A Holiday Getaway in Lancaster County You'll Never Forget

Central Pennsylvania truly sparkles during the holiday season. When you stay with us at B.F. Hiestand House this November and December, you’ll find endless festive attractions here in Lancaster County — and close by — that are guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit. Whether it’s taking part in the Holiday Candlelight Tour of Homes right here in Marietta, sipping your way through holiday events at Lancaster County’s wineries, doing a little holiday shopping at Kitchen Kettle Village, or checking out the sparkling light displays throughout the region, you’ll find that the magic of the season is around every corner.

A holiday getaway at our Victorian bed and breakfast puts you in the heart of it all. Our inviting accommodations are sure to keep you warm and cozy after a day exploring any one of these four can’t-miss holiday destinations.

Yuletide at Mount Hope | Manheim, PA

You might be familiar with the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, but did you know it transforms into a winter storybook world for the holiday season? Yuletide at Mount Hope runs over three weekends from late November to early December. The grounds burst with life as six stages of performances fill the air with music, laughter, and holiday spirit, surrounded by whimsical décor and twinkling lights. Seasonal characters such as Father Christmas, Scrooge, the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Snow Queen, Jack Frost, and even Krampus roam the estate, sharing laughter and holiday cheer with guests.

Be sure to dress warmly for this mostly outdoors event. Wander around the enchanting Shire adorned with lights and festive decorations while enjoying the talents of musicians, dancers, and entertainers. Gather by the Shire Tree for a holiday sing-along, and then warm up by the fire while savoring a holiday treat or sipping on a seasonal beverage. You’ll also be able to step inside the Mount Hope Mansion, a grand 1800s estate that’s all decked out for the holidays in decorations that pay homage to The Nutcracker. Inside, you can play Victorian parlor games, listen to carolers, and tour the festively decorated first floor for a glimpse of how the season was once celebrated in true 19th-century style. From start to finish, Yuletide at Mount Hope is a fully immersive experience that blends history, fantasy, and festive fun.

Koziar’s Christmas Village | Bernville, PA

Koziar’s Christmas Village in Bernville, Berks County, has been delighting visitors since 1948. Originally a family display at William and Grace Koziar’s home, the village has grown into a regional and national holiday tradition, with the third and fourth generations of the Koziar family carrying on the legacy. Koziar’s is about an hour’s drive from B.F. Hiestand House, but we promise it’s worth the journey.

Koziar’s is now open for its 78th season, which runs November 1 through January 3. When you arrive, it feels like stepping straight into a magical Christmas card. It’s a dazzling, walk-through wonderland made up of millions of twinkling lights that illuminate barns, houses, trees, fences, and even a shimmering lake. The entire property is covered in glowing displays that celebrate every aspect of the holiday season — from Santa’s workshop and toy trains to a life-sized nativity scene and animated storybook characters.

Guests follow lighted pathways that wind through 11 buildings, each filled with festive scenes, holiday music, and that warm, nostalgic feeling of Christmas past. There’s a bakery serving fresh cookies, shops full of ornaments and gifts, and plenty of cozy spots for photos. The air smells like hot chocolate and pine, and you can hear laughter and carols as families make their way from one captivating display to the next.

Yuletide at Wheatland | Lancaster, PA

Step back in time at Wheatland, the 200-year-old mansion that was home to President James Buchanan. Running from November 17 through December 30, Wheatland transforms into a Victorian-era holiday gem. Wreaths with red bows adorn doors, and garlands drape the railings. Inside, each room is decorated with lush greenery, delicate ornaments, and candlelight, capturing the essence of Christmases from centuries past.

Tours begin at the nearby LancasterHistory Museum, where guests meet knowledgeable guides in period costumes before strolling to the mansion. Learn how Buchanan and his extended family celebrated Christmas, from sleigh rides and parlor games to elaborate dinners during the late Victorian era. Visitors can explore both the first and second floors of Wheatland, discovering how Christmas traditions evolved — from the advent of electric tree lights to gift-giving customs. Every room offers history and holiday cheer, making it easy to imagine the laughter and joy of a 19th-century family Christmas.

Hershey Christmas Candylane and Hershey Sweet Lights | Hershey, PA

Located just 35 minutes north of B.F. Hiestand House, Hersheypark transforms into a festive playground at Christmas Candylane, with five million twinkling lights illuminating rides, pathways, and displays. Enjoy the NOEL light show, TREEville at the Boardwalk, and Santa with his nine reindeer. Select rides remain open, including the gentle Ferris Wheel and the thrilling Wildcat’s Revenge. Stop for Hershey’s signature hot chocolate to keep you warm as you wander through the park to enjoy festive surprises at every turn.

For a mesmerizing, kaleidoscope-of-lights experience, Hershey Sweet Lights offers a 2-mile drive-through attraction featuring nearly 600 illuminated and animated displays along wooded trails not far from Hersheypark. Tune your car’s radio to the custom holiday station and let the festive music set the mood. As you drive, count the hidden reindeer and take in glowing scenes that range from charming holiday villages to tunnels of radiant color. Together, Hershey’s Christmas Candylane and Sweet Lights create a holiday spectacle that’s perfect for families, couples, and anyone looking to soak in the magic of the season.

From historic estates and whimsical villages to sparkling lights and enchanting characters, Lancaster County is a place where holiday memories are made. You’re just a short drive from these incredible seasonal attractions when you book your stay with us at B.F. Hiestand House. We’re always happy to share recommendations for even more holiday happenings to help you make the most of your festive getaway here in Lancaster County.