Annual Christmas concert with the QuintEssentially Brass Quintet on Friday, December 19, at 7:30 PM. There is no charge for the concert, but an offering will be received to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. This also marks the final farewell concert for QuintEssentially Brass, the popular and talented local quintet, who will retire at the conclusion of the concert. The concert will feature carols arranged for brass, including “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” “ Over the River and Through the Woods,” and “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” as well as other beloved sounds of the season, continuing their tradition of playing music that has touched hearts over the years.
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 20th | 8:30-10am | Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square
Come meet Santa in the lobby of the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square! Enjoy pastries, coffee, and hot chocolate compliments of the Lancaster Marriott.
Best of Broadway with The Lancaster City Orchestra & The Fulton Theatre
Saturday, Dec 27th | 3-5pm | Gardner Theatre at Lancaster Country Day School
Celebrate the golden age and modern favorites of Broadway with Lancaster’s brightest musical theatre stars from the Fulton Theatre stage and the full Lancaster Symphony Orchestra.
Tickets are available online.
Yuletide at Historic Rock Ford
Saturday, Dec 27th | 4-8pm | Historic Rock Ford
Celebrate the Yuletide season in 1790s style as the Hand Mansion is adorned in festive holiday finery. Enjoy an evening filled with:
Guides in the Mansion’s rooms relating various aspects of the Yuletide season during the Hand family’s residency;
Dance demonstrations reminiscent of late 18th and early 19th century celebrations;
Live traditional music to set the Yuletide mood; and
Open hearth cooking that brings the past to life.
New This Year! The first floor of the Rock Ford Barn will be open to our Yuletide guests:
Warm up with concessions such as hot chocolate;
Listen to music by Forbes Road Frolic;
Enjoy a creative children’s activity; and
Relax around fire pits in the area in front of the Barn (weather permitting)
For your convenience, restrooms will be available in the Barn.
Your timed entry ticket is for the Hand Mansion. Timed entries help spread out the crowd inside the Mansion. Guests explore the Mansion at their own pace, and an average visit lasts about 60–75 minutes. After the Hand Mansion, please explore the activities in the Rock Ford Barn!
Tickets are available online.
Savage Cabaret Burlesque Revue
Saturday, Dec 27th | 7-10pm | The Village
Join us for an evening of saucy cabaret antics, music and laughter with the best in burlesque the east coast has to offer.
Starring-
Margot Starlux (PHL)
Aquarius Moon (DC)
Kalypso Kraken (MD)
Autumn Cornel (PHL)
Peetie Esdee (717)
Hosted by the magnificent musical Kate Nyx of the Lancaster Improv Society.
Tickets are available online.
