Things to do in Lancaster, PA

The Lancaster area, with its rich Amish and Dutch cultures, spectacular natural beauty dictated by rolling countryside and farmlands, and fabulous attractions, shops, and restaurants, is the ideal destination for a relaxing yet fun-filled vacation. When you visit this area, you will have plenty of options for how to spend your time, but there are a few experiences that you will definitely not want to miss out on while you are in the area. Be sure to include these "musts" in your upcoming vacation plans.

Lancaster County Hot Air Balloon Ride

There is no experience quite like the combination of high soaring thrills and sublime serenity that you get from a hot air balloon ride, and there is no better place to enjoy that experience than in the skies over beautiful Dutch Country. With the Lancaster County Hot Air Balloon Ride, you will set off across the skies of southeastern Pennsylvania in a gorgeous hot air balloon in the early morning hours just as the sun is casting its brilliant sunrise hues across the landscape. As you cruise across the sky in your hot air balloon on your hour long journey, you will see such sights as Strasburg, New Holland, Reading, Amish farms and the Susquehanna River. This truly will give you a grand and memorable start to your new day in Lancaster.

National Christmas Center Family Attraction and Museum

The National Christmas Center Family Attraction and Museum is also a "must see" for your Lancaster vacation. This year-round attraction will give your family the opportunity to experience the magic of the holiday season any time of year, and explores the history and traditions of Christmas from across the centuries. The museum includes tons of memorable and beautiful exhibits that explore the religious aspects of the holiday, including a nativity scene, as well as more secular exhibits such those depicting Virginia's famous letter to Santa Claus, a toy train exhibit and Woolworth's Five and Dime. There are also some fun exhibits that explore the future of the holiday season.