It’s December! Foodie Events for December 2024

Regarded as the yummiest time of the year, December is packed with events that celebrate this season of holidays. What follows is a taste of seasonal events happening in Lancaster and beyond.

Zest Cooking School

December

Zest!

In the words of Julia Child, everyone should learn how to cook and, in the process, try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless, and above all, have fun. The professional instructors who lead the classes at Zest! aim to have you do all the above whether you’re a novice or a seasoned cook. Most classes begin at 6 p.m. or as otherwise noted. 1180 Erbs Quarry Rd., Lititz. Information: Zestchef.com.

• December 3: Elegant Cookie Decorating Extravaganza with Chef Hannah Smith
• December 4: Challah and Babka Workshop with Chef Helen Chudakova-Sanya (5 p.m.)
• December 5: Parent/Grandparent and Child: Holiday Baking Bonanza with Chef Helen (10 a.m.)
• December 7: Kids Holiday Baking Workshop (ages 7-12) with Chef Gwen Eberly (10 a.m.)
• December 7: Date Night: Feast of the Seven Fishes with Chef Helen
• December 10: Scandinavian Yule Board with Chef Hannah
• December 12 & 17: Gourmet Noël: An Elegant Christmas Dinner with Chef Linda Leeking
• December 14: Teens Holiday Baking Workshop (ages 12-15) with Chef Gwen (10 a.m.)
• December 14: Feast of the Seven Fishes with Chef Helen
• December 18: Bûche De Noël with Chef Stephanie Willette
• December 19: Amuse Bouche (bite-sized creations/festive drinks) with Chef Jon Hall
• December 20: Celebrate Hanukkah with Chef Helen
• December 21: Date Night: Traditional Ukrainian Christmas & New Years with Chef Helen.

International Food Tour

December

Downtown Lancaster

Through this walking tour you’ll meet Lancaster chefs who hail from around the globe and hear their stories of coming to the U.S. Sample the cuisine that has made Lancaster a foodie destination. (Allergies and dietary requests including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free can be accommodated.) Dates/Times vary. Hosted by Unique Lancaster Experiences, tours leave from the Welcome Center on Penn Square. Information: Experiencelancasterpa.com

The Christmas Candy Caper

Through December 28

Bird-in-Hand Stage

Two men attempt to steal Sadie Graber’s coveted candy recipe but end up kidnapping her instead. Their ransom demands are ignored, as the community passes them off as one of Sadie’s many pranks. The situation leads to serious and enlightening conversations between Sadie and the kidnappers. Lunch or dinner available before the show. Dates/times vary. 3063 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise. Information: Bird-in-hand.com

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas

Through January 5

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

Based on the beloved movie of the same name, the show sees military veterans turned song-and-dance men, Bob and Phil, meet a sister duo and follow them to a Vermont inn. To their surprise, they discover the inn is owned by their old Army general who has fallen on hard times. The foursome decides to put on a show in an effort to save the inn. The production features favorites songs such as Blue Skies, Sisters, Happy Holidays and White Christmas. Lunch and dinner buffets served except for Thursday when table service is provided. Times vary. 510 Centerville Rd., Lancaster. Information: Dutchapple.com

A Longwood Christmas

November 22-January 12

Longwood Gardens

The wait is over! The gift of Longwood Reimagined has been unwrapped! The ambitious project saw 17 acres be transformed into a horticultural wonderland that is home to the West Conservatory, glasshouses, spectacular gardens and the relocated 1906 Restaurant that overlooks the Main Fountain Garden. And it’s been completed just in time for A Longwood Christmas, which features hundreds of thousands of lights, gorgeous floral displays, creative vignettes and unsurpassed outdoor beauty. Timed tickets are required, and they will go fast! Information: Longwoodgardens.org

Amish Farmhouse Experience

November 26-December 20

Old Windmill Farm

Experience Christmas in an Amish kitchen, where you’ll make cider (using farm-fresh apples) and butter (using milk from the farm’s cows) and bake bread (dough is pre-made). You’ll also learn about Amish culture and enjoy a chat around the family table. Dates/times vary. Information: Reservations required, visit Oldwindmillfarm.com.

Herr’s Lighting Display

November 27-January 5

Herr’s Foods

Feel like taking a drive? If so, Herr’s Foods in Chester County invites the community to take in its drive-thru lighting display that features more than 600,000 lights that bathe the corporate campus in holiday cheer. There is a Visitor Center Gift Shop that is open Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (check for holiday hours). Plant tours are also offered on select days. Drive-thru hours are 5 p.m.-7 a.m. daily (yes, you read that right). 20 Herr Dr., Nottingham. Information: Herrs.com

Winterfest

November 29-30 & December 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15

Nissley Vineyards

Come to the winery for wine, live music, food truck fare, family-friendly events and workshops. In addition, the Lighting of the Vines will be held Friday and Saturday evenings, 5-8 p.m. Hours are Friday, 4-8 p.m., Saturday, 12-8 p.m. and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. 140 Vintage Dr., Bainbridge. Information: Nissleywine.com

Christmas With the Lancaster Stormers

November 29-December 31

Clipper Magazine Stadium 

During Christmas Tree Lane Clipper Magazine Stadium is filled with more than 100 beautifully decorated trees sponsored by local nonprofits. Show your support by vo$ing for your favorite(s). Other holiday activities include pictures with Santa (dogs are welcome on Wednesdays), writing letters to the North Pole, an adult scavenger hunt, reindeer (December 12,15, 19), festive treats and much more. Dates: December 6-23, 5:30-9:30 p.m. weekdays and to 10:30 p.m. weekends.

Clipper is also raising funds for the Santa Stumble. Pre-register to take part in an opening night kick-off party on December 6. On December 10, attend the Christmas Lights & Pinball event that includes free games and live music. On December 12, attend the Grinch Party that will feature green beverages. All events begin at 5:30 p.m.

650 N. Prince St., Lancaster. Information: Lancasterstormers.com

Stone Gables Estate Christmas Events

November 29-January 4

Elizabethtown

Christmas festivities are in full swing at Stone Gables Estate. The schedule includes Christmas Village at Ironstone Ranch, which features artisans, food vendors, kid’s activities, train displays, entertainment and more. Dates: November 29-30 and December 14 & 21, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Christmas Dinner & Show, which is held in The Star Barn, features a festive holiday dinner and musical entertainment provided by such vocalists as Reggie & Ladye Love Smith, Servant Stage, Mark Forrest and Perfect Harmony. Dates: December 9-11, 16-20, 4:45 p.m.

1160 N. Market St., Elizabethtown. Information: Stonegablesestate.com

Holiday Family Fun With Santa & Friends

November 30 & December 7, 14, 21

Kitchen Kettle Village

Add some cheer to your holidays with a visit to Kitchen Kettle Village, where you’ll enjoy a delicious meal, go caroling with Elf Angela, take part in a fun scavenger hunt, decorate a gingerbread man cookie and share your holiday wish list and take photos with Santa and a few of his friends. Reservations required. Check-in between 9:30 & 10 a.m. outside The Kling House. 3529 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse. Information: Kitchenkettle.com

Strasburg Rail Road

December

Strasburg

The Strasburg Rail Road is offering two events for foodies this season. Enjoy a meal aboard Santa’s Express Dining Car as it makes its way to Paradise and back. Dates: December 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, on the hour between 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Or make reservations for A Christmas Feast with Mrs. Claus. You’ll take a 5 p.m. train ride and then head for Lefever Hall, where the staff of Café 1832 will serve a traditional, family-style holiday dinner. Mrs. Claus will be on hand to greet guests. Dates: December 7, 14, 21. 301 Gap Rd., Ronks. Information: Strasburgrailroad.com

Gifts That Give Hope Gift Fair

December 1

Farm & Home Center

Now in its 17th year, the gift fair is a festive, family-friendly event that provides holiday shoppers with the opportunity to find meaning-filled gifts for everyone on their shopping lists! There are also opportunities to support charitable organizations, as well as social enterprises and businesses for good and fair trade that specialize in ethically sourced products. Food trucks and more will also be on hand. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 1383 Arcadia Road, Lancaster. Information: Giftsthatgivehopelancaster.org

Best Kept Secrets Tour

December 5-14

Lancaster County

This year’s holiday tour will be centered in the northwest Lancaster County and will feature 13 shops, 3 cafes and 1 winery. Ticketholders will be treated to such perks as discounts, coupons, refreshments, treats, take-and-make projects and small gifts. Collect a stamp at each location and be eligible to win one or two shopping sprees. This year, $1 from each $12 ticket will benefit Communities in School. Information: Bestkeptsecretstour.com

Holiday Celebration

December 6 & 7

Intercourse

Experience Christmas in the village of Intercourse, where a holiday extravaganza awaits! Events will include a Christmas Cookie Tour (Dec. 7, 1-4 p.m.) sponsored by the Merchants Association that will take ticketholders into lodging properties where cookies will be on the menu. Other festivities include a German-style Christmas market, horse-drawn carriage rides, food trucks and vendor stands, a cookie-baking contest, a workshop at Ken’s Gardens, Candy Cane Lane (lights!), ice carving, German dancing, caroling, a tree lighting and a visit from Santa. The festivities kick off Friday at 9 a.m. and continue through 7 p.m. on Saturday. Information: Villageofintercourse.com

Amish Christmas Cookie Tour

December 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 27-28

Lancaster County

Hosted by the Amish Farm & House, the tour enables guests to step away from the stress of the holidays and enjoy a relaxing and festive journey. You’ll visit three authentic Amish homes, where you’ll interact with family members, learn about the Amish culture and sample homemade Christmas cookies. You’ll not only leave with an appreciation of another culture, but you’ll receive recipes and cookies to take home and enjoy. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Shuttle buses leave from the Amish Farm & House, 2395 Covered Bridge Dr., Lancaster. Information: Amishfarmandhouse.com

Christmas in the Park

December 6-8 and 13-15

Terre Hill

This fun-filled event features 100+ handmade lighted displays set up along the signature Christmas-themed walking trail, visits with Santa, craft vendors, kids’ activities, ice sculpture carving, live music and more! Bring your appetite and enjoy a variety of tasty treats from our food pavilion and local vendors. Stop by each night for special events and visit with other community organizations from the area. Parking and admission are free, some activities require a small fee. Proceeds benefit the Terre Hill Park. Transportation through the trail is available at no cost for those in need. 5-8:30 p.m. 201 Lancaster Ave., Terre Hill. Information: Terrehilldays.com

Breakfast With Santa

December 7

Plain & Fancy Farm

Guests will be ushered into the festively decorated venue, where they’ll be greeted by the aroma of a scrumptious buffet spread, featuring an array of breakfast favorites like French toast casserole, crispy bacon, scrambled eggs and warm sticky buns. Oh, and there’s a hot chocolate station. A professional photographer will capture each child’s visit with Santa, who will welcome them with small gifts. (All photos are provided to families digitally.) 9-11 a.m. 3121 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand. Information: Plainandfancyfarm.com

Walk-A-Bout Brewery Tour

December 7, 14, 21, 28

Lancaster City

Presented by Brewery Tours, LLC, this tour takes attendees to three breweries in the city, through which you’ll enjoy a guided tasting tour of 12 craft beers, meet the brew masters, experience behind-the-scenes access and hear local and historical anecdotes. Must be 21+. Advanced reservations needed. 12 p.m. Information: Ultimatecraftbeerexperience.com.

Holiday Makers Market

December 7, 14, 21

Greenfield

Creatively Lancaster invites you to experience festive cheer, handmade goods, unique gifts and seasonal treats in celebration of the spirit of the holidays. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1740 Hempstead Rd., Lancaster. Information: Creativelylancaster.com

Winterfest

December 7

Mount Joy

Mount Joy welcomes the holidays with a street fair (portions of Main Street will be closed).  New for this year is the Holiday Market at Winterfest, which will feature local vendors specializing in handmade pottery, jewelry, candles and other items. Santa will greet children at the Sheetz Funeral Home. Live music will be on Main Street, while a food court will be on Delta Street. Retail shops will be open for holiday shopping, and various businesses, churches, and non-profit organizations will have tables set up along Main Street. A tree lighting concludes the event. 1-5 p.m. Information: Facebook.com

Christmas at the Cloister

December 9 & 10

Historic Ephrata Cloister

Held in the original 1741 Saal or Meetinghouse, the “lessons and carols” style program combines the Christmas story with seasonal music and familiar carols. The program features the talents of the Ephrata Cloister Chorus under the direction of Mark Herr, with guest musicians Randy Kochel and Amanda Wells on hammer dulcimer and guitar. Following the program, participants are invited to enjoy mulled cider and cookies in the Visitor Center. Seating is limited, and advance tickets are required! 6:30 p.m. 632 W. Main St., Ephrata. Information: Ephratacloister.org

Bird-in-Hand Christmas Village

December 13 & 14

Bird-in-Hand

Santa is coming to Bird-in-Hand with fun for young and young-at-heart alike. The festivities will take place at both Bird-in-Hand Bakery & Café and Bird-in-Hand Artisan Village, with reindeer, entertainment, prizes and more. Take a hayride and then warm up with hot chocolate and other goodies from the outdoor Snowflake Station. There will be activities for all ages, including a Frozen-themed Bounce House and food/drink samples. Shop for gifts at Artisan Village. Step inside the bakery/café and decorate your own Christmas cookie. Donations for Conestoga Valley Christian Community Services (canned goods/financial gifts) and Toys for Tots (new/ unwrapped toys) will be accepted. Friday, 3-7 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at the bakery, and 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at Artisan Village. Route 340 in Bird-in-Hand. Information: Bird-in-Hand.com

Ugly Sweater Christmas Party

December 21

Glasshouse Wineworks

Don your ugly sweater and enjoy festive drinks and snacks at this annual gathering. 6-10 p.m. 8 S. Charlotte St., Manheim. Information: Facebook.com

Yuletide at Historic Rock Ford

December 27-29

Historic Rock Ford

Let the celebrating continue! The candlelit Hand Mansion will be bedecked in its holiday grandeur. Period dance demonstrations, open hearth cooking and live music from the harpsichord and violin will also be held. During the 1790s at Rock Ford, Christmas Day marked the beginning of the holiday season, which encompassed 12 days of celebration culminating with Twelfth Night on January 6. Friday, 4-8 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, 2-6 p.m. Information: Historicrockford.org

Ephrata Unexpected

December 31

Ephrata

This community celebration has become the place to ring in the New Year! Now in its third year, the street party (Main and State streets are closed) features live music, food trucks/vendors, breweries/distilleries and more. As the clock approaches 12, a green dragon will ascend skyward, and fireworks will light up the sky to bid adieu to 2024 and welcome 2025. 9:30 p.m.-12 a.m. Information: Mainspringofephrata.org

New Year’s Eve at Dutch Apple

December 31

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

It’s not the holidays without a little Elvis and More! Dwight Icenhower is back to perform his award-winning, legendary tribute to the king of rock ‘n’ roll, Elvis Presley. Dwight will also pay tribute to artists who have influenced him, including Jerry Lee Lewis, Ricky Nelson, Elton John, Tom Jones, and many others! Event features a festive lunch/dinner, a toast at midnight and some surprises. Two shows are offered at 1 p.m. and 9 p.m.  510 Centerville Rd., Lancaster. Information: Dutchapple.com