(Long Island, N.Y.) If you’re looking for a great place to take the kids this holiday season, look no further than Lancaster County. Pennsylvania Dutch Country’s quaint towns and villages set the perfect holiday-time scene. Its holly, jolly, picturesque, and bursting with heritage–there’s just something truly magical about the area this time of year.
“The holidays are all about traditions and so, too, is Lancaster County,” says Joel Cliff, of the PA Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau. “That’s why folks love coming here this time of year, to replenish their holiday spirit with things like a steaming cup of hot chocolate aboard Santa’s Paradise Express at the Strasburg Rail Road, or shopping along our small town Main Streets and Amish farmland back roads, or interacting with the mischievous Belsnickle at Landis Valley’s Country Christmas Village. It’s just such moments that make a holiday trip to Lancaster County something out of the ordinary.”
Every year, my kids beg to go back to Lancaster and this upcoming season will be no exception. The good old fashioned fun and family bonding time makes it well worth the drive. If you’re planning a holiday trip to PA (and I highly suggest it!) here’s some hints to make it extra special.
What To Do
- Dutch Winter Wonderland – Enjoy great rides, entertainment, and other seasonal festivities — (11/20-12/30). One thing your kids will absolutely LOVE about Dutch Winter Wonderland is the Royal Light Show. Take a peek to the right:
- The Christmas Show – Nov. 3 thru Dec. 30. The American Music Theatre’s seasonal extravaganza has become a holiday tradition in Central Pennsylvania.
- National Christmas Center – explore 15 different scenes from yuletide days past and present. My kids had a ball there!
- Santa’s Paradise Express was a big hit with all of us last year! Again, it’s pulling in early to Strasburg Rail Road, bringing Santa on his journey to spread the magic of the season to thousands of families who believe. (Yup, you have to believe!) This year, Santa’s Paradise Express will chug along the tracks starting November 26, 2010.
The Christmas celebration begins on the platform of the East Strasburg Station as the sounds of the season fill the air. Relax as an authentic vintage steam train, warmed by a potbelly stove, takes you on a 45-minute ride, traveling past more than 1,000 acres of picturesque farmland on the way to Paradise, PA. As the train chugs down the track, Santa, carolers and musicians stroll from car-to-car.
After the train ride, children are treated to storybook readings of holiday classics. Children of all ages can also enjoy a ride aboard the Cagney, a miniature steam train. As a special treat, children ages 3 to 11 will receive a gift from Santa and his helper. (Nov. 26-28, Dec. 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 2010)
Where To Stay
Willow Valley There’s a pool/water playground for the kids (a total blast!) and a delicious bakery on premises, need I say more? We stayed at the DoubleTree Resort at Willow Valley and it was wonderful. My daughter was a little upset we couldn’t take the bed home with us (yeah, it was really comfy!) so I cut a deal and said we could make one last bakery stop before we checked out. Oh, and get a load of this seasonal special:
Carnival/New Years Eve Package– Ring in the New Year and celebrate the start of new beginnings with the Doubletree Resort Lancaster/Willow Valley. December 29th and 30th join our team at the indoor carnival featuring games, prizes, gigantic inflatable slides and so much more. Then, come usher in the New Year by joining our “New York, New York” themed bash. The package includes:
2010 Lancaster Holiday Events. Overnight accommodations at the hotel
- Breakfast for two adults and two children in Café 24
- Indoor carnival on December 29th and 30th
- New Years Eve-themed bash on December 31st
(For details please contact hotel directly.)
