The holiday season is here, and if you are hoping to feel merry and bright, Gettysburg is the place to be. Gather your family and friends and plan a December getaway to Gettysburg to experience everything the holiday season has to offer. Here are 12 ways to get in the holiday spirit in Gettysburg!
Gettysburg’s historic town center – 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.
If you still have some Christmas shopping to do, The Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg is the place to be. Not only will you find a wide variety of shops, you’ll also find dazzling Christmas lights, a window decorating contest and free carriage rides throughout the holiday season.
This is Gettysburg, after all. Several historic sites host special holiday events throughout the season. Learn about the 19th century Christmas traditions of the Shriver family at the Shriver House’s Five Christmases event. A guided tour of the Shrivers’ pre-Civil War home illustrates how Christmas was celebrated in the mid-19th century.
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.
Tackle your Christmas shopping list and shop locally by stopping into Gettysburg’s many downtown shops and boutiques along your way.
Every year there are great activities to launch you into the holiday spirit. This year, join us for a Li’l Lincoln Coloring Contest, a Photo Holiday Scavenger Hunt, Selfie Stations, Adams County Pour Tour Bingo and so much more. Check out our page here for details and more opportunities.
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.
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 this December. You can enjoy holiday carriage rides with Horse Tours of Gettysburg or at The Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg throughout the month.
Nothing fills the 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.
If you drive to Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium from Gettysburg, the first thing you’ll notice are dozens of candy canes hanging from the trees leading up to the museum. Mister Ed’s certainly knows how to get decked out for the holidays with Santa hats on their elephants, inflatable Christmas decorations, life-size nutcrackers, a mailbox for letters to the North Pole and much more! Bring home some of their Peppermint Bark fudge to complete your holiday visit.