Ways to Get in the Holiday Spirit in Gettysburg

Gettysburg’s historic Lincoln Square is a must-see during the holiday season. Stroll the streets and take in all of the charm as you admire the brightly lit Christmas tree and holiday decor throughout town while you shop, go out for dinner or enjoy holiday entertainment.

Lincoln Square is home to a variety of events, including the Gettysburg Christmas Festival, Holiday Tuba Carol Fest, tree lighting ceremony and more.

Gettysburg and the surrounding countryside is filled with an amazing assortment of shopping – from historic relics to books, fashion, home decor, art and more. Start downtown where each street is filled with a variety of shops sprinkled amongst wine tasting rooms, galleries, theaters and cafes.

Head out to The Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg where you’ll not only find dozens of your favorite national brands, but a new collection of local stores to find presents for those special people in your life. While you’re there, enjoy great restaurants and eateries, horse-drawn carriage rides and more than 250,000 holiday lights.

The Gettysburg area is home to many bed & breakfasts and inns, and the holiday season is the perfect time to enjoy those cozy accommodations. Whether you want to stay downtown or in the Adams County countryside, you’ll find many inns beautifully decorated and ready to welcome guests for the holidays.

A Gettysburg Christmas Festival is Gettysburg’s largest holiday celebration with two full days of great family-friendly activities that last into the evenings. Enjoy great food, live entertainment, carriage rides and lots of crafts and kid activities to kick off the holiday season.

You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped inside a German village shop while browsing the authentic décor at the Christmas Haus. A variety of ornaments, miniatures, nutcrackers, wood carvings and more that have been imported from German artisans are on display. Visit their stores in downtown Gettysburg or in nearby New Oxford to pick up a few holiday gifts or to just admire their impressive selection.

In Gettysburg, the holidays meet history in a fun and enlightening way with holiday house tours – namely the Eisenhower National Historic Site and the Shriver House Museum‘s “Five Christmases” tour. Learn how the 34th President and his family celebrate the holidays in Gettysburg or venture back into the 1800s with the Shrivers to see how one family celebrated the Christmas season during the hardship of the American Civil War.

How cozy does this sound – a horse-drawn carriage, hot cocoa, blankets and the ones you love? Feel like you’re in a winter fairy tale with a festive ride through Gettysburg during the holiday season. You can enjoy holiday carriage rides with Horse Tours of Gettysburg or at The Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg throughout the month.

Nothing fills the holiday spirit like family, friends and a good meal. Enjoy a warm meal and great drinks at one of our many unique and delicious restaurants. From historic taverns to ethnic cuisine, farm-to-table dining to unique edibles, the tastes of Gettysburg are sure to please every palate.

In Adams County, we have pick-your-own experiences throughout the entire year. We have strawberries, blueberries, apples and other fruit to pick through the spring, summer and fall. In winter, we have pick-your-own Christmas trees! Just outside of town in the Adams County countryside, there are many opportunities for visitors to find that perfect Christmas tree to take home with them. When you found your tree and you’re on your way home, stop at one of Adams County’s countryside markets for some other holiday goodies to take with you.